The front inner bodywork forms the structural foundation for the engine, suspension, and steering, components invisible from outside the car but critical to the integrity and safety of everything mounted to them. The front end sub-assembly comprises the inner front wheelarches forming the sides of the engine compartment, linking the front side members with the bulkhead, with the radiator duct panel and bonnet locking platform completing the front structure. Corrosion in these areas is common on cars that have spent decades exposed to road salt and moisture, often concealed beneath layers of underseal, so thorough inspection during any engine-out restoration is essential.
MGC-Specific Front Structure
The internal front panels are where the MGC differs most significantly from the MGB. The inner wing reinforcements, commonly known as trumpets, the rear sections of the front side members, and the structural panels around the engine bay and crossmember mounting areas are all MGC-specific items, accommodating the torsion bar front suspension and the wider, heavier C-series engine installation. These are critical structural components, and correct pattern panels should always be used, as attempting to modify MGB inner panels to fit the MGC is not recommended, the crossmember mounting points, torsion bar anchor locations, and engine mount positions all being in different locations from the MGB. Structural integrity at these points is non-negotiable for safe handling.
MGB Engine Mountings & Stiffeners
On the MGB, engine mounting brackets are available in left and right hand fitments for chrome bumper and rubber bumper cars as separate specifications, the rubber bumper car using revised engine mountings as part of the structural changes introduced in September 1974, the two not being interchangeable. The A-post tube stiffener reinforces the windscreen pillar base, a structural component vulnerable to corrosion at the base of the A-post and commonly found weakened on cars being restored, with chrome bumper and rubber bumper stiffeners as separate items. Wheel arch to bulkhead support panels are available in left and right hand fitments, the front shroud reinforcement provides additional strength around the slam panel and radiator mounting area, and the upper bulkhead panel assembly is available for chrome bumper cars where the bulkhead has corroded beyond repair with individual sections. As with all structural body panels, correct identification of chrome or rubber bumper specification is essential before ordering.