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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - MG Midget leaf spring mounting repairs

Hello all,

I am currently repairing the front leaf spring mounting on my 1970 MG midget MK2 1275cc after it failed an MOT on rust/inadequate repair in the area.

I have removed the surrounding floorpan (which also wasn't in brilliant shape) in preparation for welding in a new panel that we picked up on MBBeehive (this panel: https://mgbhive.co.uk/product/20-mg-midget-floor-pan-repair-section-for-leaf-spring-ms24/), and have noticed that the section beneath the actual mounting bracket is quite worse for wear. I've been contemplating how to repair this, so would be very grateful if anyone could give some advice on the best way to repair this! My current thought is to cut out the section on some seperate sheet steel, and layer it a few times to create some sort of reinforced mounting, but I wonder if there's an easier way or somewhere that I can pick up a part for this in the UK, since I'm not experienced with fabrication nor welding.

I'll attach a link to images of the condition of the mounting, including some markings of what I'm looking to repair before I weld the panel over the top from the underneath.

Link to the images: https://imgur.com/a/H38LNBZ

Many thanks!

W
WY Young

Hi W,

It's one of the most common rust spots. Looks a bit nasty.

To repair it properly you will need to cut out (and eventually replace) part of the inner bulkhead, this bit:

https://mgbhive.co.uk/product/21-mg-midget-back-panel-attachment-ms25/

In order to cut out and replace the spring hanger itself. This bit:

https://mgbhive.co.uk/product/26-mg-midget-springhanger-box-section-aha7208/

And you will probably need to make repairs to the outer bulkhead too, which is this bit:

https://mgbhive.co.uk/product/25-mg-midget-genuine-heritage-outer-bulkhead-bmh8006/

But is pretty much a flat panel, so can be fabricated from some sheet, rather than buying the whole panel.

Best of luck!

Malc.
Malcolm

In cross section, it all goes together a little something like this.

Back of car is to the left of the pic, front of car to the right.


Malcolm

Malcolm, what CAD package are you using there?

It's got my floor and bulkhead panels spot on! :)
C Mee

Hi Malc,

Thank you so much for your fantastic response! Very informative and was exactly what I was looking for. Your drawing was perfect too, helped me work out how it all goes together!

I shall pick up those panels and then cut out the bulkhead panel to see what's beneath. Judging by the underside and mounting box, I can't imagine it'll be much better, so definitely worth doing the job properly.

I'm really grateful to have some light shed on this, I was scratching my head a bit after I first took the angle grinder to it I have to say...

W
WY Young

W, one thing I would add is that you should take some accurate measurements and/or make a template (cereal packet) to locate those last two bolt holes. They will be the front two of where the spring plate bolts to the floor. So are important in locating the spring hanger accurately and this in turn positions the spring and rear axle, so is critical.

It's not complicated and the parts can be bolted up to get the alignment right before welding, but you do need a point of reference to start with!

From your photos I think you will need all the panels Malc linked to, plus probably two of the triangular reinforcing webs that go inside the rear heelboard box section.
GuyW

Hi,

Looking at those photos the rust does look bad and will need to be cut out, otherwise you’ll be back from the MOT next year with more areas to deal with.

I’d imagine the more you dig into that area the more rust you will find sadly.

You could have a read of my blog which has a lot of photos of my project

https://www.mgmidgetrestoration.com/2013/08/rear-bulkhead-repair.html

Everyone’s advice is spot on here as always. You just need to go back to good metal and replace from there with either new panels or make your own from sheet steel for those smaller areas

Where abouts are you in Somerset?

Good luck

James
James Paul

This thread was discussed between 10/03/2022 and 14/03/2022

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