Morris Minor Owners Club

Now that all the mechanical issues are sorted (I hope ) with the car I'm thinking about getting it resprayed.

Took it to a bodyshop today and got a really good price

They guy recommended though that I replace the rear nearside wing before the respray. Recons I'll have to replace it in a year or so anyway so it'll be a waste spraying the current one

What I want to know is what people's opinions are on whether I should get a metal or fibreglass replacement? And where can I get one from?

the fibreglass ones seen to have a habit of crazing but That might be stoppable by boubling the thickness with more fibreglass.

The metal ones are expensive but if you can afford it then it will give you that warm fuzzy feeling that everything is right.

If your car has the high cut rear wings then you would be better repairing what you've got, if possible, as high cut wings are not available. The other option is to modify a later wing but that could be just as expensive as repairing the old. If you've already got the later wings fitted then a new pattern rear will cost you about £50 which ain't a lot of money really....

Too dark to go and take a pic now but can anyone tell by this pic whether my wings are the early or later type?

Yes they are the proper high arch ones fitted to MM and series 11 minors. Esm list them but are currently sold out
http://morrisminorspares.co.uk/shop/pro ... 7bd9ec50e2
It might be worth trying club spares to see if they have any, or repair yours! Definately try to keep the original style.

I think I'll see what can be done with mine then. Might cost me a bit more because the guy will have to spend more of his time repairing the wing instead of just spraying a new one I've fitted. I think It'll be worth it though

I don't think they are beyond repair (there's an uneven bit of paint at the top that needs rubbing down where the person who filled it before the last respray just put filler on and didn't rub it back and a patch of rust near the bottom by the rear door). I think the guy at the body shop just wants it to be an easy job

It don't look like there is much wrong with that wing at all.... If you were told that needed replacing I would seriously consider what kind of quality you are gonna get from a respray of him ;-)

It's actually the other wing that he recommened replacing but I don't have a picture of that side and it's too dark to take one

My sister-in-law's company car is in with them having a complete respray at the moment so I'll see what that turns out like then make my decision whether to get it sprayed by them

From what I can see of your car, it looks wonderful - I love that dark green colour, almost identical to my Stag's BRG.

You get up close and you can see all the scabby bits. Looks okay in photos but when you look closely in person you can see them (shouldn't have said that should have left everyone feeling jealous of my car )

The awful rushed paintjob that was done on it by the previous owner is really letting it down. I'll be much happier when he's all nice and shiny looking again

Took a few pics of the actual wing that is in question and close ups of the worst areas. Take a look and tell me what you think please guys. Can it be saved?

Overall view



Bottom of wing where it meets the rear door



Around the lights (obviously )

I would try and get that repaired. Unless you can get one from club spares.

NOS is worth it whatever the asking price. (in my opinion, as the "new" high cut rear wings are modified later ones)

Can anyone suggest a "damn decent" long term repair other than fibre glass and filler? Particularly one that would work for MColes here.

Get someone with some decent panel beating skills to repair it.

He may be able to get a later wing and use parts of it, to make repair sections.

It's not easy welding at all though, lots of curves.

If you poke it with a screwdriver, carefully!!! Does it push through? These wings are made from heavy gauge steel and I found on the lowlight that the surface rust could be cleaned right back to bare metal, treated for rust and were fine for painting. I would recommend that if they are sound loosing them off and cleaning right back to bare metal before getting it painted as most paint shops are just going to to do a quick blowover of paint. Its also a good idea to replace the beading as it looks better not painted IMO!

IaininTenbury may be able to help - hes a full time restorer and may have some ideas.

The wing will need to come off for repair - and you need to be prepared for whatever lies underneath. I wouldn't rush into a re-spray right now - wait and see what else needs repairing, then decide what budget you can afford - including the weld repairs!

I'm still seeing a repair here... The only problem you may find is the fixing flange has suffered and rotted too which is a bit more involved but not impossible to repair. Maybe best to get the wing off and assess the inner wing and flange too. May as well do the job properly now than have to do it again in the next year or so....

Can't help worrying about anyone who would quote a paint job at a reasonable price with that rot in the wing. Given that to remove it will almost certainly show more horrors, was he going to doctor it "in-situ"? Sort any rust, even tiny bits, out before going near a paint shop, or pay for the consequences one way or another!

I agree. It would be a shame for a new paint job to be spoiled a few months later by some more rust showing through.