Skip to content
MOTRS

Midget

1961-1979 / Roadster / United Kingdom

All Midget problems All workshop issues
Minor Body and Structure

Sill Corrosion

Symptoms

The outer sill skin softens, bubbles, and crumbles. When prodded, it offers no resistance. In severe cases, the door drops when opened because the inner sill has lost its structural integrity.

Cause

The box-section sills trap water when drain holes block with road dirt and underseal. The corrosion works from inside out -- by the time exterior rust is visible, the inner sill may be seriously compromised. The Midget's sills are structural -- they carry bending loads and are integral to the monocoque.

Fix

  1. 1 Full sill replacement -
  2. 2 inner and outer sections. This requires stripping the affected area to bare metal, cutting out all corroded material, and welding new panels. Heritage repair panels are available and well-made. Cost: $1,200--2,500 per side
Cost mentioned in fix
Cost: $1,200

Know something we don't?

Owned a MG Midget? Share your experience with this issue. What worked, what didn't, costs, tips. Help the community.

Submit an update
// More Midget problems

Other known issues

Critical Body and Structure

Floor Pan Corrosion

Soft or perforated floors, particularly in the footwells. Wet carpets after rain. In extreme cases, visible road surface through the floor.
Minor Body and Structure

Rear Spring Hanger Deterioration

The rear leaf spring mounting points crack, distort, or tear away from the body under load.
Minor Body and Structure

Inner Wing and Suspension Turret Corrosion

The inner front wings around the front suspension top mounts corrode and thin.
Minor Engine -- A-Series (948, 1098, 1275)

Thrust Washer Wear (Crankshaft End-Float)

A metallic knocking or clunking noise from the front of the engine, particularly when the clutch is depressed or released. The clutch may feel different -- pedal travel changes, engagement point shifts.
Critical Engine -- A-Series (948, 1098, 1275)

Oil Leaks

Oil on the engine, oil on the ground, oil smell from the exhaust manifold.
Critical Engine -- A-Series (948, 1098, 1275)

Overheating

Temperature gauge climbs in traffic or on hot days. Coolant loss through overflow.
View all 17 Midget problems