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MG MGA - Considered Purchase of MGA Coupe

Just been to see a MGA for sale. My potential first MGA.
All seems ok, and I suspect it has been subject to a restoration, perhaps body off, many years ago although there is no paperwork to back it up.
Underneath it is clean with only surface rust. The inner sills, next to the chassis rails, are solid and it all looks very clean.
My only concern is an area of the inner sill, on the RH side as you sit in the car, where it looks as if a slightly domed patch has been welded on. This is located near to a small square block of metal welded on the chassis, which looks original as the opposite rail has the same.
I cannnot understand why the rest of the sill seems solid. Does this patch serve some purpose, other than covering a rust hole. If so should I be alerted to possible future sill work due to rust. I think it would be repairable without disturbing door pillars.
Henry

There are two crossmembers which protrude through the MGA frame, the round tube member at the rear of the engine and the square tube member about 2 feet to the rear. Both have closing caps welded on. From what you describe you're seeing the end of the square tube crossmember. It's as it's supposed to be. Sounds like you're pretty well up on the usual rot areas on the A, but there are photos of the frame and sills in good detail on the Eclectic Motors web site. http://www.eclecticmotorworks.com/dcoupe07.html
Bill Young

On the location I think your right Bill. Looking at photos, I think its just behind where the triangulation tube comes down to the main rail.
How easy to tidy up a patch there. Looking at it, it seems a well established patch matching the rest of the sill. Would it have been done at the time of restoration, perhaps to cover a gap. I wonder if the body was refitted, then they realised a gap was still showing. So instead of removing the body, it was patched.
Henry

Sorry I misread some of your first post. It does sound like a patch of some kind. I still can't get a handle on where the area you're refering to is located. Top of the frame rail, inside edge or outside edge? Is this a roadster or coupe? The usual chassis rust points for a roadster are around the floor board supports and the adjoining frame areas. This might be a repair of that type. If it's on the inside of the rail then repatching shouldn't be too hard, remove the floorboard and any fuel and wiring in the area and go to work. There is some packing material between the body and the frame that you'd have to keep from getting too hot, but that shouldn't be a problem if you work carefully. If it's on the top side then the packing and sill top become a problem with access. If it's on the outside of the rail, forget it. It'd take body removal to really gain access. If it's sound and will pass a good MOT inspection I wouldn't worry about it unless you're planning on concours competition.
Bill Young

Sorry to labour a point but will try to explain.
The patch is on the vertical plate of the inside of the sill. ie put your fingers between the chassis rail and the sill, and its on the inside surface of the sill. Next to where the crossmember cover cap is welded to the chassis.
Henry

Got it, the dawn is at hand. Doesn't sound like something that should be there. I think you're right, a repair patch for corrosion. There are two holes in the inner sill panel, but these should be 6" or more to the rear of what you describe. It's really hard to check the sills properly with the wings installed, they cover the lower sections at the front and rear and the rocker panel hides the middle area. If the rest of the area seems firm then I'd guess that it's just an early repair and not worry about it too much.
At least because of the frame, sill strength isn't as much a concern as on a B or midget.
Bill Young

Interesting you mention two holes in the inner sill panel. I have seen these on photo's. But this car has no holes, on either side. Does this mean they have both been replaced. From back to front seems one long piece of steel, with no joins. So perhaps the whole section has been replaced.
Henry

This thread was discussed on 09/04/2007

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