Found the Soft Spots....Repair ideas?

[KLUTZ]

Well, I knew after sitting outside for three years there was bound to be some rusting underneath. I finally got a chance to get under the GT with a ballpean hammer, and tap away. The bottom is surprisingly solid, especially the floor pans, but the 3 inches in, from front wheel well, to back wheel well, on the bottom on both sides are real soft, and need to be replaced. It looks like a fairly easy job for somone who does this for a living, but I was wondering if anyone has a template design for these pieces. I have looked through the Vic. Brit. catalogue, but it is very confusing.
If anyone has a clue what I am talking about, great.
Thanks
Paul

 

[Mark Jones]

Paul;

Your talking about replacing the sills; a farily big job. Here's a web site that shows quite well what all is involved in replacing the sills: MGB GT Restoration

Also, you may want to pick up a copy of Lindsey Porter's "MGB Restoration Manual", which also does a very good job of describing the proceedure of replacing the sills.

Mark
73 MGBGT

 

[JM1NA]

Looks like you've got inner and outer sills to replace. Definitely a big project. It's got to be done right so the body doesn't sag or twist.
this is typical MGB, so many will be able to give advice, but take your time, it's important to get it right.

Ron

 

[KLUTZ]

Great site I was directed to. Will try to follow. I want to put it on floor jacks in the garage. What is the safest way to raise it without bending the frame if the sills are that important? I read some previous posts regarding using wood planks on top of the stands, but I don't want to twist it on the lift.
I have the best body man in town comming to take a look next week.

 

[KLUTZ]

Good morning,
I showed the pictures from the web site suggested, for replacing the sills on the GT to the guys in the shop at work. They say they can fabricate me the sills, no problem. What they would need though, is a sketch or diagragm with exact measurments, (Inner and outer I guess.) I am sure a lot on this forum have made their own. If anyone could be of help, please Email me.
Thanks

Paul

 

[lawguy]

I'm no expert, but if it were me, I'd go ahead and buy the proper sills rather than having them fabricated. I can't imagine you would get the same quality at the same of lower price if you have them fabricated.

 

[Steve]

Cheaper, quicker and easier to buy the correct parts. You can be sure that they are correct and that they will fit that way.

 

[KLUTZ]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Steve:
Cheaper, quicker and easier to buy the correct parts. You can be sure that they are correct and that they will fit that way.<hr></blockquote>

Ya... All of the above. My Triumph machanic, (sorry about that, but he does own 3 MG's), told me the same, in a different way.

Besides, one of the guys at work that was going to Fab. them for me, welded a ladder to the pipe he was working on the other day.

So... time to open the wallet.

 

[chris roop]

But, how well did the ladder stick?

 

[Guest]

was it fiberglass, aluminum, or wood?

 

[KLUTZ]

Well, back to work tonight, and the ladder is still attatched to the pipe.

I pulled off the splash guards this week, ya, the bolts didn't help much, and got a good look at what I was dealing with. I used my catalogue I got in the mail, and coloured in what I thought I would need to have this job done.
The "Professional" came over today to give me his opinion and a rough cost to do the job. Chico is recommended by all of the insurance companies around. He said that I was right on the button with what would be needed. He said roughly 12 to 14 hours for the job, that he would oversee himself, and said around $550.00 per side. My mechanic is going to get me all the parts I need, at his cost. It is great to know people.
So, at least I will know that I have a solid body to work with, and some money for the engine.

 

[Steve]

Good news, those prices for labour sound about right for a skilled man, and you will have a sound car as a result. Are you going to paint it, or can that wait?

 

[KLUTZ]

<blockquote><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><hr>Originally posted by Steve:
Are you going to paint it, or can that wait?<hr></blockquote>

I would love to paint it the origional colour, there seem to be so many red cars around, and that Aconite colour really looks great. (My wife likes it too). But, there seems to be about three layers of paint on the car, so I will cross that hurdle when it is time.

 

[Dennis P]

Great price!!!

 

[Dennis P]

Great price!!!