Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Panel Split - Centenary Roadster

Well at least it looks like they don’t all do that, doesn’t seem like anyone else has suffered the same misfortune.

Having re-read mine and the op post, as instructed, I now exercise my prerogative and change my mind..... I know you’re not allowed to do that on the internet, but I do that a lot, it’s quite liberating.

V8 Dave has my sympathies and since he didn’t want a free repair, the factory has missed an easy resolution. Some helpful insights as to the many reasons why the crack could appear, would have been simple to provide.

I doubt anybody could offer the actual explanation, without dismantling the car, it’s an
“ how long is a piece of string?” type question.

After eight years, I’d be surprised if it’s just a thin area on the panel, are you sure there isn’t some extra twisting of the chsssis or the wooden frame going on? Is something else broken or detached?
My car has seen some very bumpy and uneven roads, it creaks, shakes and squeaks in protest, but so far, no cracks.

I may be wrong , but I don't think there is a weld in that area. Thought the panel was a one sheet folded over the ash frame. it's possible the bend had been overworked and become brittle.

Would agree. Localised work hardening of the aluminium on the bend will have left a stress point which when allied to thinness in that area allowed eventual breaking of the material.

The fabrication rules want that the foldings must be done perpendicular to the rolling direction of the metal sheet in order to avoid shearing.

Metal sheets are rolled during their manufacturing and generally you can see the line marks of the rollers.

After removing the spare wheel, take a mirror and check if you cant see inside some marks related to the rolling direction of the metal sheet. If they are parallel to the split it could be an explanation.

Check also the pressure of the hood on the sheet when locked.

Sadly it doesn't me either. Being ignored when you have a query, problem etc is extemely frustrating - I speak from experience!
I have to say though, in 40 years of owning Morgans, I haven't always found it to be like this.

A very useful observation .


It's certainly not on a welded area as was suggested.

All we can do is speculate on possible causes. To be more certain there would need to be a proper investigation/examination of the failure.
Metallurgical failure analysis is usually straight forward. Mostly visual as the “look” of the fracture surfaces is often enough. Metallography(microscope viewing) may be necessary to get fuller evidence. Also physical/chemical analysis tests. Unlikely that MMC has the ability for this so outsourcing needed. If the fault is a one-off then unlikely to be pursued.
More common cracking issues seem to be headlight cowl and front wing stay(from wingtop sidelight) areas.

The best thing about it all is it's the first (declared during my 9 years on TM) one of this type of failure, which considering the quantity of Classics produced is pretty damn good for a hand crafted car, unless it happens to be yours of course.

Yes it is....

MMC welds that section up, and then linishes the weld flat again
It would be a sod to shrink the excess metal out if it was panel beaten

Simon @ SiFab.co.uk

Thanks for clearing that one up, always happy to be corrected.