Small Chassis Rail Welding - How Much?

[CaterhamPatch]

Gf's Ford Ka is in generally good condition underneath but recently discovered an area of rust which had been covered by previous owner by a bodge of chemical metal.

Rust is on the box section of the chassis rail close to where the rear suspension mounts to the body, and there is a crack emanating from the rust towards the mount. Total area is perhaps 9" x 6".

I've got it in a garage this morning for a quote, but on the phone they already mentioned the carpet/ seats may need to come out - is this likely or are they talking up the price?

How much should I be paying to get this welded up? (Just looking for a rough number - need to get it done asap so dont have much bartering room but dont want to get ripped off!)

[rallycross]

75 To 150.
Some places don't bother doing small welding jobs not worth their time doing them.

[Gafferjim]

The carpet and seats will most likely have to come out as they will be welding to the seam where the crossmember is attached to the floor(& it's not a crossmember as such, just a 3 sided pressed steel box welded to the floor panel)so that is what your carpet is lying on. Your 6-9" will also be out, as the area of metal around the affected location will need grinding back to where there is decent metal to weld to.
As has already been said, there are not many garages that would take this job on, as it can be more hassle than it's worth.
If you're not happy about the price, either get other quotes, or go buy a welding set and have a go yourself.

[Fish981]

If it's the normal Ka chassis split then the rear axle will need to come off to do the job properly. 3-400 to do it right.
It can obviously be bodged for a lot less but then you've found that out already.

[J4CKO]

Yeah, dont do what I did with a Metro, welding the front end under the passenger footwell, peeled carpet back and lodged it under the passenger chair, proceeded to weld having not noticed the carpet had flopped back down and was now smouldering very nicely, luckily I had a pint of Orange Cordial my missus had brought out for me so that went on it and stopped it.

I would get it up in the air, take a look and have a prod around, then beg or borrow the use of a Mig welder and have a practice on some bits of steel then clean the area and patch it yourself if you fancy a go, whats the worst that can happen, a fire claim for the value of the Ka.

[CaterhamPatch]

Ok - didnt realise this was a common fault on Ka's.

Been quoted 300 - so going to get it done at this price. Sounds as if I'm not getting bent over too badly.

Appreciate I could have a pop at it my self, I'm a pretty competent spanner monkey and have just spent all weekend under it fixing several other issues, but I've only ever done welding once, and wouldn't feel confident in the structural strength of my welding.