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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - MoT Regs and welding

Can someone advise me on what is acceptable for an MoT regarding welding repairs. My understanding is that patches to structural parts of the car must be seam welded. Does that apply to all replacement panels such as outer sills? I have seen several photo records of midget restoration work that show the outer sills being spot/plug welded. Is that OK? Is there some 'official' source for what is OK and what is not acceptable for an MoT?

Chris
Chris H (1970 Midget 1275)

Chris

As you say patches need to be fully welded but my understanding is that full replacement panels can be fitted as per the original, so spot or plug welded.
David Billington

Ditto.
Dave O'Neill 2

I plug welded all the replacement panels (sills, floors etc) on my BGT and its now been through 3 MOT tests with no comments.
Mike Howlett

Chris,

As far as the outer sill goes:

You have the door shut area which I plug welded and stitch seam welded.

There is the the footwell area which I plug welded and stitch seam welded.

Both of the above areas are hidden by trim so 'invisible' to Mr MOT man.

The area which is visible is where the outer sill joins the floor pan and to be honest I plan to do the same (plug and stitch weld) I will use seam sealer which will make the welding technique pretty well indistinguishable to anyone.

I am happy that my plans are structurally sound and MOT sound. (My seam sealing plans are not trying to 'hide' anything)

The problem with patches is that they are by definition visible and the continuous seam welding rule applies to the lowest common denominator to ensure integrity.

Cheers

Spencer
S Deakin

Repairs to panels must be a continuous weld when patching, replacement panels must have the same or stronger welding than orgininal, so spot or plug is OK for cills etc.
Mike
Mike J Pearson

Thanks all - that's all helpful and reassuring.
Chris H (1970 Midget 1275)

This thread was discussed on 26/08/2011

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

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