How to repair section of chassis
Discussion
Was wondering if someone could offer me some advice. My XR3 needs some welding for MOT but it's in a section of the rear chassis leg and looks like it may be difficult to repair properly, especially given my extremely limited welding skills. I've only just bought a MIG welder, have managed a couple of half decent patches on one of my other cars.
The area has already had a repair, it looks like they welded a bit of steel straight over the original rot.
Do I cut the whole box section out and fabricate a whole new section, is the the correct way to do it?
The area has already had a repair, it looks like they welded a bit of steel straight over the original rot.
Do I cut the whole box section out and fabricate a whole new section, is the the correct way to do it?
AndrewW-G said:
If you're only just learning to weld, I'd suggest that for the sake of your own safety, it may be better to get a mobile car welder round and have them do the repair . . . . whilst you watch closely and get a whole host of hints and tips.
I was thinking along the same lines. Learn as you go isn't a good idea for safety critical items. MoT type might not accept a dodgy looking weld anyway (if it lasts that long) so you are back to square one.SambaS said:
Could I just remove the top of the box section and weld one single plate onto it to complete?
Not if you want a proper job. I think you'll be surprised how much of that disappears the moment you touch it with a grinder - I once got the tools out expecting to whack a patch over a 20p-sized hole in readiness for an MOT and ended up fabricating all of one cill, half of the other one and a good bit of floor. I did learn quite a bit doing it though, and my welding improved no end!Eggman said:
SambaS said:
Could I just remove the top of the box section and weld one single plate onto it to complete?
Not if you want a proper job. I think you'll be surprised how much of that disappears the moment you touch it with a grinder - I once got the tools out expecting to whack a patch over a 20p-sized hole in readiness for an MOT and ended up fabricating all of one cill, half of the other one and a good bit of floor. I did learn quite a bit doing it though, and my welding improved no end!
chrisr29 said:
That sill needs more than a patch mate. Looks like it's gone up into the inner sill/floor pan area. Need to cut the whole lot out and fabricate proper repair panels......or give it to a professional.
. . . . .Given the OP's previous repairs, I'd be looking at the parts manual for the car, seeing how it was constructed, get the correct repair sections, sign up for a night school / weekend welding or bodywork repair class and doing it properly 
I have 10 days to fix it for the MOT. It's getting a patch for now. I had intended stripping the car to a bare shell and doing a full restoration and respray. But as it's taxed and insured for quite a few months - that is going to have to wait. I would have MOTed the Samba or the Monza or the Polonez instead but don't have the funds at the moment for MOT and Insurance and TAX, hence thought I'd take a put at the XR3 passing. No such luck eh
I'd love to join a night class, I'm going to look into it.
As for the work I did on the Talbot... I nearly scrapped it, as I was going to scrap it I though what harm could be done in me trying to weld it and getting it wrong, worst case is I'd still have to scrap it, best case I'd be able to continue to use I car I really enjoy. That said, a friend did the majority of the work. It's not a pretty repair, but I'm happy to still have the car.
I'd love to join a night class, I'm going to look into it.
As for the work I did on the Talbot... I nearly scrapped it, as I was going to scrap it I though what harm could be done in me trying to weld it and getting it wrong, worst case is I'd still have to scrap it, best case I'd be able to continue to use I car I really enjoy. That said, a friend did the majority of the work. It's not a pretty repair, but I'm happy to still have the car.
I'll be sure to keep you all posted. I should probably weigh it in yes. Get a different hobby, like stamps or something.
If I have to repair the inner sill too then I will do that, I've already had a look from the inside of the car and no alarm bells rang. Although I did find the ashtray that had been missing since I bought the car, sitting in the sill!
I'm not going to give up, there's plenty of jobs that need doing to the car, something to spend my money on, better than a coke habit I rekon.
And by the time I've finished, or in 5 yeas time or 10 years I will be a very capable welder and jobs like this will be second nature to me. I'm just starting out!
If I have to repair the inner sill too then I will do that, I've already had a look from the inside of the car and no alarm bells rang. Although I did find the ashtray that had been missing since I bought the car, sitting in the sill!
I'm not going to give up, there's plenty of jobs that need doing to the car, something to spend my money on, better than a coke habit I rekon.
And by the time I've finished, or in 5 yeas time or 10 years I will be a very capable welder and jobs like this will be second nature to me. I'm just starting out!
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