Bolt on front wings - can it be done ?

[edd]

Great post Julian and its something that's crossed my mind also seeing as m fitting two wings at present. My father virtually bolted the complete front end on his mg midget some panels were welded on the front but he used lots of very nice fittings from aerospace. Parts destined for a missile
I think the design of the wing wouldn't suit it as where it meets the door there is a very small seat and it would be hard to create a suitable nice looking fitting. I think a half way house is a good idea. Some areas welded and others bolted. But for the purists factory originality is key. I don't intend to run three a fat welds on the top side by the scuttle mind you.
Once I get the chance I'm looking at a better drainage system inside the wing. Once solved and treated who needs to remove the wings anyway
Cheers for now edd

[jleyton]

Thanks guys for all your answers and comments - lots of interesting stuff there.

Various comments I have in response to some of the points made:

• I thought, just maybe, that bolting the front of the wing to the front panel and front valence might be easier than welding it.
• No, I'm not planning to have an accident but, as Jeff has said, I am no good at welding.
• I had a thought that, when I come to removing my wing, I could bolt on a new one, then nip round to Edd's and get him to weld it properly for me - in fact it was seeing how he easily pops on and off the wing, that he's getting ready for fitting, that made me wonder if it could be bolted on.

Anyway, if anyone has any more thoughts then please keep them coming - I really appreciate everything that you guys have contributed. And thanks Glenn for the tip about a previous pic - I'm still searching for it.

Cheers

Julian

[alan_thomas]

The manufacturer of lots of fibreglass replacement wings, honeybourne mouldings, list front wings for the Triumph 2000 not so very different to the Stag. Try welding those on!
- Alan

[jleyton]

The manufacturer of lots of fibreglass replacement wings, honeybourne mouldings, list front wings for the Triumph 2000 not so very different to the Stag. Try welding those on!
- Alan

That's a really interesting point - thanks Alan.

I wonder if a 2000 owner with those wings on his car would have any difficulty with his insurance company or not.

Cheers

Julian

[staginhiding]

Just following on from Julians idea,
Ive always thought that the panel that supports the bonnet hinges and surrounding panels should be bolted in.
It would make life so much easier as we have to take our engines out so often it would give so much more clearance.
I do understand that it is a critical part of the shell rigidity,however strengthening could be moved lower down across the front of the chassis rails or similar..

[Mike Stevens]

I wonder if a 2000 owner with those wings on his car would have any difficulty with his insurance company or not.

Hi Julian,

Although 2000 fibreglass wings are available (I've even got one in my shed!), they are definately not recommended for all the reasons given above.

Stag MoT booked for this Thursday!

Cheers,
Mike.

[aerosilver]

Back in the mid 80's a friend of mine got hit by a bus while driving her mint Austin 1300. Her dad was pretty handy on the spanners and repaired it, which involved a new front wing. He bolted it on instead of welding it as per the factory fitted one, and it failed the MOT for not being secured as intended, so he had to get it welded before they'd issue an MOT. Not sure this would be an issue these days - it would have to be an eagle eyed inspector to spot that Stag wings should be welded and not bolted on.

[surreyone]

Hi Julian,

If I remember right there was a guy who bolted his wings on and his story was in the reprints some years ago.
I will have a look tonight when I get home from work.
Regards
Colin

[Seaking]

Julian found it Pages 169 and 170 technicial reprints

[Seaking]

But On the pages selection button on left hand side you will need to select pages 175 and 176
Glenn

[WealdenManinKent]

In my humble opinion I would question the validity that the front wings actually add any significant 'structural' strength to the body shell, as a structure the front wings are too long and narrow across the wheel arch and so are flexible, they offer little resistance to any impact damage. I would guess they didnt get bolted on as welding was a simpler manufacture process solution!
The main strength in the front end of the Stag is in the front chassie rails, front bulkhead panel (supported by the inner wings, 'A' post and castle box sections), then this is transfered back to the tunnel/floorpan and inner/outer sills as the overlap area (if this makes sence?).
Roger

[jleyton]

Lots more great advice - thanks a million guys.

I've just printed out those pages from the technical reprints and will try to read and digest them later.

Btw, heaven knows how anybody new to the club ever even finds those technical reprints

Cheers and thanks again.

Julian