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MG MGB GT V8 Factory Originals Technical - Should I keep SD1 Axle?

I've removed the V8, gearbox, propshaft and front calipers from my wrecked SD1 but don't know whether to keep the rear axle before I scrap the car. What's concerning me is how easily I can scrap the shell if it can't be rolled on its wheels. I know you can use the axle in the MGB if it is shortened, but I have always reckoned on buying a 3.07 CWP set for the MG axle.

What does anyone think? Is the new 3.07 set a better bet than a modded Rover axle, or will the Rover give quieter more reliable operation? Has anyone in the UK tried scrapping an immovable car recently? So many questions....

Mike
Mike Howlett

I cut up the shell of a car recently, having stripped it of all the usable bits. Hired a 9" heavy duty grinder with a good supply of cutting discs - a bit long winded but it did the job. Got rid of the bits at the local council 'civic amenity facility' (dump).
No problem.
Dave Pollard

Mike,
I run a shortened Rover axle, and am very pleased with it so far,but you may have difficulty in finding a firm to do the work, and half shaft splines are suspect.

There is a thread on this elsewhere on the site,

Mike
Michael barnfather

id personally keep the rover axle, its ratio is 3.08:1 and that should be close enough to the MGC or v8 ratio to justify keeping and using, or selling for some extra cash.
jake

I scrap stripped cars fairly regularly. I put them on the trailer while still (just) a rolling shell, then remove wheels and any suspension parts I want. The local scrappy uses a grab crane to lift it straight off. No money changes hands but if I wanted to leave wheels on then they will charge me, as even they have to pay to have old tyres disposed of nowadays. I simply throw the wheels at the council tip...
David

Mike,

The SD1 will work but you will need to check costs of conversion as the converters in bible are no longer in business and you will need halfshafts from Strange at £300-£400. I've two contacts for axle work no idea of cost.

Paul
Paul

Anything but the SD1 axle. It cost to much and it's a piece of GARBAGE. SAVE YOUR MONEY
Dave

Mike,
Since you already have it there I too would retain the axle on the logic that if you eventually end up deciding to go some other way you can always discard it later at a "civil amenity facility" or , as we somewhat less sophistcated Australians call it ,
The tip!
As already mentioned the ratio is right and the Rover rear end is designed to take the torque of the V8 from the outset.

As to moving a shell with no wheels it may be an option to weld a simple frame to the body and attache wheels to this alternatively find a scrap merchant who will collect on a tip tray with a winch.
Most are very experienced in this sort of thing and to them it is routine.
Peter Thomas

This thread was discussed between 29/08/2002 and 31/08/2002

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