1959 MGA 1600. Decided to tackle the front left hand wing (fender) headlamp surround area. This area has obviously had repairs by a previous owner. It appears that a new headlight ring had been welded in but with some dubious metal to the left hand side which I initially thought I could patch. This just didn't work out, like trying to weld tinfoil and was just making matters worse.

Something also just didn't look quite right, when I ran a large straight edge across the headlamp area (wing to wing) the left hand ring was pushed back rearward. This was also confirmed as I couldn't get a new headlamp bowl to fit flush.

I should have a go at fabricating a proper repair panel to bring everything back into line. Having never done anything like this before, I attempted to make a ply wood buck which would incorporate half of the headlamp ring, retaining the flange joint above the side lamp. Trying to recreate the compound radius return edge where the bad metal was. This was far from an easy task, trying to judge the radius edge largely by eye and sanding the curve on the buck. After no less than 4 failed attempts, I finally got a repair section tacked in place. Pretty pleased and relieved with the outcome so far.

Some more pics. Found an old front valance on ebay which is now temporarily fitted to the car.

Just got it welded and tidied up. Hopefully when it comes to body finishing and a light skim of filler the repair will be invisible. Also replaced 1 x welded caged nut for fastening the valance in this area.