I could not find the relevant info. related to this topic and the photos offered in one posting were not accessible, so here goes again?
The nearside rear part of the sill on our 02 plate Mk 2.5 is showing slight signs of breaking out. A visit to a local bodywork specialist diagnosed only the rear section of the sill needed replacing. He asked me to resource that part. Any other inner sections that might show themselves in need of attention once he cuts in he said that he could easily fabricate.
MX-5 Parts have the section needed but it is part of the rear wheel arch section.
Where is it possible to buy just a good quality small lower section of the sill without the wheel arch extra, please?
On ebay or any bodyshop supplier. I’m confused that “any bodyshop” would ask you to supply the part as they have their own supplier and the problem for you is they can walk away from any problems as they can blame it on your supplied part!
If this is not exactly what you want have a search on ebay as their are more parts their.
It is not unusual for a rear sill to be replaced today and the arch to go within the year.
I would want to check again for any rust on the rear arch as it will come through.
We had exactly this repair done on our 2001 Mk 2.5, albeit on the offside. The repair shop sourced the replacement sill section. That way he knew exactly what he was working with and he couldn’t blame us if it all went wrong (which it hasn’t yet). He is based just outside Malvern, which isn’t that much of a drive for you. He isn’t an MX5 specialist but has done a lot of work on them as the local MX5 OC branch is quite active in that area. PM me if you want his details.
Thanks for the replies to my query. Sorry to delay getting back on them but we are in the process of reinventing the bathroom. The house is a DIY assault course at the moment with tools, equipment and new bathroom suite littered all over the place! When we downsize I shall have the luxury of being able to devote time and energy on the 5 which does not need re-plastering, re-tiling and new copper pipework installed!!
Meanwhile, the guy I approached to do the work came highly recommended and has already had experience in dealing with the sill problems on MX-5s. Having met him and had the problem explained to me I am confident that he will do a professional job. He no doubt finds it easier for the customer to source the part if it is available - one less thing for him to think about - but he mentioned that he can create some body panels if necessary. With a waiting list of up to 3 months he is obviously in great demand. Also, he is local for us and so easy to access. Time will tell?
Missed those but looking at them I can see why. They have been made small to suit a regular shape. With luck good enough to repair the OP’s car but from my experience when the rust is in that section those panels would not be sufficient to bridge it.
I would be interested in this ebayer/OC members comments on his product.
From my experience the full panel is often needed as the rust spreads up the wing and into the arch. When the problem is limited to the rear sill, that complete rear sill section needs replacing to fully address the rust. The small panel offered on ebay would not be sufficient as the top line would need to be welded to metal within the sill that is too corroded to provide any chance of a good repair.
Would be good to hear if the complete rear outer sill section is available from this person or anyone else?
The part needed was identified by my local body repair guy as being the lower rear section only and not the full wheel arch…A suitable section was identified on eBay from the guy at oaluklimited who makes up these parts. The guy’s eBay listing has the full details and spec., with a full details of all the suitable MX-5 models it will fit, and explained in full with good communications when I made enquiries. The new part, ordered 2 days ago, is now winging it’s way for delivery here by end of the week. I now need to be patient until the car is called in for the repair to be made ! It’s as bad as having a sick child needing attention…
The deed is done! I should have done this sooner. The car now looks like new with regards to the lower sills and the wheel arches. The latter only needed cleaning up and repainting. The welding was done by a guy near Yockleton, West of Shrewsbury - Paul Watson on 07891178976 He is a very honest and likeable character and even took time to send me photos of the exposed inner sill area to show the cancerous extent of the rust. It looked horrendous and I hate rust! One day I shall find the secret of getting photos attached to a posting. If only it was as easy and efficient as when doing my eBay listings! That said, Paul had to rebuild the inner part before welding in the outer section that I had bought on eBay - see source in previous post. It was sufficient and the wheel arch was not afflicted. That was the limit of his work and the total bill originally quoted as £120 for just the outer sill, came to £160 for fabricating and replacing the inner parts as well.
The next phase of the challenge was a visit to a guy near Haughmond Hill east of Shrewsbury. The two firms work together. Unfortunately, I have given away all the cards from the finishers - the last one to Marcus at the last Shrewsbury area Club meeting - so I have forgotten the Tele.No. The firm, if I remember rightly (failing memory these days unless I tie a knot in it!) is STP and they are part of a small unit of firms in a farm building complex. They do not advertise anywhere I can find. Steve Chubb the main man did a brilliant job in finishing off Paul’s welding, then also treated the offside sill surface rust area followed by the rear wheel arches edges both sides before treating the inner surfaces of the sills with Waxoyl. On talking with Marcus, he thought that the final cost of £400 was reasonable for all of the work. Not having ever had anything like this done before I was delighted with the final outcome. Perhaps, I need to pay some attention to other parts now?! No doubt there are members with contacts in other parts of the county who might think that this whole operation was expensive but just in case there are others nearby who think otherwise, I have detailed the saga - in the caring and sharing spirit of the Club - and, at the end of the day, we have a family motto that says “It’s only money!”
I notice a new post under the title of “Posting Picture” and found a link to Ultraimg where I transferred photos simply and quickly. Unfortunately, all the photos are at the end of that listing and I have not been able to duplicate the process in this post. Aaaahhh! It’s an age thing but I am sure that if this free site turns out to be better than the dreaded Photob… then someone with more technical skill should be able to sort out the wrinkles?
I notice a new post under the title of “Posting Picture” and found a link to Ultraimg where I transferred photos simply and quickly. Unfortunately, all the photos are at the end of that listing and I have not been able to duplicate the process in this post. Aaaahhh! It’s an age thing but I am sure that if this free site turns out to be better than the dreaded Photob… then someone with more technical skill should be able to sort out the wrinkles?
edit…9.7…been playing and hopefully attached some photos but not in the chronological order but it shows the work and changes!
I notice a new post under the title of “Posting Picture” and found a link to Ultraimg where I transferred photos simply and quickly. Unfortunately, all the photos are at the end of that listing and I have not been able to duplicate the process in this post. Aaaahhh! It’s an age thing but I am sure that if this free site turns out to be better than the dreaded Photob… then someone with more technical skill should be able to sort out the wrinkles?
Added note 1.7.17 Contact details for the bodywork finishers:-
Steve Clubb
POSTAL ADDRESS – SHC SHREWSBURY LTD UNIT 12, HAUGHMOND FARM WORKSHOPS, HAUGHMOND, SHREWSBURY, SY4 4RW. Tel: 01743 709633