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MG MGA - Boot edge water trap

Hi,

The recess around the boot opening, where the boot lid rubber seal sits, seems to collect water whenever it rains. This is my first MGA; the car has been refurbished. It seems lacking of any method of drainage in this area. Could it really be that it came out of the factory with like this or is something missing here? Any advice would be welcome before I start drilling holes :-)

Regards,
Phil

T Gee

That is as original, and it is really not the kind of problem you may envision. When assembled it will be fitted with a VERY SOFT rubber seal that fills the entire channel. When the boot lid is closed it compresses the rubber seal some, and the seal fits nicely in the channel. When it rains or you wash the car, very little water remains between the seal and channel walls, because there is no space there.

Mine has been like this for decades, long time outside in all kinds of weather, hundreds of thousands of miles of travel, and no problem with any rust in the channel. Just be sure the channel is well painted before installation of the "correct and proper" rubber seal.
barneymg

You do get a free hole in the gutter for the bonnet!
Mike Ellsmore

I don't have my boot lid seal fixed in place; it it's got wet I open the boot lid, lift the seal out of the trough to let everything dry out.

Regards
Colin
Colin Manley

Hi Barney,

Firstly thanks for your own very informative site. It may take me a while to read it all but I've made a good start already :-)

Thanks also for replying to my post. My photo isn't brilliant but there is a very soft seal fitted and it seems to fill the channel well. (I have lifted it clear at the centre to show the recess) I must look more carefully at the set up when the boot lid is closed, I'm pretty sure it is a tight fit as I have to close it firmly. However, it is good to know that it is unlikely to be a problem - Thanks again.

Colin, thanks for your contribution. As you see the seal on my car is not fixed in the centre (I've lifted it out to show the area indicated) now that you have told me your seal is left loose, it makes more sense as to why mine is only fixed at the corners - the centre can be just lifted clear, as in my picture.

Mike: Thanks to for your observation - I've not had any problem with the bonnet so far, I believe it drains OK - I must check;-)

Kind Regards,
Phil
T Gee

Phil et al in the UK

Could you advise which supplier, if any,can provide the proper soft seal.

Thanks
John Follett

Hi John
I originally fitted the rectangular section solid seal from Moss but since fitted the Todd Clarke seal which is hollow and softer. So I am not sure which matches the original spec.
Brian
Brian Paddon

Hi Brian

Thank you. I too have the solid seal from Moss which is now splitting, so after reading the thread thought it was the ideal time to fix a soft seal.

Has anybody in the US of A have any recommendations - Todd Clarke or others?

Thanks in anticipation

John
John Follett

Hi John,

I'm unable to give specific info re. the seal stockist as mine was fitted when I obtained the car. That said there are several vendors advertising on the internet. - I too look forward to comment from anyone with informed advice as one never knows when ones own seal will need replacing.
Regards,
Phil
T Gee

Correct boot lid seal here:
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/body/bd116a.htm
http://mgaguru.com/mgtech/body/bd116b.htm
barneymg

The harder seal seems to have less 'spring' than the softer one which makes the boot (trunk) more difficult to open as it doesn't spring up properly when released.

Bob West supplies the correct one in the UK and it can be fitted without the need for glue and is easily removed to allow cleaning/drying of the channel.
John Bray

This thread was discussed between 08/08/2017 and 22/08/2017

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