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 MGA - Frame Rust Question

On an MGA, there is a large round bar that crosses over the rear of the car that the battery boxes are welded to. Under close inspection yesterday, I discovered that this round bar is almost completely rusted through on the passengers side of the car. Is this bar a major structural part of the frame? Is this a hard item to repair? Can the bar be simply cut out and a new piece welded in? Also, is this an area that will require the car to be "supported" while doing this repair?
Kenny

It is structural. You can cut out and weld in a new piece of tubing. It may require a mandrel bend to get the right shape without crushing it. If nothing else is damaged on the frame it ssould be self-suporting during the repair. I would suggest you support the main frame on stands to remove the load from the rear suspension during the process.
Barney Gaylord

Hi Kenny,

I agree with Barney. My cross pipe was rusted through as well, and I had to replace about 2/3 of it. I had a really difficult time finding some tubing that was the same OD (of course I was searching though containers of scrap tubing) so I found some tubing with a larger OD and thicker wall and turned it on a lathe to match the OD. I then had it mandrel bent at an industrial shop down the road for a few bucks. Welded it in and you would never know it was replaced. I probably went too far by raising the car, placing the frame on jack stands and even leveling off the frame to reduce any misalignment that might occur.
Tom Baker

I have changed part of that tube because of road damage to it. It was done as part of a frame off so access to it was not an issue. Just welded in the center section and ground it smooth.
If it was rusted through I would carefully look at every part of the frame. Use a sharp ice pick like tool and try to poke through any weakened frame areas to check for damage.
R J Brown

I believe Kenny was refering to the round tube behind the seats, not the one under the bellhousing. The tube aft of the seats not only stiffens the frame but also carries the tunnel support rails and battery trays.
Barney Gaylord

To Ken or anyone else who is interested!!
I am getting ready to set an MGA 1600 frame out to the road for the junk guys that come buy. The frame broke in 1/2 when I pulled the car off the trailer. (just using the disc brakes and drivetrain) The frame is very solid from the crossmember Ken is referring and back. Also the front crossmember is good. If anyone has a need for any of the parts of the frame, let me know. Also, the front hood (bonnet) surround is very straight and rust free until you get to the front of the hood opening. Same with the rear body sheet metal. Good from the cockpit opening to about the middle of the trunk. Pictures on request. If no one speaks up, the'll be taken to scrap!!

Tim
T DeBorde

This thread was discussed between 02/01/2006 and 03/01/2006

MG MGA index

This thread is from the archive. The Live MG MGA BBS is active now.