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Welding Costs? Anyone have a rough idea?
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 11:30 am
by dunketh
I need a small plate doing on the RHS rear chassis leg, right near where the shackle plate sits on the inside.
I also need to get the corresponding boot area that connects to this plated-up. (The rot extends underneath to just past the bumper iron strengthening plate).
I also need to have the whole 'flat' area in front of the petrol tank replaced and a new latch plate welded in/fixed for the boot lock.
On top of this, I need to have a large patch welded to my inner wheel arch where it joins the floor - though there's no further rot in the chassis box section here so it really is just a cover plate.
Any ideas on a rough figure?
I'm hoping not more than a few hundred quid as I can't afford anymore than that.

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 11:44 am
by chickenjohn
The best advice I can give is "ask at your local branch" we have members in East Kent that often do work (high quality) for other moggie owners and do so for a reasonable cost. Club discount, if you like and you are less likely to get ripped off if you see them regularly in the club. Maybe other branches do this too.
Small plating to the rear chassis area is a false economy, the inside of the rest of the leg will also be rusty and wont last. Get quotes for a the whole leg and plate replacement.
Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 12:00 pm
by Packedup
All I can say is if you're looking for somewhere to "plate" the rot you might as well do it yourself or chuck a few beers at someone to lend a hand ;) From what I've seen (and not just the hatchet job on the Midget) the average "plating" job you pay through the nose for is no better than a home job, and often worse
Now, if you're going to get new repair sections to weld in for a "proper" job (best long term option) it probably is better to find a good welder as there's more of a chance of losing alignment when you chop the old bits out completely.
All IMO of course!

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 1:17 pm
by chickenjohn
I agree with Packedup. Get a skilled enthusiast or a decent Minor restorer to do a proper job, and waxoyl the inside and out afterwards.

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 1:36 pm
by dunketh
I've already had a friend weld
inside the box section thats rotton.
He did this by cutting away the inner arch cover plate and welding new steel inside the chassis rail to the inner 'triangle' piece that holds the bushes.
I'm confident its solid but would obviously benefit from being replaced properly.. the trouble is the cost of such a job.

Posted: Wed Feb 20, 2008 8:34 pm
by bmcecosse
For all that work - be sure to remove the petrol tank first - and store it well away from the car - outdoors if possible. As others have pointed out - I'm afraid once you start welding in that area more rust will be discovered.
Posted: Thu Feb 21, 2008 7:45 pm
by Robins
Do it right do it once, don't patch you'll regret it in a couple years when the problem comes back but much worse.
I expect there is someone in a branch that could help like chicken john said, but not everyone lives near their branch, I know mine is about a 45 min drive away and not worth the trip unfortunatley. Your better off looking for a friendly enthusiast locally that can weld.