Rust in A pillar

paulau · Postby **paulau** » Tue Dec 27, 2022 4:00 pm

Hi all,

My MX5 has developed some rust in the A pillar beside the windscreen, the usual location for NA MX5's. It looks like moderate severity when you peak under the windscreen, but obviously, who knows once the windscreen is out.

Has anyone had this repaired recently? And if so, what was the experience like and ball pack cost?

Also, interested to hear any recommendations for a repairer in Melbourne?

I've had the car for about 17 years and plan to keep it long term.

Cheers,
Paul

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bruce · Postby **bruce** » Tue Dec 27, 2022 4:42 pm

I had mine repaired, minor bubbling, glass out (which broke but it needed replacing for RWC). It cost me $350 cash but included some minor other work.

greenMachine · Postby **greenMachine** » Tue Dec 27, 2022 7:59 pm

There's a lot of strengthening in there. Best catch the dreaded tinworm before it gets too bad, and hopefully plug the leak while you/they are at it - you don't want it coming back.

:mrgreen:

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Mon Jan 16, 2023 11:21 am

The rust in that spot is common as water like to sit there. Is that due to the window seal being imperfect from factory OR the seal deteriorates over time OR just the design in the pillar collects water within the frame?

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Mon Jan 16, 2023 4:41 pm

UK MX5 forums seem to think it's due to prior poor windscreen replacement which results in scratching A pillars. My understanding was when the doors are closed they compress the A pillar seal/drain, which prevents soft top drainage, which can result in water filling A pillar.

bruce · Postby **bruce** » Mon Jan 16, 2023 7:56 pm

My red mx5 had the rust and an original windscreen (badly stonechipped).

93_Clubman · Postby **93_Clubman** » Tue Jan 17, 2023 3:26 pm

Yeah, I'm not convinced that only NAs that have had a windscreen replacement where the A pillar has been scratched are the only ones to rust. They may contribute to the overall numbers by becoming more vulnerable to rust, but I think the issue was more to do with optimistic drainage design.

RedMX · Postby **RedMX** » Wed Jan 18, 2023 9:52 pm

As the other guys said, probably best to get it repaired when you have the chance to do so...
Both na6's ive owned over the years had shown rust in the lower "a" pillar/windscreen frame area. Seems to be a common area to find the old tin worm to be nibbling.

I've included a couple of pics of my old car that I had resprayed about 7 years ago. showing some rust in the window recess & the spot of high fill on the main surface of the "A" pillar frame. (Looks like I got it in the early stages & was a easy fix)