5 replies to this topic

[jakejakejake1]

Hi everyone,
Was wondering how big a job is repairing the front damper mounts (Top) as they have rusted, I know its a common problem due to lack of paint when assembling. I have no previous welding experience, and the work needs to be done in 1 weeks time, so I was wondering weather to buy a welder and have a go myself or send it to a shop.

Also the rear of the boot floor needs welding up too, right by the back, a few holes.
And there is a hole near the lower seat belt mount on the back seat, whats below this? is it an easy fix?

As well as this I need to replace a steering gaiter and CV joint boot. How easy is the steering gaiter?
I have read the thread on the CV joint so won't ask again

Thanks, Jake

[Tupers]

If you're on a deadline I'd say send it to a garage to get the welding work done. The welding itself isn't massively hard to do but most of your time will get eaten up getting to grips with welding to a point where you're happy to attack the car.

[liirge]

Actually the damper mount isn't easy!
its the fact that with the wing in position, it makes it very hard to get the right angle on the welder. Not impossible by any means, and I don't want to put you off, the damper mount is also a really important thing to weld correctly!

[mk=john]

Remember that for MOT, you must weld following certain guidelines. if you are replacing a whole panel, then the replacement can be spot welded, or plug welded (MIG) in place, and seam welded in areas the original would have
been. But the Key point is if you replace patch of metal inside the perimiter of a panel, it MUST be filly seam weleded to pass the MOT if the inspector sees it.

Welding is not hard, but takes practice to finesse it so you get enough weld penetration into the metal, without distorting it.
Its all in the prep.........the welding part itself is the fastest thing to do comparesd to everything else such as linishing, priming and painting etc.

[bmcecosse]

The boot floor/seat belt welding is going to be MUCH more extensive than fixing the front damper mount. Get a price from a specialist...... The mech fixes are dead easy compared to the welding.......and no doubt more will be discovered once you start.

[jakejakejake1]

I thought that would be the case, fair enough if i had welded before, but to buy a welder, learn then do it in such a short space of time would be pushing it.
Here are some pictures of the areas.
Firstly the boot, which has clearly been bodged by some previous owner.
Secondly the area under the rear seat where the seatbelt mounts.
And lastly both front damper mounts.

I'm hoping won't cost too much to fix!

Oh and while i'm here, i also failed on CO levels, but HCs were fine. Is this just a case of running too rich at idle?

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