I'm working on a Gilbern Invader. MGC hubs, axle and rack

Because the brakes need rebuilding anyway I'm intending to move over Insignia discs and calipers since the hub PCD is the same (5x 120mm/4.75)
However of course the disc doesnt quite fit due to small differences in hub flange and centre, so I think the best course would be to slightly turn down the hub. In due course I'll also need caliper adaptor brackets made and similar turning down for the axle shafts.

Soooo, does anyone have a recommended machine shop in the Essex Area that would be able and interested in doing such stuff?

Thanks

[Edited on 9/4/21 by spegru]

You could try MK?

Try Cambridge Rebores in Burwell near Newmarket , ask for Colin , they may be able to help?

I'm in Essex, what part are you from, i know a guy who can probably help you

Shooter

Thanks for those.

I don't understand MK?
I'm in Brentwood

Any more?

Thanks

quote:

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Originally posted by spegru
Thanks for those.

I don't understand MK?
I'm in Brentwood

Any more?

Thanks

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Thurston Engineering in Ongar have done a few engine builds for me in the past, although never asked if they could do brakes, they’re pretty well setup in there.

Otherwise I’ve used DS Engineering to do bits ‘n’ pieces over the years.

A & J Dawes, Manor Trading Estate, Benfleet, really helpful guys down there, father & son team, John & Alan

Thanks Russbost I just gave A & J Dawes a ring. Seems they know you..

I have some bits with them for machining at the moment, so I hope they remember me!

Indeed. That's what they said.....

Anyway another element of this Gilbern-MGC>Insignia brake conversion is the fact that the Insignia brake disc bells fit on the front of the hub rather than the back - so extended wheel studs will be needed. It seems amazingly difficult to find out what stud type (thread & spline sizes) is needed. I expect that they are the same as MGB but even then reliable info seems surprisingly hard to find. Anyone know?

thanks

Answering my own question here. The thread size for MG wheel studs is 1/2" UNF. However an issue still exists with the splined end that locates into the hub. There are various sizes for this incl Jeep and various trailer hubs, as well as MG. The studs can readily be pressed or knocked out with a heavy hammer but finding longer replacements with the correct spline to replace them is a problem, as most available types with that thread have splines that are too big. In addition there seems to be resistance to thicker wheel types or wheel spacers in MG circles with seemingly only two lengths being available front/rear (presume to cope with brake drum thickness). Neither of those is long enough for me
However I have discovered that the spline size used by many Ford vehicles is exactly the same as MG. The only down side is that new wheel nuts will be required. The Ford imperial studs are smaller at 7/16 UNF and the Metric ones are also of course different. Extended wheel studs are widely available and can easily be hammered /pressed into MG hubs - but do make sure they are fully FULLY home into the hub before use - or your *Wheels will fall off* since your wheel nuts will not tighten properly until they are!: - I had this happen to me years ago - so believe me on this point! Once the studs are home however everything will be fine.

So the answer I am using for the extended wheel stud problem is: M12x1.5 Ford Spline (fully pressed home!), with suitable nuts - sold for Fiesta Focus Mondeo Escort etc etc

[Edited on 6/5/21 by spegru]

[Edited on 8/5/21 by spegru]

Ford studs would seem the way to go.
You have done some good research and the only other thing I would check would be to compare the cone angle required by the wheels with available nuts.