Re: Rubber to Chrome Bumper Conversion

["Simon Austin" <simon_mgb@hotmail.com>]

Jim,

I've done a conversion on my '77 roadster and rather than use the kit 
mentioned in the web-site, I wanted a more "factory-look".  It's more work 
but I think the results are worth it.

At the rear, I picked up a couple of the brackets that the CB cars use to 
mount the bumper on with.  I got mine in a salvage yard but they may be 
available new.  This is where a bit of the work starts.  Two holes must be 
cut out of the rear valance where the threaded part of the bracket pokes 
through.  Take a look at a CB car for the proper distance they protrude and 
where the brackets mount onto the frame rails.  Drill holes (or weld the 
brackets onto the frame rails if desired) where the brackets fit.  There is 
a "threaded insert" that can be mounted into these holes to which a bolt can 
be threaded in (just like the original).  These inserts look like a large 
rivet (special tool required, of course) and go in exactly the same way. 
Once in, they're permanent.  The advantage here over welding is that the 
bracket could be removed.

MG World magazine did an article on this conversion (the same car was used 
as in the web-site) and showed it in pretty good detail.

As for the front, all I did was cut off the RB mounting braces that are 
welded on (not completely gone but cut off in line with the rad and then 
welded caps over the ends) and then make up new braces just like the CB ones 
but you have to make them longer where they run down the sides of the frame 
rails.  I had a set of CB braces to get the correct bend in them and then 
held them in place (correct distance out for the bumper) while I measured 
the length back.  There are captive nuts along the frame rails that I used 
to hold the braces.   I used 1/4" thick X 1" flat steel to make the braces.

Question 3: if you're talking about the two-coloured lamp (one amber, one 
clear)  it's available from any MGB parts supplier. I bought them for my 
project 'cause I like the look more.  It's the lamp used on early cars until 
they went to the single-bulb design with amber lens.

If you would like some pictures of what my car looks like, let me know and I 
can send them.

Cheers
Simon




> I am looking into a rubber to chrome conversion for mg
> 78 MGB.  The site below covers the basics and the
> conversion appears to be fairly easy.  I just have few
> questions.
>
> 1 - I was going to order the Moss or equivalent chrome
> bumper kit that has the bumper, brackets and hardware.
>   Is this the best way to go or is there a better
> source?
>
> 2  Do I need to order the rear bumper adapter or is
> this something easily fabricated?  Where is the
> adapter available from?
>
> 3  I have seen several you using a better-looking
> parking / turn signal lamp.  Where are they available
> from?
> Thanks!
> Jim Miller
> 1978 MGB
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