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PARCEL SHELF for the MGA 1500 Coupe - CP-126B
Fabrication (Copying the old to make a new one)

Here's a cooperative effort. Mike Dianna in Spring City, PA, USA donated a frame for a MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf. Bob Krzywicki (Bobs77Vet on MGA bbs) in northern Virginia, USA is using it to make a copy with templates and hand tools.

"Test fit the rear parcel shelf from Mike Dianna (thanks again) and make templates and take measurements so Barney can make a drawing".
MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf
Three sets of templates made. "I don't have any 16ga big enough laying around, but I cant imagine in any case where 18ga isn't going to be strong enough for this application".
MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf
MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf
MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf
"I am making it a tad wider so it can be trimmed to fit perfectly".
MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf
MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf
On to the bead roller with a tipping die, urethane wheel.

2 passes
MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf
3 passes and
hammering to finish
MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf

Back flange


MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf

2 passes and hammer finish.


Proof of concept.
MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf
MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf
MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf

Weld up the top corners. Just holes to drill.
Lets make the small brackets, about 1:45 hrs. This is a simple home made break clamped in the vise. Brackets laid out on 18 ga. First bend is easy, just clamp it down.
MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf
Next bend set up a back stop, build it out to the proper thickness, clamp in place.
MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf
Lets put the bends in the small brackets, use a "standard" to make the folds and ensure dimensions are uniform.
MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf
MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf MGA 1500 Coupe parcel shelf
Holes drilled. Next I will make sure there are no sharp edges and test fit the parcel shelves in my car, and off they go.

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