Blue Invader

[Gavin McArdle]

I overcame the problem of lack of space behind the dashboard by moving the 'nose' of the EPS unit through the bulkhead a couple of inches. I also moved the aperture in the bulkhead to the offside a little to allow the nose to clear the plenum chamber. This involved a little 'bodging' to make a repair panel to fit around the opening. This also aligns the column with the centre line of the car instead of being angled as from the factory.
It all works , I am pleased with the result.
Gavin

[spegru]

Since I have no dashboard I have no space problems! - but I would like a dash top moulding if anyone has one.

However a slightly more pressing problem for my pedals. I want matching brake and clutch pedal pads even though I'm using a BMW brake pedal. No problem to use the old pads even on a new pedal, but the thing is, my rubber pads are both quite worn. Anyone know where I can get replacements?

thanks

[Gavin McArdle]

If you are using the original Gilbern pedals, then we have found it impossible to find an exact match for rubber covers. BG used to have good replacements in stock but they were slightly too big but a blob of glue under them would stop them flicking off.
Try BG.

[spegru]

In that case, as I am in the business of making at least one pedal pad, I may as well make two and choose a style to suit rubbers available. I think MX5 types should do nicely

[spegru]

Well well. I have just received my ebay MX5 Mk1, Mk2, Mk 2.5 pedal rubbers - and they seems to be a perfect fit for the original Mk2 Invader pedals! Coincidence!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/MX5-Pedal-Ru ... 3315762387

[Gavin McArdle]

Well done for finding that out. As other parts from an MX5 also fit straight into Gilberns do you think Mazda may have been influenced by Gilbern rather than MGB as experts claim???????

[keithgilbern]

Thanks for the tip the MX5 pedal rubbers fit on my MK2 estate.

[spegru]

Here's a new one - Steering rack: As I've been fiddling with the steering rack I thought I'd check left to right lock to see if they were equal. they weren't, which led me to flip the mounting tube over. That helped a bit although It could easily move even further to the right if the bracketry allowed.

Anyway all this led me to wonder if the track rod ends were equally screwed in, which they were - all the way in. It was then that I realised that there is insufficient thread on the rack rods to get the tracking parallel! - which tallies with the wear pattern on the (very old) tyres: Massive toe out and no way of correcting it.
Is this a common problem?
I could extend the thread but I think it is rolled rather than cut, or I suppose I could also shorten the track rod ends. Which is best?

Thanks
PS I believe the rack is MGC (presume the same as MGB) but that it is shortened? I don't know if it is original, but I suspect it is.

[Gavin McArdle]

Hi, someone has been messing with your car previously when they did not know what they were doing (a common problem with a Gilbern!) The racks are MGB with MGC track rods, which have then been shortened a bit. You can see the hacksaw marks on the ends. The track rod ends also need shortening to be able to obtain the correct toe-in, by about 1/2 -3/4'' almost the the square lug. Also you need to use the correct 'half nuts' as full nuts take up too much space. You are correct that you cannot add more thread to the MGC rods as the original threads are rolled1

[spegru]

Thanks Gavin. Yes it's possible to see saw marks on the track rods. I'd assumed the rack was otherwise standard though.
The track rods are old so I think I'll just cut them down a bit. Perhaps they were replaced at some time but the tyre wear indicates that was long ago.

[Gavin McArdle]

Track rods are now unobtainable so don't damage them!
Gavin

[spegru]

I shortened the track rod ends today, by ~1/2 cm each side enabling them to screw further onto the arms. Tracking is now pretty much/ barely parallel judging from alignment with the sills. Could probably do with a bit more really so I'll have to look into those half nuts.
I also have a template/prototype for a brake disc upgrade (vented front plus rears) based on Vauxhall bits. Just waiting for my Gilbern wheels to come back from reconditioning before I can fit it all together. I know it will be very tight. Spacers are likely required

[Gavin McArdle]

Probably a good idea to invest in one of the various 4-pot conversions for the front brakes before/instead of upgrading the rears. You could end up with over braked rears and then have to fit a bias control valve which may need turning down (to prevent premature rear locking) so that overall you are no better off than now.
Standard front set up could be improved.
Gavin

[spegru]

Gavin, I will remain uncertain about the braking until I get my wheels back. I am interested in other solutions for the front as that's the most tricky. Do you have any recommendations?

By the way do you know what the tread for the track rods is? I also note that you said this is an MGC rack with MGC track rods. Did you mean that, and if so what is the difference between MGC and MGB in that regard?

Finally, I have just received a package of inner door handles and catches. I am sure that this may be well known, but I identified that these are 99% the same as an Austin Maxi so that is what I searched for. Mine were terribly rusty and had to be cut in order to remove them. However since a Maxi is a 4 door car I now have twice as many as I need!
(The only small difference on the inner handles is a small bracket that must be removed and 2 holes must be drilled)

regards
Steve

[Gavin McArdle]

Hi Steve, don't know where you have read that I said that the steering racks were MGC, if so that is a typo but in the post about 6-7 above this I have said that they are MGB. If you are searching for half nuts then BG used to stock them, probably still does. I cannot remember what the thread is off hand but will try and measure some racks up next time I visit our stores if you are stuck.
Yes the inner handles are from a Maxi and Marina, Allagro(!) Lotus etc etc. If you have bought door catches as well please note that these are mounted upside down (I,E. from the opposite side) to all these other cars. For some reason it also appears Gilbern used the rear door catches only after removing the child lock levers (unless they were the same originally used and built with and with out child lock levers using the same assemblies?)
We have inner door handles in stock but at the moment out of stock of door catches.