Rear panel / wing seam

[Ian F]

This time with the photo

[Ian F]

Or maybe this time.........

[Ian F]

Doesn't seem to want this next one??

[Ian F]

Success.....

[BrianMac]

Guys,

This is much clearer now. I had reasoned that the rebated flange was on the valance section, but the position of the seam on the fuel filler aperture threw me.

Does the rebated flange continue to the very top of the rear panel / valance panel, as may be indicated by Peter's first photo?

Replacing the rubber bumper rear / valance panel with the correct HZA4227 one would require much work to extend the wing sections, not additional work that I would relish.

Would repairing the 'rubber bumper car positioned' seams on my car, emulating the rebated flange joint of the early cars and filling with a quality body filler be considered a good restoration practice?

Brian

[Ian F]

Brian, the rebated flange runs top to bottom, covered at the top with the horizontal piece in my last photo. I guess spot welded to the wing panel and lead loaded outside.
My opinion on the work required would be to simply make good any repairs by welding and finish the outside with fillet (an elastic type such as Plastic Padding Professional). Unless you are aiming for a concours restoration I wouldn't be too concerned about the appearance inside the wheel well.

Ian F

[BrianMac]

I have been contacting suppliers in the UK about the rear / valance panel. It appears that the HZA4227 panel for the GT can only now be supplied with the seam in the position of that in the rubber bumper cars. It seems that I would not be able to find an original panel for the car and may have no option but to repair the existing damaged seam areas.

Brian

[Ian F]

Brian, did you try British Motor Heritage? In the past they were always regarded as the suppliers of original panelling?
Ian F

[BrianMac]

BMH were my first port of call yesterday; they suggested that I try the MG Register. The employee only knew of the later seam arrangement, whereby the tow panels meet at 90 degree flanges at a pinch joint.

I will try to work out from the useful photos you both sent to me if the top of the valance is rebated upwards to allow the wing section to fit over the valance to give an exterior flush finish.

I never thought such a repair would become so technical

Brian

[Ian F]

HZA4227 is listed on the BMH website as suitable for chrome bumper cars, priced at a rather high price! £208. Seems to be distinct from the RB panel which is listed next to it?
I will try and post the BMH list

Ian F