Rear spring mounting point

[Dominic]

Hi folks

I'm having some work done on the offside rear spring rearmost shackle mounting point. I noticed that there was the remains of a reinforcing plate around the hole that takes the pin for the rear mount. Bullmotif describe it as a shipping bracket - inner rear wing. Pictured here: http://www.morrisminorspares.net/shop_item.php?ID=2786

How critical is it to refit this, or a home-made variety? It won't be shipped anywhere to need a tie down eye, but I am wondering if the repair panel bought from them will be strong enough without it? (I bought the whole kit, http://www.morrisminorspares.net/shop_item.php?ID=2819 )

Any input, as always, will be gratefully received!

Dom

[minor_hickup]

I've often wondered how much support this gives to the area around the rear shackle. Having a double skin must add some rigidity. However its also an awful rust trap!

[PSL184]

Its not fitted to either of our cars so must have rotted away years ago - never had any problems without it so assume its not critical.... unless any one knows otherwise ???

[Dominic]

The benefit of using it, as I see it would be to "taper" the forces from the upthrust of the spring into the surrounding area, thus avoiding a concentration of forces in one point, i/e the shackle pin area. I assume that the area is heavily over-engineered anyway....
Good point re rust trap though!

[IaininTenbury]

I tend to leave them off on cars I do, unless its a particularly accurate show standard rebuild... Never had any problems.

[chickenjohn]

I would agree- leave it out unless concourse. there is plenty of strength in the area without the bracket anyway.