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MG MGA Fitting Rebound Straps BBS discussion at MG-Cars.info
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MG MGA - Fitting Rebound Straps
| Hi, I am in the process of fitting new rebound straps as one is broken and the other not far behind. I am having trouble matching the new nuts to the threads on the studs. Are they some odd thread? UNF does not seem to quite work and I do not want to mess up the studs! Need to know before using the nut splitter. Thanks, Tom Heath |
| Tom Heath |
| Don't understand the nut splitter - is the old nut still on and stuck? |
| Art Pearse |
| Hi Art, Yes - I have removed 2 nuts with some difficulty and may be able to get a third but there isn't a lot of room to swing a wrench on the upper RH side. The lower LH is stuck and I've used PBblaster etc. but I feel as if the stud will twist off if I use more force. So I could use a nut splitter but then I'm facing the problem that the new UNF nuts I bought don't seem to fit the stud threads. I'm a little reluctant to use a flame so near the fuel tank. Any suggestions are welcomed. Thanks, Tom |
| Tom Heath |
| Both top and bottom studs are threaded 3/8" UNF (at least mine were). I seem to recall the top studs on mine, which are welded to the side of the frame, were a bit eaten away by rust and I did contemplate replacing them but decided against it and chased the threads instead. I sympathize if you have to work on the top nuts as there is so little room but I'm sure a mechanic with OA would have no trouble getting them off. The bottom ones would be less of a problem as in the worst case you could always dismantle the rear suspension to get at the stud/plate and do the work on the bench. When you eventually get them off use anti sieze copper grease when reassembling. .........................Mike |
| m.j. moore |
| Sorry I'd forgotten that the bottom stud is attached to the axle and not to the shock absorber link plate but at least there's a lot more room to work on it. |
| m.j. moore |
| If you can't swing a nut splitter, a Dremel tool with a cutting blade can split the nut. |
| Art Pearse |
| Thanks for the suggestions. I will probably try running a UNF die down the threads. What threw me is that the nuts I removed look OK thread-wise but won't go on a UNF cap screw - likewise a new UNF nut won't fit the stud. I haven't seen this before - usually removing the nut cleans the threads enough to at least re-assemble. Thanks, Tom |
| Tom Heath |
| Has someone in the past used a metric nut and forced it on? |
| dominic clancy |
| Tom, They are UNF, but the threads (and nuts) take a lot of abuse. There should also be some large washers on the outside of the strap loop. Be aware that there are some crappy new straps out there. I bought two from you know who on Venables Street, and they had no fibres in them - they were like licorice, and did not last 100 miles! Cecilia sells ones she makes, and they come with a lifetime guarantee. Peter. |
| P. Tilbury |
| Thanks Peter, I have the correct straps from Cecilia. Just need to clean up the threads on those old rusty studs I guess! Hope I see you at Van Dusen car show Saturday if all goes well. Regards, Tom |
| Tom Heath |
| Who is "Cecilia"?...I'm in need of new straps and Moss is in the process of updating theirs (better??)... Anyway, I need them for my 1600. Thanks Edward |
| Edward Wesson 52TD |
| Edward, Cecilia is the woman at Scarborough Faire in Rhode Island, with a vast knowledge of MGA parts etc. I have recently been buying parts from her and have found them to be good quality at a reasonable price. Cecilia is also free with advice if you call. Tom |
| Tom Heath |
| Rebound straps - Epilogue: You are all correct, the stud threads are 3/8" UNF. On mine there was enough corrosion, paint, etc. that the threads on the nuts that would come off were damaged in the process as were the studs. Used a nut splitter for the two most difficult and chased the threads with a new nut and/or die where I could fit one in the small space. New straps from SF look good and fit without having to grind the steel tube for the top end mounting. |
| Tom Heath |
This thread was discussed between 15/05/2013 and 21/05/2013
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