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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - MX 5 Rust Issues

I don't want to over stay my welcome to this site but whilst being house bound due to snow I have been binging on Youtube on the TV. Whilst searching for info on MX 5 gearboxes I came across a series of episodes where Yorkshire Car Restorations are repairing a rusty Mazda MX 5. If you think Spridgets rust tune into the above series.

Jan T
J Targosz

You are right Jan, they have displayed quite serious rust since the introduction of the Mk1 and they have never got on top of the issue. The worst point seems to be the rear suspension mountings and associated panels.

It seems to be almost entirely due to the copious amounts of salt used on our roads. This guy https://www.goodwoodsportscars.co.uk/ imports early MX5s from Japan and they are generally pristine underneath because the Japanese grit their roads but don't use salt.

You should hear the expletives from my friendly garage man about the damage done to cars due to salt. He says modern cars have fairly well sealed bodywork, but what he sees now is failing suspension arms. They are made of pressed steel now, rather than a casting, and can become perilously thin. My modern VW had to have both rear arms replaced at considerable cost due to corrosion.
Mike Howlett

Jan, as they often name the MX5 the new car MG should have made they made it in English tradition: cheap and very sensitive for rusting LOL!!
They missed it on their electrics as from what I understand isnt the same reputation as Lucas :)
A de Best

Owned an import Mk1 (1990) for 10 years from '97 to '07, not a sign of rust on it when sold - (went to the IOW for use as classic car hire).

Daughter has had a low mileage Mk2 (2007) for 6 years, no rust on that either. (was garaged and well looked after by PO, but has lived outside since my daughter has had it).
T Carter

History
Why does the spridget rust so well? From Wolverhampton the bare metal frames were transported to Swindon to be joined with the sheet metal parts. From there the transport went to Cowley where the first! lacquer was applied. The untreated sheet metal parts were thus transported by road for a total of 120 miles. They rusted even before they could appear on the brochure. The car was assembled 10 miles away in Abingdon, and fitted with a Wellingbourough engine.
Sealed bodywork is important! Is the MX5 sealed?
Flip Brühl

I have recently had my VW Touran fully steam cleaned and sealed by Preserve & Protect in Johnstone, near Glasgow. Not cheap but worth it as we intend to keep the car as long as possible. While I was there they had just finished an MX5. The guy told me that after steam cleaning they had had to do some welding at the rear, but then he said "MX5s are all like that".
Mike Howlett

This thread was discussed between 18/12/2022 and 23/12/2022

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