Spitfire A post rust repairs

[richhl]

I am looking for some help and hopefully repair sections for repairing the A post area from the inside of the car as the sills are as new both outer inner and stiffener.

The rusted area is on the lower A post inner part where the Upper A post column meets and is welded to it - with a nice V shaped water trap between the two parts. To cut out the rusted parts of the lower A post (also forms the inside wall of the front of the sill) I have had to cut and remove part of the Upper A post column on both sides (along with drilling out several spotwelds).

See photos.. To repair the rusted area I need to remove more of the A post column so, 

- Is there a repair section for the upper column area? I have not been able to find one. It would save a lot of time..

- The rusted part I will make the repair piece myself.

- Has anyone had this issue and tackled from the inside? 

Thanks in advance

Richard.

 

[Josef]

There is not a repair section for the upper a post. I suggest any cuts you do carefully and save as much of it as you can. But it’s not a terrible piece to make, that was one of the first ever patches I made for my Spitfire. I made a pretty crude wooden hammer form for the square hole, otherwise it’s just a few bends.
I did initially replace this section from the inside. It was extremely difficult as that footwell is smaaaallll! I would strongly recommend you remove the gearbox (and probably engine) so you can squeeze up between the chassis rails. Otherwise you’ll struggle to get the forward facing part of that a post welded back on. I was working through a hole where the floor should be, and it was very awkward.

Edited September 19, 2023 by Josef

[Josef]

See page 1 

for the a post repair. I think I still have the hammer form if a picture of that would help. 

[richhl]

Many thanks Josef, if needed I will remove the gearbox, but in principle it's just the inside face that needs welding

Here is the other side which had a lot less rot

[Josef]

Ah ok, when you were asking about repair sections for the upper a post, that made me think you were going to remove much more metal!