anyone else had serious corrosion problems?

[michaelshawbond]

I have an S3 from 1989, it runs perfectly and always has, except that the chassis is rusting out from under it (why did TVR never galvanise them?). I wondered if anyone else had had this problem with the S3 or any other model, and had managed to fix it with some cunning welding. Perhaps someone knows a metalwork expert who doesn't charge London prices (I was quoted £1500 for a couple of days work, is that normal?).
Thanks a lot for your help.
Michael

[touching cloth]

Chassis rot afflicts or will afflict all Tvr's eventually, had to have mine out completely last year and that's from a late 98 Cerbera. It can be contained and slowed by regular waxoiling (at least every 2 years) and is also somewhat variable depending on age of car which can dictate the quality of the powder coating (when running at their peak I think the quality slipped), some years are better than other. Only thing I would say is get it extensively checked if you can, mine started as a patch up job for some visible rot but once we investigated further by a small body lift, it became apparent that it might as well all come out and be completely redone - the bits you can't easily see are often worse sadly.

[cuneus]

Chassis corrosion is not uncommon: you will find that there are huge variations. By contrast to the above Cerb my 1986 SEAC needed no welding at all. A V8S was completely shot

Try some independents outside London

[russ35]

Best bet is to ask in the S Series forum. Plenty of people in there that have had the problem, so should be able to get some suggestions in there.

[mars]

My 98 Cerb's chassis has comedy powdercoating, soon to be replaced with POR15 (over the next few weeks) and then later a full chassis removal for a full refurb.

If you're in the Midlands, BrummieWedge has got us all interested in a place called DynoTorque who seem to be the talk of the town thanks to the work they've done on his car.

[heightswitch]

What? Severe Corrosion worries?

Err. Your car is 18 years old man!!!!!!

Do you not think that this durability is actually very good.

Neil.

[James MK]

There was a time (late 70's, early 80's) when the chassis was guaranteed against corrosion for 12 yrs. Be interested if anyone ever made a successful claim. It made a good selling point in the days when many production cars were started to rust within a couple of years. My parents bought a BL car in '79 which needed a full respray before it even left the showroom!

I may be wrong, but I believe in those days the job was outsourced. The chassis on my '83 model is impressive, nearly all the coating still intact, no work yet been needed on it though the outriggers will need replacing within a year or two.

[groomvroom]

I think things got worse as time went on, my Tuscan had rust marks around the welds at 9 months old yet the 93 Chim we have just aquired looks like it was made yesterday.

[yellabelly]

russ35 said:

Best bet is to ask in the S Series forum. Plenty of people in there that have had the problem, so should be able to get some suggestions in there.

http://temp.tvrs2-carcouk.officelive.

There is also a very good search system on PH, try it, you'll discover all sorts of useful info especially about chassis rot.

[RUSSELLM]

touching cloth said:

Chassis rot afflicts or will afflict all Tvr's eventually, had to have mine out completely last year and that's from a late 98 Cerbera. It can be contained and slowed by regular waxoiling (at least every 2 years) and is also somewhat variable depending on age of car which can dictate the quality of the powder coating (when running at their peak I think the quality slipped), some years are better than other. Only thing I would say is get it extensively checked if you can, mine started as a patch up job for some visible rot but once we investigated further by a small body lift, it became apparent that it might as well all come out and be completely redone - the bits you can't easily see are often worse sadly.

Is it me, or are all the rusty Cerbs 98 ?

I've not heard of earlier one's having problems.

My pal had a 98 that had spent it's life in Scotland & It was rotten to the core.

[touching cloth]

Think there is some truth in that, I know I have heard of older TVR's (like a 94 Griff) who's powder coat is still pretty healthy. Now of course preventative maintenance with waxoil etc does blur the edges a bit as does usage, storage etc. But yes I think 98 seems to crop up quite regularly.

Edited by touching cloth on Monday 30th April 09:14

[grahamn]

touching cloth said:

Think there is some truth in that, I know I have heard of older TVR's (like a 94 Griff) who's powder coat is still pretty healthy. Now of course preventative maintenance with waxoil etc does blur the edges a bit as does usage, storage etc. But yes I think 98 seems to crop up quite regularly.

Edited by touching cloth on Monday 30th April 09:14

O'er mines a 98, better get it checked

[rev-erend]

Give Dave Batty a call (01483 811995) (Guildford)

He said he out sources this job to a guy who is very reasonable..

Edited by rev-erend on Monday 30th April 12:03