Talk Morgan Forums Morgan Sports Cars Classic Morgans (pre-CX) Chassis corrosion to 2015 onward cars

Hi,it came to my attention last year while servicing various customer cars that and only on the non galvanised chassis cars(2015 to the end of production)that corrosion was creeping out of the strengthening panel under the washer bottle,after investigation and one customer allowing me to cut the panel off I found a lot of corrosion and can only assume the panel/chassis wasn’t painted with a weld though primer before being welded on,I have repaired three cars now and all low mileage,only real option is to cut the old panels off and repair properly,

What a surprise. Mmc saving money and down grading quality

That is a total shocker...... corners cut, pennies pinched........ at MMC........ unbelievable.........😂😂😂

I really hope it's not another chassis scandal on the scale of the 3W fiasco.....???
Hopefully a one off.... or maybe two.... perhaps three.......🤷🏻‍♂️

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To those who are unable or unwilling to take studious care of the chassis this is a real concern. I regularly inspect particularly after each winter for the slightest sign of rust streaks which shows up well against the black underseal. Such areas on chassis as mentioned above and usually where extra welded strengthening has been performed on chassis get treated with ACF50, indeed any gap does. For cavities and box sections with access I also use aerosol wax oil available clear or mixed with black paint, tenacious stuff given how difficult it is to get off your hands. Note the 3.7 Roadsters, and maybe the 5 link ones more so, with need for greater strengthening likely require greater vigilance. Mark's pictures below.





The introduction of electrophoretic coating after chassis was completed was just a cost saving over galvanising IMO. Sadly the ensuing corrosion is unlikely to be limited to one or two cars.

Ouch !!! Thanks for sharing this Information ..

That's a terrible shame, takes you back to the pre galvanised chassis days and the common inner wing corrosion etc and the need for periodic chassis replacement.

Whilst I admire the dedication and hands on approach of many on here, I just want to drive and enjoy my Morgan, not find more and very necessary areas to continually be vigilant about. It certainly appears that some progress has taken a serious step backwards. Some of these cars are now over 10 years old, many are low mileage and live a very cossetted life, rarely exposed to salt and despite all that they have this festering away. If ever you needed an example of built in automotive obsolescence, here is a prime example.

Gadzukes!!! Now that's certainly a retrograde step. I had always doubted MMC claims about the duraability and effectiveness of a paint finish. This is so reminiscent of Land Rover and why they refused to galvanise the Defender chassis'. Their excuses were ridiculous and proved to be so by after market suppliers.

I very nearly changed my current plus 4, registered 2010 and a 100 year heritage car for a ARP4 as I had had an association with Cosworth through working with Ford But DaveW's reports on his chassis (2016 plus4) rang the alarm bells for me so I backed out at the last minute!

I think I've made myself clear previously as to why I'm not a CX platform man. Main point being I like the Traditional drive that first attracted me to Morgan. So, I expect to hang on to my current car, For it to be my final car. I can't fault it, the performance is more than adequate for my driving style and location and it's a beautifully fettled car and being a heritage year of some significance was well put together in the first place with all the extra options too!

Just to add all of the cars are low mileage,the mileage doesn’t really have much to do with it as if the metal wasn’t treated before being welded on,it will rust regardless between the panels,I have another car in the workshop today with the same issue,if anyone wants to see a more detailed pictures have a look on my facebook page
Middleton motor services morgan sports car specialist

I hear what Richard is saying about the regular maintenance aspect of Trad ownership, and yes, some general housekeeping is certainly necessary.......
'Most' modern Morgan owners aren't going to be inspecting every inch of their cars, especially if they hardly drive them......

However.... the rust in picture 2 is outrageous for a low mileage 'cosseted' Morgan. It wouldn't look out of place on a farmers abused Land Rover........🤷🏻‍♂️

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My CX IMHO drives like a Morgan, it actually feels more like a go cart, point and go, just less of a challenging and a more compliant ride. If it didn't encapsulate the feel of a Morgan, the sensation of sitting low and close to the rear axle, the long bonnet,a cossetting cockpit I would have put my money into some other convertible. I find them easier to live with on a day to day basis, still got its fair share of draughts, misting up instruments and character with a few more mod cons.

I'm certainly glad I bought mine as I was seriously considering a brand new Works Edition Plus 4.........thank goodness I came across my CX as these chassis issues coupled with GDI engine would have been completely wrong for me and my level of resistance to having to get my hands dirty..