Workshop Wednesday on a MX5 Arizona

We began by analysing the rear sill of the car to evaluate the volume and damage of the rust. Although we have seen worse you can tell below this rust needed eradicating before it really began to cause problems.

Damage Done

The rust on the inner sill was much more severe than the exterior, due to this we decided to replace the side panel completely. We attached a new panel, welded the joints in and added additional drain holes to the sills.

Replacing the rusted panel

Applying the preparatory coats

We first apply a primer coat prior to painting the side panel, this helps to add adhesion of paint to the surface as well as additional protection for the panel.

Anti-Stone Guard Coating

We apply anti-stone chip primer to the underside of the car, this is a plasticised coating that remains flexible so stones tend to 'bounce' off rather than chip the car.

Painting the Side Panel

In the above order we applied the following paint coats: 1st stage white basecoat, 2nd stage pearlescent basecoat, clear acrylic lacquer 1st coat and lastly the 2nd lacquer coat.

The Finished Product

Has your MX5 started developing rust/corrosion after many years driving on our salt-laden roads? Bring your car into our workshop in Doncaster and you could be featured in our next #WorkshopWednesday.

Here's our Slideshare of the project: http://www.slideshare.net/DanielLowry/workshop-wednesday-on-a-mx5-arizona-by-mx5-city