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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Frogeye rear profile query

With reference to the following picture could someone with a Frogeye run your hand down the rear (.....) downwards from where my hand is and see if you can detect a definite change in the curve please. Mine does have this on both sides. Also, as you move downwards, is the curve smooth to the bottom or does it "ridge" a little. I've previously welded in a lower repair piece (the letter box cutout was in the original panel - I left half of it there) and, together with welding the boot floor on, there was distortion so it's needed quite a lot of filler to smooth it out. How fussy do I need to be with it lower down?


Bill Bretherton

It's a smooth curve on mine, but I have replaced the panel right across below the number plate. It's a common error to use a flat piece for this section but it's actually a tricky shape. Firstly, it is convex horizontally, ie curves inwards to continue the profile of the rear centre panel. Secondly, it is concave vertically at the ends, ie curves out slightly to meet the rear wing below the indicator light. This creates a sort of saddle shape in that area. I spent a long time beating my home-made repair section to shape to get it to fit. There should not be any ridge.

Les
L B Rose

I'm a bit late on this, Bill, and maybe you've reached a decision already.
But this is how mine goes.
Drawing not level, of course.

Nick and Cherry Scoop

Les, Nick, thanks. I'm still working on it as time allows so will aim to get as smooth a curve as possible. Les, I bought a repair panel which wasn't very good. My original lower rear was quite corroded so I ended up making a horizontal cut through the number plate area which was a mistake as the repair panel didn't match the original. It took a lot of beating and filler to get it acceptable and the number plate plinth still has a vertical curve, but that will be hidden. I haven't quite got the correct vertical curve outwards at the ends where the panel meets the wings, but it looks ok. There's only so much time you can spend on it.....


Bill Bretherton

New panel welded on:
Bill Bretherton

Let me know if you want the full-size template, Bill.
Nick and Cherry Scoop

Thanks Nick. I cannot seem to upload another picture.
Bill Bretherton

Another try:

Bill Bretherton

And now:

Bill Bretherton

Nice work, Bill. So I assume you've got a compound curve, with no ridge?
Nick and Cherry Scoop

"Quite corroded" eh Bill? On my first Sprite it was so bad that I was losing things out of the boot! This was 1971 and the car was only 12 years old. In those days there was no home welding kit so it all had to be done with pop rivets, as I could not afford to farm it out. The car survived all that and is alive and well after a full rebuild by the present owner.

Les
L B Rose

Nick, I've a compound curve with a slght ridge both sides. Some more filler will address that. It becomes a bit tedious after a while...
Les, British Leyland cars did rot quite badly didn't they, although I suppose they all did back in time. Maybe mine wasn't too bad!
Bill Bretherton

This thread was discussed between 26/06/2019 and 05/07/2019

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