Take a 'virtual' tour of the new MG TF LE500

[TechnoGoat]

Take a tour
08/10/2007

Take a tour without leaving the comfort of your chair.

Throughout this week, the MG Sales and Marketing Department based at Longbridge, will faithfully record the journey of two pre-production TF LE500 sports convertibles along the production line. The LE500 is the re-launch model due for release later this year, the car was first shown at the ceremony celebrating the re-launch of Longbridge.

Assembled by hand, the build process of the cars will be photographed from the point at which the bodyshell is painted through every stage of the build and trim into testing. The images will be reproduced, as far as possible, in sequence giving descriptions to help you navigate the progress.

During the vehicle build process, we will be updating the site to bring you the very latest from the Longbridge production facility. In addition, we will be providing details on our comprehensive testing programme which we are currently undertaking to ensure the highest level of quality for MG customers.

This will include an overview of what test vehicle has to sustain in terms of fulfilling rigorous safety and emissions legislation, as well as putting the car through its paces at high altitude, and in extreme temperatures during hot and cold weather testing.

As an industry standard, testing will remain an ongoing activity, even after the vehicle goes on sale. We will of course therefore update readers on a regular basis, for all MG models. It is an exciting time for all to embark on this new journey, and it is great to have you on board.

To provide feedback, please use
'information@mguk.co.uk'
(source: MG UK (http://www.mg-uk.co.uk))

Now, provided nobody points out that the e-mail address they give is for a domain not owned by NAC MG…. ;)

[GT]

Whoops, missing a '-' there me thinks!

[TechnoGoat]

Paintshop

1. Interior and exterior seam sealing:
Airless application of a PVC sealing material is applied by hand to all of the internal joints and to the exposed underbody of the car. This PVC (polyvinylchloride - a synthetic thermoplastic material, the flexible forms of which are used in insulation) material contains properties that protect the body from corrosion.

2. Primer application:
A coat of polyurethane primer is applied by hand to the body shell. This layer of paint features excellent anti-chip properties and provides the undercoat for the colour topcoat.

3. Colour application:
A coat of base colour is applied to the body shell. After the application of the colour, a coat of clear lacquer is applied by hand to provide the gloss appearance to the body.

4. Final inspection:
After the colour application, the completed body shell is inspected and any minor faults are removed by using fine abrasives and special polish compounds to ensure a perfect paint finish

(For Pictures & Source: MG UK (http://www.mg-uk.co.uk))

[Tootall]

Assembled by hand, the build process of the cars will be photographed from the point at which the bodyshell is painted through every stage of the build and trim into testing. The images will be reproduced, as far as possible, in sequence giving descriptions to help you navigate the progress.

So what about all the processes before the paint is applied :shrug:.

[TechnoGoat]

Trim
The vehicle bodyshells are delivered from the paintshop to the trim assembly line via an automated intersection. At this juncture the workforce will fit the main cable harness, which houses the electrics for the lights and engine management systems. You can see in more detail on the two images of the red bodyshell what has so far been fitted.
Specifically you can see the wiper motor attached to two arms sited on the top left hand side of the image, below this sits the ABS control module, attached to the bulkheads. ABS prevents your brakes from locking up under heavy braking. In the middle of the image can be seen the brake servo but this has not yet been attached. This is part of the heating and ventilation system.
Images due for release tomorrow will show this in more detail.

There are two main stages of the automotive manufacturing assembly process. The first stage commences when the body shell enters the production line where it will be receiving trim and final assembly. The second stage commences when the vehicle is transferred to a second line to receive, amongst other things, its sub-frame and engine. This is known as 'Drop Section Two'.
The vehicle will return to the trim process, although not on the original line, in order to be aesthetically prepared before progressing to vehicle testing. This rigorous process demands every vehicle achieves a pass certificate before it can leave the factory for the showroom.
The trim stage concentrates on the interior make-up of the car, basic electrics, other cosmetics and preparation for major body and interior functions.

Trim Day 2
This image shows the vehicle leaving trim to pass over onto assembly, Drop Section Two

Attention is then directed to the centre console, which concentrates, amongst other things, upon fitment of the gear lever, bin lid, speakers, door glass, headlights, tail lights, radiator, air-conditioning system, carpets and convertible hood.

The passenger airbag is then armed before fitment. The driver airbag is armed in the vehicle preparation centre, prior to testing.

The fascia is built up from dials, fascia harness and passenger airbag fitment and this is part assembled on the line. Following on from the task is fitment of the front windscreen, the strength of which add integrity to the vehicle composition by reducing movement in the body structure.

(For Pictures & Source: MG UK (http://www.mg-uk.co.uk))
HQ Pictures in the gallery.

[TechnoGoat]

Assembly
The sub frames are now on their way to Drop Section 2. Before they are lowered the sub frames featured in the image are fitted with a partial exhaust system and engine, complete with driveshaft and hub assembly.

Sub frames and engines move onto Drop Section 3 and the vehicles then pass overhead to be married with the engine dress. The vehicle proceeds down the line to have, amongst other items, brake pipes fitted, handbrake cable connected, wheels and tyres fitted and spare tyre wheel included.

The assembly team then connects the steering joint to the body and final exhaust fitment takes place, as well as the rear tailpipe exhaust fitment. The vehicle then proceeds up the transfer to what is affectionately known as 'The Cake Stand', due to its tiered shape. Here, the ECU (Engine Control Unit) is fitted and programmed and all fluids including brake and clutch fluids are added. Finally the air conditioning coolant is poured and gearbox oil complete the fluids requirement for this stage in the build process.
Underbody finishings, which connects the gear links up, is completed with the connection of a coolant hose. A strengthening bar is secured across the front sub frame and an initial setting of the glass to the hood, to prevent water leaks, takes place.

The body is then profiled so the bonnet, hood and doors are set to give even gaps. This is one of the last tasks to be carried out because excessive movement of the body during assembly would misalign them.
The vehicle then passes to the first stages of VETS (Vehicle Electronic Testing). Successful testing means the vehicle is transferred to 'buy off' where engine bar codes are entered along with locking wheel nut numbers. Finally the vehicle is inspected prior to leaving for the Rolling Road testing programme. Details of which will be published soon.
We hope you have enjoyed viewing these images and reading the accompanying text.
Our thanks to the Trim and Assembly Team.

(For Pictures & Source: MG UK (http://www.mg-uk.co.uk))
HQ Pictures in the gallery.

[TechnoGoat]

Lots of updates at Longbridge it appears
Shot from November --
http://gallery.brit-cars.com/data//702/medium/nacmg.jpg (http://gallery.brit-cars.com/showphoto.php/photo/9444/cat/702)

Recent photo
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2642/y1pq4jidu4vpjuviyjmrok6bp1.jpg

Notice any roofs still sitting in containers? ;)

[GT]

You wouldn't be suggesting that no cars are being built would you? :D