Thread: 51 MG restoration.

Stripped her wings and things tonight.

She’s rather skinny when stripped down.

And so far, frame looks rusty but solid!

Had to cut off some hardware, but not all.
The bolts that hold the wings through the frame all came out cleanly so no British threaded hardware to chase down there!

Thank you mouse milk!

Have had very good luck with...Acetone mixed with Automatic Transmission Fluid ...for rusty bolts.

Originally Posted by nessmuck

Have had very good luck with...Acetone mixed with Automatic Transmission Fluid ...for rusty bolts.

If it works keep using it!

I knew a guy who swore by using brake fluid for removing rust but never tried it.

Ripped out the rest of the interior and carpets to really see what I’m up against.
Passenger door actually looks relatively untouched. Dig that wooden frame.

Drivers side and rear support, not so much.

And the butchery that took place on the firewall to fit the bigger engine is a shame I didn’t necessarily expect to be done so sloppy.

The guy was a pharmacist after all and kept meticulous notes.
Clearly didn’t have sheet metal finesse though.
The engine and tranny are mounted well and still have quite good mounts, but the tunnel work is awful.

Should look something like this when I’m done.


Cheers.

When's the English Wheel going to land?



The same outfit that sells the above 'Momma Bear' (yes there's a Poppa Bear and a Baby Bear) also has a video on making one and they also sell the build plans.

Thanks Roy, that may be needed indeed. And I heard that auto transmission fluid mixed with acetone works well.
A lot cheaper to make than the mouse milk is to purchase. Will have to mix some up when I run out.

Pulled the rear fenders and that’s where the nasty stuff resides. Figures as it’s such a trap point for moisture over the years.




All easy curves to remake, I think if I can figure out what gauge steel they used.
The cross tie brace will be more elaborate and invasive possibly.
May end up taking this apart side by side, while still on the car so as not to lose the references of the shape.
I heard many horror sorties of folks happily ripping these right apart only to not be able to build them up again without reference points for the doors gap and dash to door etc, so will probably leave the floor and firewall till the body is stron again.

Your best friends in this endeavour are---------------

Pictures-Pictures-Pictures-Measurements-Measurements-Measurements-Hand Drawings-Hand Drawings-Hand Drawings-Notes-Notes-Notes.

But you already know this! :

And Yes---I foresee an English Wheel in your near future. I find that Harbor Freight carries one but they no longer carry the wheels for it However the Eastman is only about $100 more with the wheels. The 'Baby' from the place I posted is in the range of the Eastman.

Just FYI

That is a very intense tear down Mike. What a job you got in front of you.

My goal of back on the road by December may be a stretch but it’s still 4 months away..

Originally Posted by MikeB52

My goal of back on the road by December may be a stretch but it’s still 4 months away..

Looks like a bigger job than that to me Mike,(but of course i've never done anything like that myself). I expect it will turn out swell though, wish i could go for a spin with you when it's done!