bodywork

Post by **nicky573** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:21 am

please can anyone tell me how to repair this thanx!

Post by **Kevin** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 11:26 am

Hi Nicky how good are your welding skills.
Also is it just the angle of the photo as that wheel looks at a bit of an angle.

Mon Jan 19, 2009 12:18 pm

The inner wing does not look right to me, it looks like the bumper support has been pushed back into it. Sorry I realise this does not answer your question, but if you are going to do the repair to the front panel you might as well resolve that as the same time ( if it is a problem) as you will be replacing metal around it.

Post by **nicky573** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 4:25 pm

i cant weld myself so was just wondering if there was any other way of doing it. This is another picture what do you think?

Post by **MarkyB** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 5:48 pm

You need to get rid of the filler so you can see what is being covered up.
A hot-air gun or blowlamp, a scraper and a sacrificial wire brush will get it off although it will stink a bit so do it in the open air.
It looks like its been in an accident but the bigger problems my be the front chassis legs which look like they might have been covered up.
There are mobile welders who will do work for you. Shouldn't be too dear if you do the prep work.

Post by **Longdog** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 6:00 pm

The front panel should give an idea of position/ angles etc.I would take measurements off a car in a similar state of nudity if possible.

Post by **Kevin** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 6:42 pm

nicky573 wrote:i cant weld myself so was just wondering if there was any other way of doing it. This is another picture what do you think?

Sorry but its defintaly going to need some welding but to what extent is difficult to say from the photo the filler needs removing at least.

Post by **nicky573** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 8:27 pm

can it be fixed and how much do you think it will cost?

Post by **Dean** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 8:33 pm

It can be fixed yes, but it looks as if the front of the chassis leg needs work, can't see the rear of it from here. Is there a MMOC club branch member near to you where you could pick them up and show them?

Post by **nicky573** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 8:58 pm

no i dont think so what else do u suggest? have you got a rough idea on the cost of repair?

Post by **alainmoran** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 9:09 pm

How much it costs depends on how much else is wrong ... by the looks of it I'd go for complete new leg ... possibly two since if one is like that then the other might be worth replacing, and if the front legs are in that state then what state are the sills in, also the boxing plate, the rear arches & spring hangers?

You should be able to pickup a mig welder on eBay for £100, a few bits of scrap and a downloaded book and some time on your hands and you can teach yourself to weld!

Then all you need are the replacement parts, an angle grinder and plenty of time to rebuild her ... if you take it to a garage you might be looking at upwards of a grand ... or two!

Welding is fun, and very rewarding ... I would strongly reccomend teching yourself to weld and saving this car (if it is already yours ... if you are looking at buying it then walk away - this car belongs in the FREE category)

Post by **jonathon** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 9:17 pm

Agree with Alain on the condition of the chassis, but if you go DIY before you touch the main structure of the car, please get advice and confirmation from a pro welder that you are actually doing a good job, clean practice welding is completely different to the steel that this job will present to you.
We have seen so many 'so called welders' whose work on both their own cars and others, (for gain), that has been shocking, and dangerous to say the least.

Post by **nicky573** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 9:30 pm

think i will buy another one that needs less work. the car cost me £100 i will keep some bits off it as they dont come cheap. At least the engine is running the bits i have already bought will keep to put on the other one. Thanx for your help anyway guys i would rather know sooner than later!

Post by **Dean** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 9:32 pm

Please don't scrap it though whatever the cost is to repair. One cheaper alternative would be to buy another moggy in better condition and use that. Then offer the current one for restoration, which I'm sure someone will be only too pleased to attempt.

Post by **alainmoran** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 9:35 pm

Heh ... some of my early welding is a touch suspect ... as time permits I'll cut it out and re-do it, but even my pidgeon-poo is better than the filler that was there before

There is no way I'd work on someone else's car though ... while my more recent work is a LOT better than the older stuff I wouldnt say it is a patch on true professional work ... that said, not all garages are truly professional welders ;)

Post by **jonathon** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 9:37 pm

I'd agree with that too Alain

Post by **nicky573** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 9:39 pm

if you know anyone who would like to take it on and restore it they are more than welcome. Will add more pictures soon

Post by **Dean** » Mon Jan 19, 2009 9:42 pm

Best to start a new thread in the cars for sale section, loads of pictures and "offers" or "free" for restoration if that's what you decide to do.

Post by **nicky573** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 12:31 pm

pm

Post by **nicky573** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 12:35 pm

pm