Part rotten underfloor cross member - short term fix?

[plastic_orange]

I'd strongly suggest getting the crossmember properly repaired as soon as possibly. You will probably get away with doing just the ends which shouldn't be too expensive. Unfortunately, when you start work like this it always develops into something bigger. Your rear spring hanger looks like it's just patched on top of existing floor too - may last ok for a bit, but keep an eye on it.
I certainly wouldn't use the car in that condition - if you get pulled, you'll definitely get a fine for an unroadworthy vehicle if they have only the briefest of looks underneath - and potentially have no insurance cover. This isn't worth the risk, nor your safety.

Pete

[bmcecosse]

Pretty much as the others have said - the T bar is just relying on the floor now, and it's already buckling upwards..... the strength of the Xmember has gone. And yes - I think an end section will do you - but it should be done NOW. Both for safety and also to get to it before the floor is badly distorted by the T bar .

[Redmoggy]

You need to whip off the sill finishers and take a look at the structure. It's probable that none of those patches under the car will be attatched to anything other than the floor.

Rod

[moggiethouable]

Both sides of mine were replaced, the centre survives because of oil leaks from the engine (oil leaks can come in handy) the jacking points on mine were also replaced with thicker gauge tubing.

[bmcecosse]

Don't bother with jacking points!! And if you do have them - never ever be tempted to use them.... Purely for show.

[mattinhertford]

Thanks all, can anyone answer my question (just out of interest) about whether there is a box-section-type gap between where the spring hangers are and the inside floor in the car above?

From memory, when I looked under the rear seat, in that area, I didn't see the patchwork of welding seams that I see from underneath. And if there is a box section, is it completely sealed then.....i.e. no gaps to pump in Dynax etc?

Ta

Matt

PS: Next task (related to this) is to finish the clean up underneath, take the sill covers off, and do the full list of checks and measurements to see whether it should really be all out replacement/fixing of this whole area (because there's nothing to fix a temporary cross member end too!)...or if the temporary weld would do for a couple of years because all the other bits are solid enough.

PPS: Fortunately, I find the whole tinkering, cleaning up, stripping down, taking apart, replacing parts etc tasks as much fun as driving Monty!....which is good since I've barely driven him since purchase because of one problem or another

[Redmoggy]

Part of that spring hanger repair will be hidden under the rear seat crossmember. I it is just one big patch you will only see where the weld penetrated.

Rod

[kennatt]

from the look of the old'' REPAIRS '' I fear you may be in for another shock when you take the sill covers off,it looks like the under sill area has been covered over,you should be able to see the underside of the inner and outer undersill,in a proper repair. Hope not but.............

[stevieG1]

My tourer looked like it just needed a wire brush and a lick of underseal!!!!!!!Then it all went horribly wrong.

[Ruby1970]

Martin, while you are under there it might be an idea to fit a gearbox steady cable; from your photos it looks like yours is missing...
Ruby