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MG MGA - Fender sizes

Hey All, I am still in need of two front fenders for a 1600. Question; Will 1500 fenders, or any roadster fenders fit, regardless of the year? Thanks, Tom
Thomas McNamara

Hi Tom,

My 1500 Roadster came with a 1600 fender on the left side (the entire left side had been replaced at some point). While the fender fit was fine, the turn signal location is significantly different. The 1500 uses a smaller single-bulb unit while the 1600 has two holes for multiple bulbs and a bigger fixture. I first noticed the difference while towing it home, the left side turn signal was noticeably higher than the right as the DPO simply drilled new holes for the mounting screws and slapped the 1500 turn signal over it. It didn't work too well.

My fix is to cut out the old hole, fill it in with new sheet metal, drill a new hole in the correct location and weld in the backing ring.

I don't recall where exactly where I got the backing ring, perhaps others can suggest suppliers.

If you're up to the task of relocating the turn signal mounting, then the 1500 fenders will be fine. Otherwise, keep hunting for 1600 fenders.

Of course, you have the option of using 1500 turn signals on your 1600, but they won't be correct and you'll have everyone thinking you have a 1500 instead of a 1600 (and commenting on how they're wrong). I wouldn't do it, but it's your car.

Hope this helps,
Larry
L Wheeler

I also have a 1600 fender on my 1500. I repaired the same way Larry did, I think I got the 1500 style turn signal backing ring from Todd Clarke, CSR. So, I suppose one could turn a 1500 turn signal fender into a 1600 style just as easy.

George

G Goeppner

I've just done this on a pair of 1500 wings and it is a pain of a job. First you have to remove the thick steel backing ring around the single 1500 light hole which is spot welded to the wing. Then you have to grind away a half inch or so of both sides of the flanges which join the two halves of the nose together. Then you have to weld in a not quite circular patch. Next you have to position,drill and file the two 1600 holes before finally spot welding in the circular 1600 backing plate. It's one of those 'ten minute' jobs that takes hours!

The 1600 backing rings themselves are not too difficult to make - see pic. .......................Mike



m.j. moore

Tom, I put some pictures on photobucket. MGA -> Sils

http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j307/wbetzel/MGA%201600/

Wim
Wim Betzel

If the link does not work copy this link into your browser:

http://s83.photobucket.com/albums/j307/wbetzel/
Wim Betzel

Todd Clark - that's where I got my backing ring also, thanks George.

And yes, the conversion isn't for the faint of heart.

Here's what I had to start with (1500 turn signal installed over the holes for a 1600 fender).

Larry

L Wheeler

This thread was discussed between 17/05/2011 and 18/05/2011

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