Swage under rear window - how to repair

[nslocomotives2]

Hi I have a question about how to repair this swags how has someone else tackled this repair I have a lot of bodywork to do and this is the most worrying pet for me as I'm not sure how to approach this repair.[frame][/frame]

[Redmoggy]

Depends partly on your skill set. You have several natural seams to work with that could make life easier.

Below the swage line is a spot welded seam that attaches the roof and either side of the scuttle are spot welded seams attaching the scuttle to the rear quarter panels. These seams can be seen by looking up from inside the boot.

Find a scrap car with a useable scuttle. Cut the panel out oversize and then carefully unpick the spot welds to give you a complete scuttle.

Take measurements of your boot aperture and unpick your old panel. Spot weld drills are available to make this job simpler. With the scuttle removed you can now asses that bit of rot in the swage and hopefully effect a patch repair using a section from your donor car.

Clamp your new panel in place, check measurements, fit your boot lid and fettle to get the gaps right. Plug weld the panel into place using the spacing of the original spot welds.

Bobs your Uncle.

Regards
Rod

[bmcecosse]

Finding a donor LBM car may not be so easy....

[mike.perry]

Any post 1950 Minor saloon will do as you only need a small section

[kennatt]

first you need to grind it all off to see how bad the damage is,cut out the minimum amount you can,get rid of all the rot behind the panel with whatever rust killer you want to use,then weld in a new piece,the only location you need to worry about is the boot hinge .Then fill and finish. I don't think I would be even thinking about trying to replace the whole panel far too much work.finding a donor,taking it off without damage and then refitting .

[gtt1951]

Finding a donor LBM car may not be so easy....

Roy, this is a 4-door, so no LBM.
George.