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MG MGB Technical - Windscreen Center Rod Plate

I have an early '63 B, and had purchased a new center rod (#12 in Moss picture) and top nut from Moss to replace the original, as it was quite rusted (worst place on the car, actually). I was able to remove the top nut and adjacent washers, and with some effort, the long screws on either side of the center rod plate (#16 in Moss picture) at the bottom end, attached to the dash just behind the windscreen. Despite removing these screws, the plate remains fastened, and I cannot remove and replace the rod without getting the plate off.

I did find one on sale on EBay, and it appears that the plate may be riveted in the front, possibly to the windshield frame. As I can get the replacement NOS center rod plate from EBay, my plan would be to drill into the plate on the back side, and subsequently drill out the rivets to remove the old plate, and then replace the plate and the rod. Is there an easier way to do this, or do I need to wait until I replace the windscreen? The current center rod plate is quite serviceable, and can be cleaned up.
Does anyone have any recommendations?

Tom Johnson

Bottom bracket is riveted to the frame, so you must remove the WS to remove the rod. You can probably then drill out the rivets to replace the bracket, but it might cost a WS.

FRM
FR Millmore

The plate can just be wrenched off, the rivets are only holding it there for convenience, not adding strength to anything. Until you get the windscreen out for any other reason and can re-rivet it just bolt the plate back to the dash top so it is snugged up to the frame.
PaulH Solihull

Thanks, Paul
I was able to separate the center rod bracket from the windscreen with a slim flathead screwdriver and a hammer. Once the rivets popped, I was able to remove the bracket, replace the center rod, and replace the screws
on either side. I was going to but a NOS bracket off EBay, but the original cleaned up nicely!
Tom Johnson

This thread was discussed between 20/10/2011 and 24/10/2011

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