• Hey Guest!
    British Car Forum has been supporting enthusiasts for over 25 years by providing a great place to share our love for British cars. You can support our efforts by upgrading your membership for less than the dues of most car clubs. There are some perks with a member upgrade!

    **Upgrade Now**
    (PS: Upgraded members don't see this banner, nor will you see the Google ads that appear on the site.)
Tips
Tips

Bodywork advice needed.

JPSmit

Moderator
Staff member
Country flag
Offline
My '76 got rear ended about 12 years ago which is why I own it now. I've attached a picture or two. My first thought was to buy a new rear panel from Victoria British, pull out the "beams" and replace the panel. Now I am wondering whether it would make sense to find the tail end of another Midget and cut out the lower beams and rear panel as one unit and replace it all. It might be simpler than trying to straighten them. Any thoughts? Any experience?

thanks
JP
 

Attachments

  • 107116-driversrear.JPG
    107116-driversrear.JPG
    66.6 KB · Views: 209
here's the next pic (I hope)
 

Attachments

  • 107117-passengerrear.JPG
    107117-passengerrear.JPG
    66.4 KB · Views: 217
and the last pic
 

Attachments

  • 107118-driversrear.JPG
    107118-driversrear.JPG
    66.6 KB · Views: 211
Oops, here's the right one
 

Attachments

  • 107120-backend.JPG
    107120-backend.JPG
    63 KB · Views: 205
IF this was a daily driver, I would probably straighten the beam and add support material to the outside of the box section. Heck , since the car has a big bumper to hide the bulk of that, I might just pound out the whole thing and finish with fiberglass. But then again, this is why I do not do bodywork professionally.
 
I would certainly try straigtening first. If not statisfactory go with the other option of a rear section from another car.

Bruce
 
I had a 67 that was rear ended by one of those 70's Pontiacs with the huge V grill, in 1973. We did all the body work and after you could not tell we had done anything. To try and replace most of that will be very difficult. The key will be a very good body man. I wouldn't use any fiberglass ( long term will fail) and Bondo should only be used for a skin coat. Lots of luck!
 
Back
Top