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kenvs

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Hello all. As the subject states I'm the newbie to this MG forum. With my early years spent in Canada I've always been delighted by and interested in the MG marque.

Earlier in the week I stumbled upon a late 60's or early 70's MGB GT for sale at a reasonable fixer-up price. There is a rusted through section about 200 mm long on the door sill just to the rear of the front left wheel well. There are additional underlying rust issues (I suspect) due to small patches (25 - 50) mm of bubbled paint around the rear bumper and other areas. The doors are still supported well and sound / feel solid when closed. Being a unibody, I'm conflicted as to whether to attempt repairs or continue looking for the next one to come along. I'm not an auto body pro but take great pleasure in the datails. Any suggestions based upon the wide and hard won pool of experience represented in this forum would be appreciated.

Thanks,

Ken
 
Hi Ken
I'm in the process of restoring a 71 B roadster. It had all of the rust problems you described, which is typical for Bs. I hired a guy who is an expert welder and he was able to replace the rusted spots with new replacement panels. From what I could see it wasn't too difficult (if you take your time and know what you are doing). Anyway, I guess my suggestion is not to be too intimidated by any rust through, it can be fixed, and for the most part all MGs that you will see have some sort of rust through problem (even here in California).
 
Run, Forest, Run!!! MG's rust inside out. Yes, they can be fixed, but it sure is pricey. Unless that car is near free, I wouldn't consider it. I just finished replacing both sills in my MG and it was a MAJOR job. If you want a fixer up er. Try to find one that is solid, but needs mechanicals. I would take that any day over a rusted one that runs great.
 
You say in the sill just behind the front wheel. Is the rust in the lower fender or in the panel beneath the door? If it's the fender, this is a very common, if not the most common, place for rust on these cars. If it's in the actual sill beneath the door, it will be a major job to repair because at that stage of deterioration the entire sill will need to be replaced. The sills are THEE major structural link between the front and rear of the car, and if compromised they are dangerous.

If the car is dirt cheap and the rest seems solid, go for it. But if you have the money to buy a better one it would save you headaches in the future. These cars are not considered rare for a classic and there are always nice examples for sale. Restoring a car can be fun, but keep in mind that it's far cheaper to buy one done already than to do it yourself. So unless you're after the project itself, I would highly recommend buying the best car you can afford.

Welcome to the forum, and good luck! /ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
 
Hi Ken, The hard won experience of this lister says do not attempt the repairs and look for another one out side Minesota most of them there are rust buckets.---Keoke
 
Welcome...It is good to remember in the immortal words of Neil Young - Rust Never Sleeps. Once it starts you've got a lot of work to do.
 
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