Was
the profile of an MGB bonnet changed for the MGBGTV8?
As a double-check we are getting two members
to measure the curvature of an early MGB bonnet and that of
an MGBGTV8 bonnet and will report their findings as soon as
the data comes in. Measurements
Bonnet stay mounting on the nearside edge
of the bonnet HZA4197 fitted to an MGBGTV8
Posted: 13.10.10 |
A recent query from a member said "I seem to remember reading
somewhere, some time ago, that the Factory V8s had a reprofiled
bonnet (greater curvature) to aid clearance over the carburettors.
Is this correct? I believe it was subsequently introduced on
the four-cylnder models too."
We contacted V8 member, Peter Beadle (formerly parts manager
at University Motors and at Moss Europe), who said the earlier
aluminium bonnet, part number HZA401, was replaced by a steel
bonnet HZA4015 for the MGB and GT models and then later HZA4197
was introduced for the MGBGTV8. In the Parts Manual AKM0039
(see extract below) those two steel bonnets were replaced by
HZA4014 with a note you need the mounting bracket BHH1934. So
far as he is aware the profile or curvature of the bonnet did
not change although there were cut-outs in the sound deadening
panels above the two SU carburettor dash pot tops to provide
headroom.
Peter recounted how, when he was at University Motors in Epsom,
he heard there was a stock of V8 bonnets with a distributor
in Ireland and found they had no demand there for them. So they
were shipped over but on arrival they each had spot damage on
the bonnet. Why? Well HZA4197 had the mounting bracket for the
bonnet stay fitted and when the bonnets were stacked one on
top of the other, the protruding mounting caused damage to the
bonnet below in the stack! So HZA4014 is supplied without the
mounting attached and the Parts Manual has the note you need
to get and fit BHH1934! By the way Peter says the damaged V8
bonnets were sold off as seconds.
Peter mentioned another point and that is most V8 panels start
around HZA4600 so it seems the much earlier HZA4197 part number
for the V8 bonnet suggests it was first made before most of
the V8 parts. |
