UK expat 911 now in Australia - this may become a long one
Discussion
Well, just got back from the garage, they are waiting for the bracket for the anti roll bar, but while they had the car, i asked them to diagnose the rest of the rust issue in the suspension. turns out it is not so bad. my rust is basically all cosmetic. They are now going to remove the suspension components afflicted and they will be sand blasted and powder coated so when I get it back the underside of the car will look a million bucks. Sorry I couldn't take photos the car wasn't on the hoist but will get some when the work is done.
While I was there he showed me another '88 911 they had in that had 'grown up' somewhere they salt the roads etc and that car made mine look concours. serious rust holes in the floor and other bits and pieces, scary. I still have the rocker panel rust to attend to eventually but one step at a time.
Also had a discussion about costs for a 993 Varioram engine conversion
While I was there he showed me another '88 911 they had in that had 'grown up' somewhere they salt the roads etc and that car made mine look concours. serious rust holes in the floor and other bits and pieces, scary. I still have the rocker panel rust to attend to eventually but one step at a time.
Also had a discussion about costs for a 993 Varioram engine conversion
Aused said:
Especially now as I find the rust that was mentioned in the PPI as being not bad, actually appears to me to be pretty bad. The right rocker, B pillar area will need the usual work and also some suspension parts are quite rusted.
This is interesting issue over rust because my friend just sold an absolutely mint and low milage (about 60k) 2004 BMW M3 (E46 Model) to someone in australia and it arrived there about 4 weeks ago now.Edited by Aused on Tuesday 2nd August 11:34
This M3 was a daily school run driver but mint, always cleaned every week, waxed regular, well looked after, always garaged when not being driven.
They Aussie buyer has, since the car arrived, been emailing my friend to 'mention' (not really complain as such) that the car is 'rotten' in his words, underneath.
He is saying there is loads of rust showing on pretty much all the underside metalwork and components, and very slight bubbling here and there when inspecting the return lips of the arches.
His emails seem to suggest he is somewhat shocked at the level of corrosion, when in my and my friends opinion, it is a case of "what corrosion?"
Every car I've ever seen up on some ramps has been covered with minor surface rust underneath... thats just what happens when they get wet!
Do you think there is a difference in perception between Aussie owners and UK owners as to what normal rust is?
NinjaPower said:
This is interesting issue over rust because my friend just sold an absolutely mint and low milage (about 60k) 2004 BMW M3 (E46 Model) to someone in australia and it arrived there about 4 weeks ago now.
This M3 was a daily school run driver but mint, always cleaned every week, waxed regular, well looked after, always garaged when not being driven.
They Aussie buyer has, since the car arrived, been emailing my friend to 'mention' (not really complain as such) that the car is 'rotten' in his words, underneath.
He is saying there is loads of rust showing on pretty much all the underside metalwork and components, and very slight bubbling here and there when inspecting the return lips of the arches.
His emails seem to suggest he is somewhat shocked at the level of corrosion, when in my and my friends opinion, it is a case of "what corrosion?"
Every car I've ever seen up on some ramps has been covered with minor surface rust underneath... thats just what happens when they get wet!
Do you think there is a difference in perception between Aussie owners and UK owners as to what normal rust is?
I think you are right about different levels of expecting rust. My Porsche mechanic says that the classic rust issues that occur in older 911s in Europe and parts of the u.s. just don't happen with Australian cars, the main difference being, not just water (we have some very high rainfall areas here) but the salt that is used on the roads in those places. The guy who bought your mates BMW would be shocked because we just don't expect rust on a 2004 model car here, particularly a well looked after one.This M3 was a daily school run driver but mint, always cleaned every week, waxed regular, well looked after, always garaged when not being driven.
They Aussie buyer has, since the car arrived, been emailing my friend to 'mention' (not really complain as such) that the car is 'rotten' in his words, underneath.
He is saying there is loads of rust showing on pretty much all the underside metalwork and components, and very slight bubbling here and there when inspecting the return lips of the arches.
His emails seem to suggest he is somewhat shocked at the level of corrosion, when in my and my friends opinion, it is a case of "what corrosion?"
Every car I've ever seen up on some ramps has been covered with minor surface rust underneath... thats just what happens when they get wet!
Do you think there is a difference in perception between Aussie owners and UK owners as to what normal rust is?
Having lived in Oz for 20 years and now here, rust just isn't an issue over there (unless you live by the sea). Mostly because there's no salt on the roads and also the climate is warm and dry, so rust isn't prevalent.
Of course, in the UK you don't have anywhere near the same issues with ruined paint, plastics, leather and every other bit that gets ruined by exposure to the sun...
Of course, in the UK you don't have anywhere near the same issues with ruined paint, plastics, leather and every other bit that gets ruined by exposure to the sun...
Works mostly done, few photos on the hoist. Also got new heater boxes (the red box) They also went to some pains to cover off some possible/emerging areas of corrosion which was much appreciated. Been in discussions again regarding 993 engine swap. in some ways it seems a no brainer, but then it is a wad of cash. maybe i should certify myself for even thinking about it.. (watch this space though 
)
sorry about the sideways photos, this uploader seems to be rotating them at will.
)sorry about the sideways photos, this uploader seems to be rotating them at will.
Edited by Aused on Thursday 3rd May 06:55
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