MG-Cars.net

Welcome to our resource for MG Car Information.

Recommendations

Parts

MG parts spares and accessories are available for MG T Series (TA, MG TB, MG TC, MG TD, MG TF), Magnette, MGA, Twin cam, MGB, MGBGT, MGC, MGC GT, MG Midget, Sprite and other MG models from British car spares company LBCarCo.

MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Rear wing Lower

I have just stripped the suspension, axle and fuel tank and intend to have any welding done before re rust proofing and replacing springs etc.

It look as if a PO has had the rear wing repaired and left the old wing in situ.

How should the wing be attached to the body at the bottom, I would imagine it is welded?

Also has anyone got any comments on using rustbullet for the underside where I intend to over paint in the body colour.

Cheers Tony



A Brough

Tony,
What you are looking at in that photo is not an old wing left in situ, but the lower part of what is essentially the inner wing where it comes down to match the bottom edge of the outer wing. This is made up of a small section which extends the boot floor into the bottom of the wing.

The forward edge forming the rear of the wheelarch isn't quite right though.
Guy Oneandahalf Sprites

Thanks Guy

is this the part "AHA5837/8" BOOT FLOOR EXTENSION, RH rear? Do you know how are these parts normally held together?.

I've just had a look at the other side and this part is not there...... so it looks like I need to find out what has been done there as well. I need to have the lower rear section repaired this side so I would like to have it done properly this time.




A Brough

Hi Tony,
Yes AHA5838. At least I think that is it. It should be spot welded along the lower and forward edges, and part way along the seam there should be a raised bend in the metal that creates a slot to allow drainage from the cavity above.

It is still a real rust trap though. Condensation forms on the inside face of the wing and runs down into that narrow seam. Make sure you apply plenty of waxoyl or similar to the inside.
Guy Oneandahalf Sprites

I was going to suggest that the bottom of the wings are spot weld o the inner surface, but for the life of me I could not get a grip of the photos well done on tht account Guy.
Robert (Bob) Midget Turbo

Thanks Gents

I will research the parts and book the welder.....
A Brough

Hi Guy,
don't quite follow that you were saying about the raised bend along that seam. the edge of the boot floor on our 1500 was a bit grotty (ie like a teabag!) so I've cut it out & fab'ed a repalcement to which the boot floor extension fits nicely. I've worried from your description that i've made it too perfect, and not allowed for enough drainage. Still no outer wing on that side so eay to sort it now. Anyone got any pictures of that area?

Thanks!
-craig

P.S. sorry for the partial hi-jack Tony!
C Robertson

Since this spot is such a rust trap, and I'm part way through fixing mine, is there anything wrong with not having the lower section, and just closing the boot floor off flat across to the wing?
S Overy

Steve - Looks like that is what has been done in Tony's second photo. If it is well sealed and protected I cannot see what harm it would do.

Craig - I was only going from memory of when I did mine. The original had a sort of slot created at the bottom of that seam. The repair panel (a pattern, aftermarket one) didn't have the slot but had a hole drilled through the panel immediately up from the seam edge. Not sure how well either of them actually work as a drain, although I am pretty sure that is what they are intended for.

Guy Oneandahalf Sprites

Guy, it's Simon, but close enough. ;)

That was my thinking. It's a non-structural part that serves no real purpose other than perhaps making the lower wing stronger and less prone to dents. But then it would be harder to fix if dented, and it creates a rust trap. I think I'll probably go with closing the boot floor off flat. It's one less thing to worry about, and one less repair panel that I might have to make!
S Overy

Thanks for the posts.

When I get some time,most likely at the weekend, I will see how both sides have been done and make a call on my way forward for the other side! But from what I have read here it seems that any rust trap that does not affect the structure or look of the outside of the midget must be worth considering. I only want a "decent" looking midget and not concours.

A Brough

Sorry Simon. Not sure where "Steve" came from. But seeing as I forget my own name, you got off quite lightly!
Guy Oneandahalf Sprites

Thanks Guy, think I understand now. Will certainly make sure I drill a drain hole or two before closing it all up.
-Craig
C Robertson

Mr Brough, sounds like you're in the same boat as me. I'm not looking for a concours Sprite, but I do want a sound, long lasting one. If removing a well known, but non-structural, rust trap helps that and speeds up the restoration, then it can only be a good thing.
S Overy

This thread was discussed between 10/01/2011 and 12/01/2011

MG Midget and Sprite Technical index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG Midget and Sprite Technical BBS is active now.