Repairing dented or rusted Mazda MX-5 frame rails

By LCM LCM
2 min read
Mazda MX-5 ingedeukte of verroeste frame rails herstellen

The frame rails on a Mazda MX-5 NA and NB are the first point of contact with a high threshold, especially on a lowered Mazda MX-5. Even original MX-5s sometimes encounter a threshold or driveway where the frame rails touch the ground. Unfortunately, this can cause significant damage to the frame rails, which eventually leads to rust.

Cracked or heavily rusted frame rails can result in MOT failure.

After being asked several times if we could repair this and if repair panels were available, we developed them ourselves.

It was important that the original bolt holes, drainage holes, and dimensions matched the original to achieve an OEM-like result. However, it was decided to make the repair panels for the Mazda MX-5 frame rails from a thicker material than original: 1.5mm instead of 1mm. This provides more stiffness in the chassis and better protection for the frame rails upon contact with the road surface…

The repair panels have a distance of 40mm between the plug welds for an OEM-like appearance (OEM is 40-50mm). Please note that in the Netherlands, this officially needs to be 20mm for the MOT. If necessary, drill extra holes in the repair panel yourself.

The original frame rails are spot-welded approximately every 40-50mm. These can be easily drilled out, after which the sheet metal can be split with a hammer and chisel. In many cases, it is easier to replace the entire section of the frame rail.

The new frame rail repair panel can be pressed against the floor of the Mazda MX-5 with a jack or brick support. This immediately shows whether the floor is still perfectly flat. If not, the floor should first be flattened with a plastic or sheet metal hammer before welding the Mazda MX-5 frame rail repair panel, so that the repair panel fits properly everywhere.

After welding, we always use a body seam sealer to seal the seams. A Dinitrol stone chip coating ensures that the frame rail repair panel is well protected against weather influences, and finally, the Mazda MX-5 frame rails are treated from the inside with a Dinitrol cavity wax. All of this gives the repair an OEM appearance and good rust-preventing properties.

Does this sound like a job you can handle yourself? Order a Mazda MX-5 Frame Rail Repair Panel easily via the link below:

If you'd prefer us to carry out this work? Feel free to send an email via the contact form or call us.