Thread: 51 MG restoration.

Was able to modify the new clasps to work with the original hinges as hoped.
Had to kick the edge over so they drop down the sides a bit.
Latch should load up nice and taut now! Specially once I add the gasket underneath.

May end up spot welding these on since they are pretty close to the edge of the lids.
Everything will be painted to match the car anyway.
Another of those last steps done.
Sort of leaning to painting the firewall off chassis as I get closer to the decision.. may be easier to get into the corners of the car with it not in the way.
Originally it was in place for the paint job, but so what..
hehe

That really turned out well Mike!

Thanks John. I think so too, put a week into it, to hopefully make it look like it’s original equipment still.
Purist will spot the difference in hinge size and pop rivets not solid rivets but who has a bucking bar these days any way, really?
Lol.

Originally Posted by MikeB52

Thanks John. I think so too, put a week into it, to hopefully make it look like it’s original equipment still.
Purist will spot the difference in hinge size and pop rivets not solid rivets but who has a bucking bar these days any way, really?
Lol.

So is a bucking bar the box that holds your tools?

As you can tell, I don't know a whole lot about cars or how to work on them....

No, a bucking bar is the thing you hold against the non pretty side of a solid rivet when you are forming them.
Like a hand held anvil really.
Guess it was an obscure reference , hehe.
But that’s a pretty good guess.

I have to idea why, but I knew what you were talking about. It must have came from my dad or grandfather. Grandfather was the head mechanic at Cadilac and restored for fun. I was too young to get hands-on experiance from him but i spent a lot of time in the shop.

Since you're in the putting things back together phase, thought I'd ask: could you use a bucking bar? If it would be helpful, send me dimensions and I'll forge one (some?) up for you. Least I could do for letting us follow along.

Thanks Kris. Here’s a couple pics of them and lo and behold they can still be purchased for around 30$.

The unique design allows for seating in rivets in a myriad of positions.

I have a box of old British steel I’m saving to send your way once I know I’m passed the point of needing them. An old spring, some of the old English bearings etc so you can forge up some wonders but think this item is still more cost effective purchased.
Appreciate the generous offer though.

For $30, there's no question that's the way to go!