MGB inner wing assemblies.
Notice that the ones in the center have reinforced cut-outs for RV8-style headers!
They also appear to have the additional bracket for the MGB GT V8 remote oil filter.
MGB Bodyshells - Being Assembled by British Motor Heritage
as published in British V8 Magazine, Volume XVI Issue 1, May 2008
photos by: Peter Mittler
Peter Mittler and his wife Patty visited British Motor Heritage in late
November 2007 to see a run of Heritage MGB bodyshells being produced.
British V8 is very pleased to present photographs from their visit.
Firewall sub-assemblies.
This is a used, early model "three-synchro" transmission tunnel that's been prepared for re-use.
This is one of very, very few parts for which original tooling no longer exists.
Rubber-bumper MGB rear deck sub-assembly (with single battery box) - part number HZA5268.
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Chrome-bumper MGB rear deck sub-assemblies (with dual battery boxes) - part number HZA3971.
Another view of the stack of rear deck sub-assemblies.
Here the trunk floor (HZA535) and wheel arch panels (inner and outer) have been added.
MGB (roadster) rear sections.
Spot Welding the rear body panels together.
Beginning in March 1967, all MGB's were fitted with back-up lamps at the rear of the car. To accomodate this decision, the original tooling was permanently modified to punch holes for the lamps - and all Heritage bodyshells come with lamp holes. They can, of course, be blanked-off if the earlier-style appearance is desired.
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All "chrome bumper" MGB's were finished with lead-filling over the seams between the rear wing assemblies (a.k.a. "rear fenders") and the rear valance panel. The later "rubber bumper" cars which started production in 1974 didn't have lead-filling here. The seam was relocated about two inches outboard, and left visible. On the right-hand-side, this design change moved the seam from under the fuel filler grommet to outboard of the grommet. The rear valance panel was made wider and the inner wings were made narrower. Because the original tooling was permanently modified to accomodate this change, all rear wing assemblies and rear valances on Heritage bodyshells incorporate this later design. The joint can, of course, be filled if the earlier-style appearance is desired.
Welding a front wing assembly. (The front wings are assembled from ten parts.)
A little "finesse" (with a hammer, for example) is required to get the front wing just right.
MGB front wings.
Fitting the bonnet and front fenders.
Panel gaps get adjusted until they're just right.
Fine tuning and rectification.
Chris Gardner (left) of British Motor Heritage, and British V8 contributor Peter Mittler.
Peter wrote:
"Chris was one of the most gracious tour hosts I have ever had the pleasure to meet.
He treated Patty and I to an in-depth one-on-two personal tour even though the
weather and traffic made our arrival late for the appointed time. Then, realizing
we were behind schedule, Chris arranged a hotel room for us at his reduced corporate
rate, very nearby the plant. We appreciated his hospitality for the 90 minutes
we were on-site."
This article is the fifth in a series of FIVE. If you've enjoyed this article, check out:
A Visit to British Motor Heritage
British Motor Heritage Builds MG Midget Bodyshells
BMH's Exciting New Competition Bodyshell Program
How BMH Built a Brand-New Vintage Race Car
