MGBGT question & surface rust

Oshbosh

Hi,

can anyone recommend a good way to remove surface rust on chrome ?

I've heard Silvo works but want to check first,

Also, when there is heavy rain my MG leaks a little around the sunroof, any ideas other than replacing the rubber seals ?

There is also a slight spray which comes into the drivers footwell, the rain is coming through the large vent on the bonnet and leaking down into the footwell behind the main center console. Is there meant to be a fine grille or something else perhaps under the vent to prevent this ?

thanks

Oshbosh

hannah00

Hi Oshbosh,

I have the same problem with my mgbgt. You can buy a fine filter for the vent. If you look on the mgoc website you will find them. You could get it delivered for less than €20. You could try a fine scotch brite for the surface rust. I would think that silvo would just polish over the rust. I also have the same problem with my sunroof. Is yours one of the webasto type or is it an after market add on?

COB MGV8

Try a product called Astonish - its a kitchen cleaner and is slightly abrasive, but if you are careful it gives you incredible results. I have an MGB GTV8 with the original chrome alloys and have managed to get 95% of the rust off them with this stuff. Make sure you keep it away from paintwork and use it carefully ! T-cut also have a product specifically for metal that you could also try.

If you are keeping your car outdoors and this is causing a problem with water getting in through the vent - try putting a cover on it. I found a product called "autopyjama" thats waterproof and breathable

Oshbosh

Hi Hannah,

thanks a million, i knew there must be something available to stop the rain getting in through that vent.

My sunroof is an aftermarket add on unfortunately, my last BGT had the webasto and it was like having a convertible, the best of both worlds, it didn't leak either. I guess replacing the seals is the best thing to do.

I looked up removing surface rust and there were a few recommendations, one was to use a household brillo/soap pad but to make sure and keep it moist as the soap would help prevent scratching, another was to use something like a kitchen cleaner and an old toothbrush, haven't tried either yet.

I have a few rust bubbles appearing in different places too, what's the best way to deal with these ?

cheers,

Oshbosh

Oshbosh

Hi,

thanks for the tip COB, can you buy that stuff anywhere ?

Hannah, if you can, could you point me to where you can buy one of these filters, i've been looking but can't find it, not sure exactly what its called which could the problem,

cheers

Osh

hannah00

Hi Oshbosh,

Heres the link to the correct page http://www.mgocspares.co.uk/acatalog/MGOC_Spares_FINISHERS_89.html

My sunroof is an after-market aswell & I have the same problem.

The only thing for the surface rust is to grind it off, apply a rust inhibitor, fill & respray.

Where are you based??

COB MGV8

Its available in hardware shops or have a look in the cleaning section in the supermarket

Oshbosh

thanks everyone for your help, Hanna i am in Dublin, Ringsend area, where are you ?

Oshbosh

Hi Hanna,

spoke to Brooklands in Belfast and they told me that the rain spray in the footwell can be caused by a 'drain', which can get clogged with dirt, leaves etc, so its not just a case of putting the filter, which i think will definitely help but to prevent it totally requires clearing this drain which apparently can be difficult, here's what they said

"the top vent on the front scuttle in front of the windscreen narrows and goes into a tube which is used as a drain, for want of a better word. Air gets in and is distributed through vents inside the car, but the water, leaves etc can go down to the tube and if it gets blocked, that's when you will get the odd 'splash' . The bottom of the vent you look into from the outside you will see is like a box section and then down to the side is the 'drain'. It goes into the shell of the car which is the reason it is difficult to clear. I have not done this myself but have heard many an enthusiast and mechanic use blue expletives when describing trying to clear it. "

cheers
Osh

COB MGV8

I was also considering one of these filters on my mgb but decided against it in case it reduced the amout of hot air escaping from the engine compartment. My engine runs very hot !

Eric318

The air vent in front of the windscreen has a drain that exits near the gearbox, When that drain gets clogged you get water in the car. If you dont unclog it, it is the beginning of the end...

For chrome, buy steel wool at any supermarket, for €2, or steal it from your wife's kitchen: she uses it to get her pots to shine. Nothing works better for less money.

Tiny water leaks are easily kept at bay by soaking your car in WD40

eamon234

WD-40 is quite good for rust on chrome if you buff it well

RoundyMooney

It's not the chrome itself that rusts, chrome is just a shiny coating

If there are bubbles or spots on the bumper, polishing may work but they'll only come back. I suppose you could maybe try a coat of lacquer to prevent this, it may work for a while. If there is rust behind the bumper though, you're better off looking for new ones. (Even if there isn't, a coat of primer will be no harm at all). Plenty of companies across the water do bits for MGs and others (Moss for one), but I don't know how good the quality is, okay I assume or they wouldn't sell.