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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - How to deal with pinholes

I'm making slow progress with my front assembly and valance replacement (see an earlier thread). While sanding (flapwheel) the reinforcement at the rear of the valance five or six pinholes appeared at different places. These are quite small - typically 1/16th - 3/32nd in size - and spread around so the metal around them seems quite solid. Is it acceptable practice to fill these with a bit of weld or should I be cutting out the affected areas and welding in small pieces of new metal. This is not a major structual item and it seems a lot of effort to fit new metal if it is not needed (and the rust behind can be neutralised).

Sorry if this seems a bit of a basic question but I'm learning this stuff as I go along.
Chris H (1970 Midget 1275)

Just depends what standard of job you want Chris. I have a ratty daily drive that is fixed enough to use. If I was going for a new paint job I would tend to do all these bits as well as I could to last the paint job out. No point on my car at the moment so inhibited such stuff.

All structural stuff straight and sound by the way.
Dave Squire (1500)

The question is, has it rusted from inside or outside?

If it's from the inside, it may be wise to remove the reinforcement, treat and refit/replace.

The reinforcement used to be available as a separate item. I don't know if it still is.
Dave O'Neill2

you could 'lead load' ie solder it.
Mick - still wiring!!

In my experience, pin holes usually indicate fat worse rusting at the back, and are rarely worth attempting to fill with weld. The surround will quickly just rust through again. IIRC the reinforcing is just a folded top hat section and would be easier just to fold a new one and replace.
Guy W

I'm making slow progress with my front assembly and valance replacement (see an earlier thread). While sanding (flapwheel) the reinforcement at the rear of the valance five or six pinholes appeared at different places. These are quite small - typically 1/16th - 3/32nd in size - and spread around so the metal around them seems quite solid. Is it acceptable practice to fill these with a bit of weld or should I be cutting out the affected areas and welding in small pieces of new metal. This is not a major structual item and it seems a lot of effort to fit new metal if it is not needed (and the rust behind can be neutralised).

Sorry if this seems a bit of a basic question but I'm learning this stuff as I go along.
Chris H (1970 Midget 1275)

Just depends what standard of job you want Chris. I have a ratty daily drive that is fixed enough to use. If I was going for a new paint job I would tend to do all these bits as well as I could to last the paint job out. No point on my car at the moment so inhibited such stuff.

All structural stuff straight and sound by the way.
Dave Squire (1500)

The question is, has it rusted from inside or outside?

If it's from the inside, it may be wise to remove the reinforcement, treat and refit/replace.

The reinforcement used to be available as a separate item. I don't know if it still is.
Dave O'Neill2

you could 'lead load' ie solder it.
Mick - still wiring!!

In my experience, pin holes usually indicate fat worse rusting at the back, and are rarely worth attempting to fill with weld. The surround will quickly just rust through again. IIRC the reinforcing is just a folded top hat section and would be easier just to fold a new one and replace.
Guy W

In my opinion...pin holes are the last step before a big hole replaces the many small tiny holes
Prop and the Blackhole Midget

Pinholes, pah! Merely a flesh would! If you are talking about the bit I think you are, mine doesn't even join up at the top, its about 5 mm short! :-D

Maybe get round to fixing it one day... once I finish the wheel arches and wings and boot and sills and floor...

Cheers,
Malc
Malcolm Le Chevalier

This thread was discussed between 09/08/2013 and 10/08/2013

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