Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Morgan Aero 8, 2012< Plus 8, SuperSports, Coupe & Aeromax Corrosion concerns

Whilst Aero models are quite rare I have now managed to have a detailed look over a few including two Max's.

The amount of corrosion under the paint concerns me, the Max's were both '09 models one French and the other English but they had bubbling under the paint around the lights, along the running boards and wings. I saw a S1 Aero at the Regent St car show on Satuday and it was in poor condition, granted 12 years old now!

My question is do they only deteriorate like this when used in all weathers including the dreaded salt? or would they gradually go this way over time regardless?

My car shows no signs at the moment, I don't take it out in the wet but if I get caught out in the rain then it's no big deal.

My S3 had same issues in much the same places plus more within the first year. The car was returned to the factory under warranty and virtually resprayed. Needless to say that the same problems recurred within 18 months and I believe now as Aero owners it is something we have to live with. The issue is under the paint and is more likely to be some sort of reaction in the aluminium that is not associated with salt.

I plan to have panels resprayed as and when the stone chips get too bad and hopefully the corrosion can be repaired again then. I would be interested to hear of any other solutions

I have not seen any corrosion on mine, although only 4 months of ownership of a S1. I have seen it on quite new Morgan classics within our club, the panels beneath the doors, adjacent beading, especially the corners. The rubbing of panels against each other removing paint and protection seems to bring it on. Some put oil along the beading on a monthly basis to drive out moisture in these areas.

None apparant on my S3 to date

My last S1 yellow car had not corrosion nor does my current S1 but then its only done 3k however I did have to have the nose repainted after going out last year on a dry day but salt residue was still around.

Salt and aluminium is a nightmare.

I saw an S3 a few weeks ago and it was plastered in corrosion,

I would dearly love to use mine in all weather but I know what will happen.

I have filled the panel piping and any edges with waxoyle.(SP?)

I've also seen lots of door interior leather panel damage too so I covered the inside of the panel with plastic sheet as well as creating a membrane on the door itself.

Mine has some bubbles on the near side under the door where the rubber meets. Drivers door is fine.
Come to the conclusion needs to be dried with chamey before leaving in the garage.

Trouble is its not on the surfaces where its rots

A chamois won't get the dampness out of the crooks and crannies. You'll need an airline and a dehumidified garage at least otherwise the dampness will stay there all winter long

I'm a cheerful chap I must admit

My S3 which is now almost 6 years since build has some bubbling round rear lights, and a few small bubbles on rear wheel arch trailing edges plus a bit at bottom of rear wheelarches. But looks great from most angles and the bubbling is fairly minor.

Mind you, car is kept in garage, cleaned regularly and carefully looked after of course. Overall cost of ownership is low compared with most alternatives, by a country mile. We do have to be realistic! Underneath looks A1, and I don't see any reason why car should need more than just paint attention for next 10 years or so. I'm more than happy with the minor overall deterioration, even though none would be preferred.

I presume this a small issue for all Morgans not just the Aero ?

It's an issue for any aluminium car. My Honda Insight had bubbling and their standards are pretty exacting. As above you need to get rid of salt and have a proper dehumidified garage to stand a fighting chance.