Inner wing removal...

So having decided to replace the inner wing I needed to get the old one off. Starting at the front I removed the spot welds by carefully drilling them out.

At the rear I needed switch from the outside to the inside for some of the spot welds - when have the new panel I may need to fill some of the holes and drill others for the plug welds.

At the top of the wing a section is sandwiched between the turret flange the top outer wing fixing point. I presume I will need to modify the new panel when fitting.

With the old panel removed I can now see the work to done on rusty area behind the turret, the now inner wing with also give me good metal to weld if required.

3hrs

Inner front wing...

I had fun with the 'descaler' - found lots of rust around inner wing and turret.

Looks like the two inner wing 'support brackets' that are spot welded to the inside of the turret (damper side) is the result of all the rusting - well done Triumph!

I think the best way forward is to replace the whole inner wing which gives me good metal to weld to especially when repairing the hole in the engine bay behind the turret and this also gives a good arch edge to work to when repairing the wing arch or lead loading.

Couple of small holes either side of turret – I will cut out squares and use the flanger on patches so they are not visible after painting.

2hrs

Wing removed...

Continued today with removing the wing, a few spot welds were fun but got there in the end.

Compared to other 7's I've seen it's not bad at all - the inner arch is rusted in 2/3 places on the wheel arch which I know about.

Rust at the top either side of the turrets welds, but now I can get to them easily from both sides (inner wing and engine bay).

Also rust holes in the sill thats was hinden behind the lower back wing which I would have never seen.

The wing itself is in petty good shape - the wheel arch is ok, but the edge is thin and not a very good were you would run your hand around.

I now need to decide on patches/repair panels required once I've cleaned off the rust.

2hrs

Front offside wing...

Ok new year, new start!

Body panels are next on the agenda starting with the front off side wing. Lots of discussions about if and what to do - repair in place, remove, repair panels etc.

Started by looking at the donor car which has had both wings replaced at some point but already very rusty. Decided not to practice on these as didn't look like mine anyway. The welding seemed very different.

As I've never done any body repair like this before – it would in at the deep end.

Using a cutting disc and spot weld drill I’ve made a started to the top, then removing the three bolt at the rear and unbolting the front upper section from the headlight panel.

Not a bad start...

3hrs

K&N number 2 arrived...

So my good friend came over for Christmas with the other filter. A 50% saving on UK prices just took 2 months to get them - hey no rush away!

Looking good...