Why does minor strut tower damage write off F-Types???

[MPETT]

I’ve been looking at buying a crashed F type and repairing myself. I’ve seen a fair number for CAT S cars come up showing minimal damage, often just the circle ‘cap’? area of the strut tower being dented. Granted, the suspension has over extended, which could have caused suspension component damage, but is the structure of the strut tower really that compromised? Here is a pic of one on eBay last week. Thoughts??

[Easternlight]

I would imagine its what has happened under that damage is the problem.

[Mr Squarekins]

The minor blemish on top is caused by stresses and twisting underneath.

[snafu10]

Theres a channel on you tube "exclusive rebuilds ",they replaced strut tower ,not for the faint hearted engine out lot of work but do able if you have the confidence to remove yourself and get it professionally refitted,best of luvkni did my f type R from copart 5 yes ago still got it

[scz4]

Definitely something not right under there. The n/s wheels looks to have been pushed back for sure.

Also, it's a P450 so doesn't have 542bhp.

You could get a straight one with the performance seats for £40k ish. Beautiful colour though.

Edited by scz4 on Wednesday 29th January 18:00

[fatboy b]

scz4 said:

Definitely something not right under there. The n/s wheels looks to have been pushed back for sure.

Also, it's a P450 so doesn't have 542bhp.

You could get a straight one with the performance seats for £40k ish. Beautiful colour though.

Edited by scz4 on Wednesday 29th January 18:00

You need to look up power figures for the later F-Type R.

[fatboy b]

MPETT said:

I’ve been looking at buying a crashed F type and repairing myself. I’ve seen a fair number for CAT S cars come up showing minimal damage, often just the circle ‘cap’? area of the strut tower being dented. Granted, the suspension has over extended, which could have caused suspension component damage, but is the structure of the strut tower really that compromised? Here is a pic of one on eBay last week. Thoughts??

It’s an aluminium casting. It’s broken.

[helix403]

The whole area around the damage needs replacing. It’s probably bonded and pop riveted on. Labour costs for this and engine etc removal will be high.

[scz4]

fatboy b said:

You need to look up power figures for the later F-Type R.

No, but suggest you do, This is a P450 (which I own). As the name would suggest, 450ps .

There is also a R model with 575ps. There isn't a 542bhp in facelift line-up. <2019 was 550ps (542bhp). If you're not familiar with the F-Type, you can tell by the headlights.

Edited by scz4 on Saturday 1st February 16:10

[fatboy b]

scz4 said:

fatboy b said:

You need to look up power figures for the later F-Type R.

No, but suggest you do, This is a P450 (which I own). As the name would suggest, 450ps .

There is also a R model with 575ps. There isn't a 542bhp in facelift line-up. <2019 was 550ps (542bhp). If you're not familiar with the F-Type, you can tell by the headlights.

Edited by scz4 on Saturday 1st February 16:10

[MPETT]

If I understand how the damage was done, the suspension was pushed upward causing the top ball joint of the upper suspension arm to impact the turret below the circle shape. I wondered if there is a bump stop on the casting? Does anyone with welding knowledge know if the cracks would could be welded up, assuming the strut tower hasn’t been damaged/twisted from the impact?

[fatboy b]

MPETT said:

If I understand how the damage was done, the suspension was pushed upward causing the top ball joint of the upper suspension arm to impact the turret below the circle shape. I wondered if there is a bump stop on the casting? Does anyone with welding knowledge know if the cracks would could be welded up, assuming the strut tower hasn’t been damaged/twisted from the impact?

I’m not an expert, but watching YouTube channels of people doing similar repairs means you have to remove and replace with new that turret.

[dvinell]

MPETT said:

If I understand how the damage was done, the suspension was pushed upward causing the top ball joint of the upper suspension arm to impact the turret below the circle shape. I wondered if there is a bump stop on the casting? Does anyone with welding knowledge know if the cracks would could be welded up, assuming the strut tower hasn’t been damaged/twisted from the impact?

I'm fairly certain the crack could be welded, but it's most likely hiding damage on the underside of it - you'd need to inspect carefully first.

[reddiesel]

dvinell said:

I'm fairly certain the crack could be welded, but it's most likely hiding damage on the underside of it - you'd need to inspect carefully first.

I agree with your thoughts but I worry about the impact on the vehicles frame that even subtle distortions can bring . Another thing is the Cat S classification that as far as I remember , always stays with the car even after repair and fresh MOT .

Edited by reddiesel on Tuesday 11th February 19:05