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MG Midget and Sprite Technical - Midget panel replacement costs

I am keen to know the possible removal and replacement costs for some panels on my 74 mg midget. Rear wing rear section lower panel including floor extension. The car is stripped to a bare shell and I can transport anywhere. Separately, the front suspension mounts on both sides need replacing. Again everything is stripped off so easy access. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Based in the Midlands.

Thank you.., parts already purchased.
I M Bingham

Having just gone through this after an old woman "did not see your nice little car", the basic cost is going to be an hourly rate for cutting out the old panels and welding in the new panels, then doing any necessary work to make them fit together as well as possible. (Remember, they did not fit all that well when originally manufactured and selective assembly to give the best possible fit was the rule back then.) Thus, you can determine how much the cost of each sectional repair is be getting an estimate of the number of hours required to do the work and multiplying it by the shop rate of the individual doing the work. There were, years ago, shop rate manuals for body work just as there have always been shop rate manuals for mechanical work. If you can find a copy, that should give you a rough idea of the costs involved. Many find that the significant costs involved make it worth their time to purchase a welding machine, learn to weld, and do the work themselves.

If you decide to have the work done for you, it is a good thing to get recommendations from a number of people--other drivers, mechanics who do general repair, and other body shops. (The original style of paint, one that does not use a "clear coat", is not applied by many shops in my area. By talking to several body shops, there were a few recommendations for people who did specialize in the classic automobiles and applied paint similar to what was used when the cars were new. I picked the one I was most comfortable working with and who had good working knowledge of MGs rather than only classic American cars.)

Good luck with the project. Les
Les Bengtson

Just looking at the price of that panel, £162. A lady reversed into mine. I asked her for the money for a new panel, £23 in the 90's. I did the work myself, I already had the other stuff. I felt a bit sorry for her and I didn't want other people messing with the car.
L Langley


Not exactly advertising, more of a recommendation, but will remove if it breaks any rules...

But my mate's place Rust Republic may give a provisional quote from good photos.

He is in Nottingham, but regularly collects and drops off cars around the country.

He has web page/Facebook/etc to show his current and previous work, and with his contact details.

No vested interest, other than he is a good friend, but I have entrusted my very low mileage 2003 MX5 to him.

Regards,

Phil
K

This thread was discussed between 06/09/2020 and 08/09/2020

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