Sill repair South West- Total MX5 and the MX5 restorer?

[MG-FIDO]

Hi all,

I touched on this subject a few years ago when my Mk1 Eunos VR Ltd failed it's MOT on both rear sills. Unfortunately a house move, lots of DIY, family illness and two children coming along have meant I'm only just looking to get the car back on the road now.

Google searches seem to bring up Mark at Total MX5 in Barry and Garath at the MX5 restorer and I wondered if anyone had any experiences of work done by these guys, particularly long term experiences?

Total MX5 would be about 2 hours closer each way for me (I live near Chippenham, just South of the M4 between Bristol and Swindon) but I'm willing to travel within reason for a top job. Any other recommendations would also be welcome.

Thanks for any thoughts.

[ResQ1]

I'll happily recommend Mark at Total MX5 repairs.

He knows his stuff and is reasonably priced as well. Very honest, straightforward and doesn't mess you around.

i took a previous mx5 to him for work (inc rust repairs to sills) and other repairs probably over a £1000 all in, Mark looked at the car and rather than take my money, told me that although it could be repaired, it wasn't worth repairing as within about 6 months it would need more rust repairs in places I (nor the MOT garage) had spotted.

He's done all the work on my VR Ltd (that replaced the above MX5) for the last 7 years, and I travel from London to Barry for him work on my car.

[Sad Weevil]

I had my mk1 done at SGH Bodyworks in Bristol. He's done loads of them over the years, not the cheapest but excellent work. Discount for owners club members too.

https://www.sghbodyworks.co.uk

[El Zomba]

I can highly recommend the MX5 Restorer. Their work doesn't come cheap, but they do the job properly and their reputation is built on that. They've had my custom for years. If you haven't looked yet, their YouTube channel 'Lights Up, Lights Down' shows plenty of examples of the work they do; Sills and arches are their bread and butter.

[Sbloxxy]

Regarding the longer term factor, via my business selling MX5s, I've had 2 or 3 cars in that have previously been repaired by The MX5 Restorer and I have to say that the standard of work is very impressive indeed. Not necessarily the cheapest from what I hear but then a good quality sill repair is a very labour intensive job.

My own RS-Ltd Mk1 has had its sills repaired by The MX5 Restorer (before I bought it) and again its a nice standard of workmanship.

[MG-FIDO]

Thanks for the replies guys, gives me something to think about. I'm half tempted to get a welder and give it a go myself given the potential for unforeseen expenses turning up but whether that's realistic with a 2 year old and a 6 month old is another thing!

[TVRees]

MG-FIDO said:

...... I'm half tempted to get a welder and give it a go myself

I did just that. With little practical experience, but some knowledge of how to do the job, I did both sides. It wasn't a difficult job, it took some time and now 3 years on, still pleased with the results.
If everything is prepared, you could hire a welder for a day or two.
Preparation is very important. Cut out really all of the rusty bits and cut and shape the new replacement steel plates in advance.

[MG-FIDO]

TVRees said:

I did just that. With little practical experience, but some knowledge of how to do the job, I did both sides. It wasn't a difficult job, it took some time and now 3 years on, still pleased with the results.
If everything is prepared, you could hire a welder for a day or two.
Preparation is very important. Cut out really all of the rusty bits and cut and shape the new replacement steel plates in advance.

Thanks for the encouragement, I'd been reading about welder options and have probably spent more than I should have but took advantage of the last 30 minutes of the R Tech 10% off Christmas offer last night to buy one, so this was just the message I wanted to come down to this morning.

[Hol]

We had our rear sills and front chassis repaired by MX5 restorer.

They did a brilliant job and even colour matched a new boot spoiler for us.

[TVRees]

MG-FIDO said:

Thanks for the encouragement, I'd been reading about welder options and have probably spent more than I should have but took advantage of the last 30 minutes of the R Tech 10% off Christmas offer last night to buy one, so this was just the message I wanted to come down to this morning.

Let me know if you need any advice. Over the Xmas period, I'll try to PM you some pictures of my efforts.

[MG-FIDO]

TVRees said:

Let me know if you need any advice. Over the Xmas period, I'll try to PM you some pictures of my efforts.

That's very kind of you and the pics would be great.

[T5SOR]

I’m currently considering The MX5 Restorer to do the sills/arches on my S2000. It’s a similar construction to the MX5 and rusts in a similar way!

It’s good to see they are recommended by previous customers.