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July 31, 2003
Don
There were quite a few modifications made to the Rubber Bumper (RB) Midget
over and above the obvious ones, which im sure everyone will point out to
you.
I'm sure you're aware of the history behind these modifcations, but to recap
the RB Midget came about to meet the ever more stringent emission and
control regulations imposed in the relatively large North American Market. It
was also felt at that time that the A Series engine had pretty much reached
the end of it's useful development cycle and as Triumph were then part of the
BL stable, it's successor was an obvious choice from the Spitfire.
The addition of the energy absorbing bumpers required a number of
modifications to the bodyshell construction.
Additional stuffener box sections ran along revised inner wing panels, the
front panel assembly is now part of the main structure and welded to the new
stiffener rails. Front valance and splash panels were revised, front cross
members were revised for the increased right height, front wings were
revised with larger holes for indicators. Rear stiffener rails were welded to
the boot floor, to carry the larger weight of the RB's. Square wheel arches
returned to increase the strength of the rear structure and rear body panel
was changed to suit the new bumpers. An additional jacking tube was added
at the rear of the inner sill and minor modifications were made to the engine
compartment to take the new engine and gear box.
These changes I've highlighted are just the bodywork changes to carry the
heavier Rubber Bumpers, the overall effect was to raise the right height, with
implications in the handling.
As you can see from the changes, its not a simple job of bolting on new Rubber
Bumpers to the old Chrome Bumper shell, as there were many changes made
to the bodyshell to take the new bumpers.
Nigel
"amukdigiphoto" < amukdigiphoto@... > 23966
Posted on July 31, 2003 05:37 PM
Posted to category(s) Body | Drive Train | Engine (external) | Engine (internal) | Exhaust System | Exterior | Interior | Restoration | Wheels
