- My model of MX-5 is: NA
- I’m based near: Cambridgeshire
- I’m looking for technical help or recommendations on: Rust on inner reinforcement panel behind structural sill
Hi all,
I had my four sill and arch areas cut and welded pretty well within the last 1.5 years, however on my passenger side rear I have found rust on the underside behind the pinch weld rocker panel area.
Putting a snake cam in a hole at this location has shown rust has returned within this area internally, but most significantly there is rust on the inner reinforcement panel, behind the usual structural sill.
(this is an example photo showing location)
I’ve been advised by a specialist that repairing this particular panel is challenging, as it is a structural enough part that the car would need a lot of bracing to prevent misalignment. He also advised against cutting and welding a section of this part due to how structural it is, recommending instead to replace the whole panel part down the length of the car, which would be a significant job. Unlike the more commonly repaired ‘structural sill’ part, it sounds like this inner reinforcement panel is also a component which isn’t available any more either aftermarket or from Mazda.
I’m wondering if anyone has had rust repairs on the inner reinforcement panel, as it seems to be more severe than the usual locations in this sill / arch area. If they have, I would be interested in how large the job was including if bracing and a whole panel replace was necessary, and what the cost ended up coming to.
If interested, the snake cam video can be accessed in the folder linked below
Many thanks in advance,
James
