Spridget Tech Talk (MG Midget & Austin-Healey Sprite)
The front of the bugeye has a rather large opening between the bonnet and the space ouside the footwell. Seems like a lot of crap would end up in this space.
Am I missing something or is this just the way it was way back when times was simpler?
If your bugeye is like my midget (which I would suspect it is, though I cant be sure) I think that gap will narrow substantially as you tighten the bolts that hold the fender on (in particular the ones in the cabin.)
If I'm not mistaken the bugeyes latch down up front (or is it back?) and the front fenders and hood both lift up together. so I don't think there are any more bolts than the ones on the hinges. Although there was a gap on my 1500, smaller but still a gap, so that may be right due to the fenders needing more clearance because they lift up with the hood.
just my two cents. more people could give you a better answer than I can.
Adam
You mean the entire hood including the fenders cantilevers over? Egad.
Peter, Mine is like that also - didn't noticed it until finished
Not a "lot of crap would ends up in this space". Wouldn't worry about it.
However you could adjust the 45^ bracket in rear like the one visible in your SPARE CLIP ABOVE. Looks like now is the time to do it.
The midget has a lip around the inner arch that pretty much follows and seals against the wheel arch in the fender. The bugeye does not have this so I expect that a lot of crud will end up in the engine compartment and side panels.
And yes Michael, the whole thing does pivot from the scuttle. It makes for the most amazing head banger and sore back creator you have ever seen. Many people convert them to flip forward to eliminate this charming feature.
Pete