I don’t think Dave’s design reduces ground clearance. His use of the term “snowplough” and the pictures show that his solution is a deflector - not a guard - and does not reduce ground clearance.
Thanks for responding Paul. Good to have your opinion. But simply look at the images. (I added below that I use to show what NOT to do on GoMoG) With ground clearance, every millimetre counts. As well, every change has ancillary effects, what I call the Deadly Domino Effect..aka the spread of unwanted results to other areas from what is presumed to be a "fix" for another area.
The most salient characteristic of we amateurs is that we make magic of things that are merely common sense..or refuse the evidence of our eyes. Peter Mulberry once told me of a early Roadster
with nothing done to the sump area who hit a gate's inground hardware, smashed the sump to pieces while pushing the engine into the transmission (to sad effect) and further deflected to impact force into the differential, ruining that as well. (ugh)
What do you believe the aluminum plate will deflect the impact forces into...?? Any impact force, sufficient (we all agree) to shatter the Roadster sump will do if you place a plate of aluminum ON or next to the sump and whack it will be fully transferred, undiminished, into the sump!!
You will also notice that the plate is attached to the all important but very thin flange at the chassis frame at both sides! If that flange splits, traditionally the hefty vertical section of the frame will soon follow. And history has shown us that there is no perfect fix for a split frame except a frame replacement. (ugh)
Over time a Morgan weld causes splits at its edges. My apologies DaveW. I have no wish to dampen your enthusiasm and fun. I enjoy them. As I have written many times, I have a great (massive) respect for anyone who works on their Morgan. However, the format used here, (my main thrust) and the reluctance to consult with the forum before and while trying a "fix" can make anyone dangerous to other owners with their results. There are many examples here..(even another in the last week). Why deny this group, and the gurus who have been working on these cars for a century, any input into your work and thoughts? You AND THIS GROUP would be much better for it..along with everyone gaining a learning experience and having more fun.
As I said, at a glance, the best solution is a steel sump or the Mulberry solution if none is available.
Lorne
