6 replies to this topic

[ToddM]

Hi guys! Sorry to bother you all at this time of night but is there meant to be a gap between the inner sill and the rear quarter panel and storage bin on my '93 Sprite? I've seen several projects which had something like a jacking point in that corner and no hole that I can see but mine doesn't. The floor inside the rear bin sort of doesn't quite meet the quarter panel and I'm just unsure whether that's how they built them or that's just how they built my Friday afternoon special. I've had several spots where I saw no paint on mine and it had rusted through so have they cut corners with the welding too? The area concerned is circled in the pic below.
Thanks, Todd

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[1984mini25]

Nope they were all like that, it's just a closing/inner sill stiffener panel. Normally only spot welded to the underside of the door step, along the rear half of the inner sill and at the end of the rear arch closing panel.

[sonikk4]

With the quarter panel off this is what you would see. Its not a huge gap but there will be a gap none the less.

[ToddM]

Thanks guys. Recommend welding over the said gap?

[tiger99]

I don't see how you can weld that gap, without having a visible seam on the side panel, or three thicknesses of metal in the side seam, which might prevent the trim strip from fitting, and need the side panel flabge to be adjusted. It is not necessary for normal road use anyway. Theoreticaly, it does add strength, but there is sufficient already.

Don't let any of that stop you if you really do want to weld it, and can do it neatly, but I think your car will be quite unique.

[sonikk4]

No leave it as it is. Its been designed that way plus trying to weld that gap if not done properly could cause problems down the line.

[ToddM]

We'll see what happens. If I feel confident enough with my welding by the time I've finished the rear end I may give it a go!