Pedal Problems

I've run into one small problem.  The replacement floor pans I installed have a depression in the floor (like the original), but the depression is centered and not offset.  The result: The gas pedal doesn't fit.

After some discussion on the MG Experience, I decided I'd make a small shelf that would allow the pedal to bolt in where it belongs.  The alternative was to switch to a later style "hanging" pedal, but that doesn't look right to me.

So, I made a template out of cardboard:

  

Then I replicated it in metal, fit the pedal where it needed to be, and welded nuts to the underside so I could bolt it down once the shelf was welded in place.

 

Then, I welded it in place:

 

 

 
Now, the pedal fits where it should.  At least, I think it fits there.  Boy, I hope it's right.  I went from measurements folks gave me. The pedal has the right amount of travel and moves easily, so I think I'm in the right spot.

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It's Filler Time!

As previously mentioned, it's cooled down just enough for me to consider getting back to body work.  So I decided, why not?

I spent some time straightening and removing high spots in the metal on the rear fenders, doors, and driver's side front fender before trying again.  I also fixed the passenger's door so it didn't wobble up and down when you leaned on it.

I learned a lot about heat-shrinking metal while I worked on the rear fenders.  The area by the door was thin, had bulges and would "oil-can" (pop in and out like the top of an oil can).  After heat-shrinking the metal was nice and tight, and much closer to the right shape.

This time, I'll skim coat pretty much the entire car and make things nice.

I got a start on the drivers side...

This time, it's much closer with less effort.  Not bad for a first go.

By noon, it was too hot to continue... so I'm hoping it cools off again this weekend.  Lows of 76 degrees on Sunday sound promising.

My goal is to have the filler work done by mid October so I can schedule primer and paint work.  I WILL get this car done!

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Inner Wing Work

It's cooling off... slowly... it's only hot enough to make you think your feet are burning instead of actually cooking them.  So I got some garage time in and worked on something that's been bugging me for a while: the passenger's inner fender.

The passenger's side of the car got twisted up somehow long ago and it's not quite right (though it's close, and the car tracked straight, so I can live with it).  When I welded in the inner fender, something got wonky and the passenger's outer fender would rub up against it.  It turns out it was shifted by almost 3/4" from where it should be.

Not much I can do about it now, other than to CUT THE THING UP!  So that's what I did.  I ended up cutting about 1/2" out of the inner fender and welding it back together.  It fits a lot more closely now and doesn't rub on the outer fender.

Here's what it looks like from the front.  You can see the passenger's inner wing is now much more closely positioned to match the driver's side.

 

I have to do some cleanup, but it's almost there.  It has vexed me since I first took the car apart, and now it vexes ME no more!

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