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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Gap between sill and inner wheel arch

Hi,

I need some consultancy again please.

I am trying to understand why a gap exists between the outer sill and the front inner wheel arch. (see pic)

Having studied many photo's and the other, slightly better side on my car, it does appear to be designed that way. Surely it just lets water into the gap between the sill and wing that runs down to the A-post and rust the whole area.

I'm thinking of closing it up with new metal along with a new custom sill end plate as discussed in previous threads.

Has anyone else done this or have a reason why the gap is there or another solution?

Many thanks

James

James Paul

Not sure where this is taken from.

There should be a closer piece for the inner and outer sills in the wheel arch to stop mud ingress into the box section. The top of the outer sill should have a panel gap between it and the bottom edge of the wing. The gap between the wing and the foot well I have filled with frame sealant and under-sealed as part of the inner wheel arch finish.

Helpful?
Dave Squire

Dave, The photo is of the top of the sill, with front wing removed. The shot is looking forward to the front of the sill where the bottom rear edge of the front wheel arch liner comes down to meet - or not quite meet in this case, the top of the sill.

If this is original, then that seems quite surprising. to me. I always assumed that gap would need to be closed and the inner wheel arch would discharge in front of the sill closing plate on the front of the main sill. Certainly on all of the ones I have repaired I have made it work that way, but then I do other intentional modifications in that area as well.

I think I would at the very least seal the gap with seam sealer.
GuyW

That imo is a bodge job ... i dont think that came from nthe factory like that

Prop
Prop and the

Looks to me like someone has already had a go at closing the gap. My body shell had a much bigger gap than that, I didn't close it when I restored the car, but next time I would.
Username

Yeah, the edge of that wheel arch is not original. There is evidence of a seam weld about an inch up from the sill, and plug welds along foot well side - foot well front join.

The sill I assume is your doing James (from your other posts and that it has the black e-coat on it).

Attached is a pic of mine for reference. It's not original, but rebuilt using full repair panels (i.e. no patching.)

Cheers,
Malcolm

P.S. Wow... that was early from Feb 2014. Three years back now!



Malcolm Le Chevalier

This thread was discussed between 07/02/2017 and 12/02/2017

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