Frame Rust - Looking for advice

Mitsubishi Delica L400 production commenced in 1994 -- After much anticipation, the L400 arrived on Canadian Soil in 2009!
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ilikemax
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Joined: Sat Jan 29, 2011 8:50 pm
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Vehicle: '95 L400
Location: Vancouver

Frame Rust - Looking for advice

Post by ilikemax »

Hi,

I crawled under my van today to tackle what I thought was some surface rust & discovered that rust had eaten through the frame. I have the same problem on both sides of the van near the front suspension - sorry dont know the technical term for this part but I've attached a link with pics. The rest of the underside seems to be OK with only surface rust being the big issue.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B2MsN ... DZabkVZWjQ

So here are the questions I need help answering:
1) On a scale of 1 - 5 where 1 is "Don't worry about it" & 5 is "Stop driving immediately", how bad is this?
2) Is this fixable for a reasonable price - ie. I'm not dropping $4-5k on this.
3) If fixable, where can (should) I take it
4) Should i continue cleaning up the rest of the frame surface rust now (drill w/ wire brush + undercoating spray) or should I deal with the big stuff first?

Basic Van Details:
1995 L400 Diesel (Greenfield edition)
175k
Owned since 2011

much appreciated

max
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Growlerbearnz
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Frame Rust - Looking for advice

Post by Growlerbearnz »

I've seen that one before- it seems to be a fairly common rust trap (along with the rear chassis rails). It's fairly serious- if it gets too bad the chassis will bend, and then it's game over.

There's a post here http://www.mdocuk.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=36692 with many pictures of a rust repair in that same area. You should be sitting down when you see them.
Nothing says "poor workmanship" more than wrinkles in the duct tape.
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FalcoColumbarius
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Frame Rust - Looking for advice

Post by FalcoColumbarius »

I've moved this thread from General to L400 Technical.

Falco.
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ilikemax
Posts: 39
Joined: Sat Jan 29, 2011 8:50 pm
Member's Photo Album: http://www.delica.ca/Photos/
Vehicle: '95 L400
Location: Vancouver

Frame Rust - Looking for advice

Post by ilikemax »

Thanks @growlerbearnz

I definitely am not in any position to attempt a repair like those fellows in the UK... and to make it worse, I found another massive hole on the rear DS chassis as well when I was hopelessly grinding away surface rust this afternoon in the blazing sun.

Do you know anyone or any shop in Van who can fix this for a reasonable price? I know butch had someone but the move out to Langley (or abbotsford) makes things a bit tough.
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