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MG MGA - Grill fixing hardware

The SPL calls for 8 "D washer for grill studs" (ARJ509).
What are these and how are they used?
Why 8?
Is there a supplier for them?

Thanks!
George
George G.

If memory serves me right, these washers were used on the retaining bolts which held the grille slat assembly to the grille shell, but I think there were 7, not 8 in the assembly. From what I can gather, these parts are no longer available; I know my grill utilizes plain round washers. Could be that "D" washers were used in tight spaces to allow for fit or prevent them from turning.
Nick Kopernik

There are (4) ARH899 Stud, 2 at top and 2 at bottom, with heads visible at front. These are like small head version of a carriage bolt. The (8) ARJ509 "D" Washers are used in pairs on those studs. Pretty sure they are spacers fitting between the front grille surround and the inner grill slats assembly. The (8) "D" washers were replaced with (4) PWZ103 plain washers Com.(C)100352. That is with the introduction of the MK-II style grille.
Barney Gaylord

Slight correction here. There are (2) ARH899 Stud at bottom, and (2) ARH898 Stud, at top. With (8) "D" washers, it still makes two for each stud. They are only used on 1500/1600 grill, not on the 1600-MK-II recessed grille. I think they my fit between the riveted slats to make that irregular surface mate up to the front surround panel without kinking parts when the hex nuts are tightened on the studs.

Now it may be appropriate to ask if anyone has an original 1500/1600 type grille still assembled that they would be willing to disassemble to make notes on exactly where all the fasteners go.
Barney Gaylord

Barney,
My original grill has only one D washer and a spring washer under the 5/16" nut at each of the four slat mounts. Between the slats and the shell there is nothing at the top but at the bottom, there are two larger diameter spacer washers on each side. These are 7/16" od and 5/16" id.

As you can see from the picture, the cutout on the D washer sits next to the slat - a full round washer would flatten the lip on the slat.

Mark




Mark Wellard

Thanks all, that's good information. I can make the D washers as needed, I guess that will be determined during assembly.
Mark, I wonder if the spacer washers were used only on Australia assembled cars...?

George
George G.

George, this detail was from a UK assembled car.

Mark
Mark Wellard

George,
You can buy D-washers from McMaster Carr. https://www.mcmaster.com/d-shaped-washers

If it were me, I'd do like you said and make my own using stainless steel.

Jim
JL Cheatham

This thread was discussed between 05/12/2020 and 08/12/2020

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