This is the photo that cgo posted, of the support strip fitted UNDER the body seam. When fitted this way, are there any little pockets formed that could be a mud/rust trap - esp. where it meets the beaver panel?

Probably somewhere between 3/70 (mine) and 7/70. See if others chime in

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1970 Mk2 Cooper S under restoration

Good point Bill, mine seems all good. Checked both sides. Maybe that's why they changed the fitment procedure. Technically, I would have less flare base to wheel clearance and the flares would be sitting lower on the body.

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1970 Mk2 Cooper S under restoration

Thanks, Peter.
Your photo of LHS backing strip doesn't seem to show any mud pockets. No more than usual, at least. Must have been shadows on the RH photo.