Inner Wheel Arch Repair

I was quite proud of myself for making this repair panel, so I was looking forward to welding it in.

So there I was feeling all proud and thought that I should try to see how the boot floor extension panel I got from Moss fitted.

I very quickly realised I had made a mistake.

The curve I created followed the rusty original which must have moved from its correct position. I should have used the extension panel as a guide because they are designed to be welded together and need to fit snugly and allow the extension panel to sit low enough so that it is level with the boot floor. Mine was too high! 

So I had to cut into the curve and straighten it and re-weld it in the correct position.

Lesson learnt for the other side which will also need the same fix.

Reinforcement Arch to Boot Floor Repair

Continuing on with the whole rear wheel arch repairs tonight, it was more of the same of making a template out of sheet steel, cutting out the rusted metal and then welding in the new. But for some reason I was really enjoying myself. I think it comes from a real sense of confidence that I am gaining from making very good progress with one of the worst areas on the whole MG Midget. 

Another thing that seems to be helping me is that the welder is behaving at the moment. I guess I have it set up just right, but I am managing to weld at odd angles and even upside down has been ok. Long may it last! My confidence that is...and not the time it is taking.

Back to the repair. As you can see from the photos the reinforcement arch needed some attention.

Make up the template.

and cut out the rusty section.

Loving my new Dremel 3000!

Template seems to fit ok but I needed to close those gaps

Offered up the new repair...

...and welded it in

Making sure that it was all flush so the floor makes a good fit.

I'll grind down the welds a little later on.

Happy with that job! Next on the list will be to weld in the inner wheel arch repair I made a few weeks back.

Rear Wheel Arch Chassis Member Repair

This was one of those repairs that for some unknown reason I wasn't looking forward. I think it stems back to when I first removed the patch repair panels done by a previous owner.

Yes that would be the reason! I remember really questioning my ability to restore the MG Midget back then. I was also very worried about the rear suspension mount but it looked like the rust had stopped just before the join.

Well I stuck to what I had learnt so far, cut out the old and make or buy a new panel and weld it in...simple!

I cut a 32cm x 2.5 cms length and copied the curve

Once the curve was correct I marked out the flange which welds to the floor panel...

 

...and welded the two together

Then I offered it up and it fitted well

Before welding it I had to make sure it was perfectly level with the rear suspension mounts

All welded in and looking much better!

Even the new dog seems impressed...or is he wondering where his dinner is?

Offside Rear Wheel Arch Repair

Been a few days since I was last in the garage but managed to grab a couple of hours this evening. I have to repair the wheel arches before the new rear floor panel can be fitted. 

Before I remove the bump stop plate I wanted to make sure that I had a good repair panel for the arch, so I went to work to make a custom one.

Below is what I need to create.

I thought the best way to reproduce the curve was to copy the better nearside arch.

I remember watching CarSOS on TV an they had a good method to get your cardboard template as close as you could.

As you can see by keeping the cardboard steady and using a hammer to gently tap around the line the cardboard falls away to leave the shape you need.

From that I flipped it over and created the full template and cut out the metal panel.

Close enough for now. I'll see how this matches up when it's time for the floor panel to be welded into place.

I finished off the evening by treating the rust in the supporting member. This involved using a wheel wire brush and sandpaper on the hard to reach places. Then coating in rust converter which should seal the metal for the time being and stop further rust. I will paint with chassis paint later on.

Good progress for a couple of hours!