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MG MGB Technical - BGT hatch gas struts

I just installed a set of gas struts on the hatch of my BGT. Now the hatch does not sit down firmly and seems to bounce a bit. This bouncing is actually quite a solid sounding rattle. I think the catch is causing the rattle. Has anyone else had this problem? Does anyone have a suggestion to stop the rattle?
Ray BGT77

Hi Ray. I have the same symptom on my '72 GT, also with the gas struts. My hatch was "rattley" even prior to the struts, though . . . and is now only a little less so. [sometimes it makes me crazy!]

I've examined and shimmed the hinges to try a better fit, to no avail. I've also considered replacing the hatch seals, but haven't taken the plunge. Advice and/or comments gratefully accepted!

Thanks (and good luck)

Phil
Philip S Jones

I installed the set that Moss sells (Clark & Clark Specialty Products) about a month ago on my 73BGT, but have not experienced any rattling of the hatch. Before I put the struts on my hatch would rattle a bit (which may have been the worn out supports) and occasionally wouldn't latch all the way. Since then I haven't have any problems however.
Alan Dalman

I have the set that Rick Ingram sells on my '73 GT. No problems at all even though Rick tells me I put mine on upside-down.

For those with rattling hatches, how about adjusting the latch?

FWIW,
Allen
Allen Bachelder

I put them on both of my BGT's. The 74 did not rattle at all. Teh 70 rattled badly. I did as Allen suggested and adjusted the latch to close the hatch tighter. It worked for me.
I think the struts put upward pressure on the hatch and if it does not close tightly the it rattles,
The springs let the full weight of the hatch stop the ratle. Maybe

Steve
Steve

FWIW
I had a rattle on my hatch that I could nottake out by adjusting the latch. When I gave in and brought a replacement I found the wear on the original allowed downwards movement of the hatch even when the latch was seemed tight enough.
Vic
V Todman

I have had them on my GT since 1999 with no rattles (same ones Rick sells).

Check out the latch striker position and condition. The catch or striker is just a heavy wire affair and can be bent out of shape making it difficult to set at the correct spot to hold the latch tight. You may need to re-bend it or its mounting to find the right configuration so that the latch's hook pulls the lid up tight.
Bob Muenchausen

This thread was discussed between 18/09/2007 and 20/09/2007

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