QuestionQUESTION: ??? I am close to buying a '73 MGB in the US. The steering column is shifted to the left at an angle & makes it very ackward (it presses my left sholuder/arm against the door) to drive. Was this the way they were made??
ANSWER: Hi Greg
Your subject is Midget mk III but your question says 73 MGB.
No, the LHD MGB was not made with an awkward driving position.
The steering column should come through the centre of a hole in the scuttle (behind the pedals). It should also line up exactly in between the speedo and the rev counter. That forces it to be at a slight angle, but not much. If the column is offset a lot, check under the dashboard. There is a bracket hanging down, and the steering column should sit in the middle of that bracket with one washer about 6mm thick on each side. If one of these washers is not present, that would offset the column quite a bit and it is easy to put right. You can also insert several thinner washers to move the column sideways, and there is a degree of up-and-down adjustment because the bracket is slotted. You should be able to get comfortable at minimal cost.
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QUESTION: sorry, it is a MG Midget, NOT an MGB. Doeas that make any diffence for the steering column to be off/set or is that the same answer? Thanks. Greg
AnswerHello again, Greg.
I am not familiar with the LHD Midget, but I have looked at my Midget Workshop Manual, and the steering column on a Mk III Midget is not adjustable, apart from the addition of one or two shims if required. Also, it is designed to collapse in the event of an impact.
Sit in the car, PULL the wheel towards your chest, and PUSH it away from you. It should not move. If it slides in and out, the column has collapsed, it needs to be replaced, and you should then inspect the whole car for impact damage.
Next, compare the alignment of the column with the instrument cluster, and if it doesn't line up then walk away because something is twisted.
As its name implies, the Midget is a small car, and the driving compartment is very snug. Also, the steering wheel sits quite close to your chest compared with modern cars, so if you cannot get comfortable, then a Midget is not for you.
