Oh dear, failed MOT.......

[wildbri]

MOT today everything going well, testers comment "a nice tidy car" that was until he got to the rear!! Where the the rear spring top holders are, the chassis has rotted on both sides allowing the springs to move upward ( no wonder I have been complaining about a sagging rear when loaded with bikes and caravan hitched) It looks like I may have to loose my beloved terrano, but.. the lads who look after the major repairs say they could weld in a new rear chassis if I could find one! Anyone any ideas? anyone done this? is it worth it?.....I am waiting to hear from you , regards bri

 

[Whatmot]

Ive seen exactly the same thing happen to a couple of other Terranos/Mavericks including the spares car thats sitting in my dads field. Im really surprised to see it on a 97 car, have you been sitting near the sea a lot? Im rather hoping it doesnt happen to mine!

Best thing I can suggest if look around the breakers for one (as late as poss) that has been crashed damaged at the front (so it hasnt affected the rear). Me and my mate were going to repair the one (thats now used for spares) by cutting out the rotten section on the inside and bottom (but leaving the top and outside sections) and splice in a non-rotten bit (from at crash damaged one at our local breakers) if that makes sense. We were told this would be strong enough, however if were going to add some 'bracing plates' across the welds.

I guess it all depends how much it means to you and how much youre willing to spend. This sort of work will be require the removal of the rear suspension and the fuel tank (for access).

Before you go ahead though, make sure you check over the rest of the chassis, mainly the front suspension mounts as ive seen these go too.

Hope that helps

 

[wildbri]

Thanks Tom, just had a word from the garage that they can get the top mounting plates which they could cut out the old and weld the chassis and fit the new plates, but, there's always a but! They have been quoted £164 for each plate!!!!! then there is the labour.
I am not sure which parts, they will show me the diagram tomorrow then I hope some one on this site will know where to get them cheaper..........I have just heard that one of my best mates, who is the same age as me as died....... so what's a bit of rust and a knackered car compared to losing a mate ,husband and father......see you in that great workshop in the sky, one day Jimmy. regards bri..

 

[lacroupade]

Sorry to hear about your mate Bri...puts a bit of rust into perspective doesn't it.

As regards the old T2, well better the devil you know eh?! :thumbs

 

[CaptLimey]

Hey Bri, so sorry to hear that you've just lost a good pal the same age. Really concentrates your thinking doesn't it?

Also sorry to hear that your beloved T2 has serious tin worm. As I said when you visited, it looked far spiffier than my '96. Hope mine hasn't got undetected terminal tin cancer. It's just passed the French equivalent of the MOT for the next two years and I'm looking to replace her soon with a younger model. (The T2 not my dear wife!).

Kindest regards to you & D

CL

P.S. what MPG did you get on the French adventure?

 

[harlowmaverick]

perhaps these people can help you out!
www.ampanels.com
they supply repair panels and maybe a lot cheaper than you have been quoted for the parts:thumbs

 

[wildbri]

Thank you Capt'n, I'm told it will cost £600 for the repair and the MOT........ can't buy much of a replacement so I suppose I will have it done. On the latest french adventure I covered 3974 miles home to home mostly towing and loaded with bikes etc did 26 mpg car ran perfectly, even during the 6km off road towing in first gear low! which the new satnav took us on near Cahors. probebly what knackerd the rear suspnsion........ Just done 500 mile trip to Wales solo 33mpg regards bri

 

[larson]

whats the plates like.. can you give me a drawing with dimensions i might beable to make them cheeper. much cheeper:augie

im a welder with acess to a lazer cutter and press break ( folding machine)

 

[wildbri]

Thank you Larson for the offer, I have only seen a very small drawing of the parts we think are needed, I have had to ask my mechanic to get them as I couldn't find them on the web.
When they arrive I will photograph and measure them for future reference, who knows if mine have gone ( and I dont off road much) others will be on the way out. It does seem a lot of money for what is after all just a mild steel bracket. I will keep you informed. regards...bri

 

[wildbri]

work done

the work as now been done. see http://www.nissan4x4ownersclub.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6607&highlight=weld regards bri