Hello and help!

[Phlipper]

Hi all,
I've just bought myself a Terrano II 2.7TDi on a 53 plate with 136k on the clock for £695. I thought I was getting a bargain but have now noticed a quite large rust hole in the outer sill at the bottom of the rear wheel arch just under the rear passenger door. I swear the hole wasn't there when I looked her over and test drove only earlier today. Private sale I'm afraid, and a short MOT. Now I'm wondering if I've been caught. IS there any option other than welding?

[macabethiel]

A bit late in the day now but did you look at the Mot history online before you bought. Sills do not rot overnight they would probably been an advisory over the last couple of years.

Getting a sill replaced or part replaced is not a big job to get done as long as you don't mind painting them black with underseal or Hammerite afterwards.

This link might help you, if it's a genuine private sale then you don't have much recourse.

https://www.gov.uk/check-mot-history

[jims-terrano]

Welcome aboard but sorry to read your circumstances. Unfortunately these trucks do suffer from the tin worm. As said the sills are an easy fix but because they are "within 300mm of a body or chassis mounting" (that's what a fail report will say) any repair needs to be structurally sound so welding is the only option. Now here's your next problem, check the inner sill and also the rear seat belt mounting in the rear wheel arch as these places rot too. There are more rot spots too but once repaired these makes really good vehicles and pay you back in spade loads. You paid a fair price so don't be too down hearted.

Where abouts are you? We may know of skilled people that can help with repairs.

Good luck

[rustic]

Hi and welcome to the forum. It would be nice to see some pics of your truck lol.

There are probably more posts on how to replace sills and replace the sills with steel box section, than any other subject.
There are loads of project threads tackling this issue with great photos and hints and tips.

However to easily access them, you need to become a full member, and pay your £10. You will not regret that small investment.

These trucks are worth keeping, mine is 22 years old, and good for another 10.
There are a few even older, so hang on in there.
If the gearbox, transfer box and 4x4 system are all fully operational, then many of the other niggling tasks, arb's, wheel bearings etc, can be cheaply replaced or simply adjusted. We like cheap fixes.

Many of the vehicles of your age and older, are still passing MOT's first time, most without advisories.
However, it is not without some preventative maintenance and a few running repairs.
If you know of a local reliable welder, then your repairs shouldn't be that bad.

If you look under the rear carpet, where the second row of seats are, then you might find some rust. Some have some serious rust here, but can be overcome with some proactive welding.

You have paid a fair price for it's condition, but under floor rust and rot, especially around the rear seat belt mounts in the wheel arch can be quite a shock having looked at the threads on the subject, but can be repaired.

Again welcome on board.
Rustic

[Phlipper]

Thanks guys, that makes me feel a bit better. I'll post some pics soon. I'm in Swansea, by the way.

[Phlipper]

Great link by the way, wish I'd known about it before, corrosion advisory on last 2 years, untested before that because of underseal

[jims-terrano]

You could try and hide it but it is structural and if anything were to happen. Have you checked any of the other spots for rot yet?

Oh check your front anti roll bar end links, the bushes perish and the ball joints wear too. Only about £15 each and not difficult to fit.

[Phlipper]

[jims-terrano]

Sorry your pics haven't posted

[Phlipper]

Originally Posted by jims-terrano

Sorry your pics haven't posted

I think I may be missing something... do you have to post links to pictures, or can you attach them somehow?

[Phlipper]

[Phlipper]

https://goo.gl/photos/AAQ13PxjpMhpYGKR8

[Phlipper]

One more strange one... on the log book it just states Nissan for make of vehicle, but the model is blank - also the insurance engines can't find anything when I input the registration (although the DVLA does). Has anyone had this before?

[jims-terrano]

Has it been on a private plate before you got it? They don't always transfer everything. Nice looking truck and that hole although probably an mot fail isn't too serious.

[Phlipper]

No evidence of a private plate, but I didn't go all the way back. I think I'll get that sill patched in the short term, and replace the sill when it's more convenient