Rust in(to) pieces... a cautionary tale of a 17 year old MGF

[Reckless Rat]

I drove mine down here from Sheffield in 2001. It took me three and a half days. France is a big place when you're doing 40mph! In all fairness using a motorway in an A7 scares the hell out of me although in town/city traffic you can keep up with everyone else. Best to stay on the back roads and enjoy the view - there's generally no-one in front of you, they're usually stuck behind trying to get past!

I took her to the French Alps last September, to the top of the Col de la Bonnette between Nice and Barcelonnette. Claimed to be the highest tarmac road in Europe open to the general public, it tops out at 2808m (just under 10,000 feet). It was a bloody long climb (26km) all of it in 2nd gear, but we got to the top without any problems. In all we did a round trip of 487 miles in two days at 47mpg & 1litre of oil.

Photo here at the summit: http://i178.photobucket.com/albums/w258 ... c9d3c9.jpg

Whilst getting to the top was a long slog, the descent was more exciting. The Austin Seven isn't renowned for the quality of it's cable operated brakes.

[HenryB]

That the sort of exploit I was hoping to hear.
Man and machine in perfect harmony against the odds.
Well done.

[Rob Bell]

Seem to remember we had this conversation before Rob when I first joined the forum, ie your inability and desire to learn welding Hopefully you will find the time and/or course to learn. Its good fun and you can save a bit of money.

Absolutely right Henry! Actually, even if I had the skill, I think I'd get Keith at Techspeed to repair it for me as I am so time poor. It's one thing taking my own time on Project Shed, which doesn't get used on a near daily basis, versus a car that is...

But agree with everyone - a repair well done is a good and sensible investment! Mine isn't a neglected car, and the corrosion came as a surprise: I simply did not see it coming. So I mention it as a beware to others

[mowog73]

I relate the cost of repairs to the monthly payments on a new car. As long at the repairs average out to less then monthly payments its worth while.

[Geoff.F]

Saw Rob's car at Techspeed yesterday waiting collection.I was surprised that they were doing heavy restorations including sub-frame refurbishing etc. Their expertise makes them well worth considering by anyone wanting work done.
Our car is now 12 years old and is better than many new delivered cars that sat outside for many months before being sold as it was built to my options spec. and delivered direct to my heated garage in Switzerland..
Keeping a car outside probably parked over a puddle of water is an expensive buisness. SWMBO and I had a discussion over whose car/s should take the garage space which obviously I lost so I had a 5 Metre extension built on the rear of the RH garage.
This cost was less than restoring a tin worm car.
An additional low cost tool is a pressure wash to remove the dirt and salt from underneath each spring thereby allowing moisture to dry off.
Geoff F.

[Rob Bell]

I wish I had the space to extend the garage/workshop Geoff. Well, actually I have, but it's still narrow, as was the form of garages built in 1927. And since the house is Semi-detached, without invading the neighbour's office conversion, there is little scope for widening the garage. Hey ho.

When I am rich I'll get a garage/workshop with a house attached

[Vinyljunkie]

I'd advise caution with gassless mig. I found it to be a pain, didnt penetrate as well and smokey as hell.the spatter is a pain in the arris too. If you have somewhere inside to weld use gas. I use an argon mix but co2 is just as good. I had no mig welding skills to speak of to begin with and after practice I've rebuilt the complete shell of my midget. This site is the bee knees for all your questions. Helped me no end, but the main thing is practice.
http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/

[924Rothmans]

Hi all, I would definatly give welding ago, its not as hard as it seems and practice makes perfect, mine was spitting like cooking bacon as i was welding the rear roll cage. Start on some scrap steel and enjoy

[Rob Bell]

I'd advise caution with gassless mig. I found it to be a pain, didnt penetrate as well and smokey as hell.the spatter is a pain in the arris too. If you have somewhere inside to weld use gas. I use an argon mix but co2 is just as good. I had no mig welding skills to speak of to begin with and after practice I've rebuilt the complete shell of my midget. This site is the bee knees for all your questions. Helped me no end, but the main thing is practice.
http://www.mig-welding.co.uk/

Great suggestion on that site!

Wish I had some scrap metal to practice on! Gary, when are you next planning to visit the scrappy? I'll come with you!

[purplebargeken]

I'd be up for another visit. It is a great breakers yard.

[Rob Bell]

Great! We should co-ordinate a visit then!