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Frame Rust - Looking for advice

Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 1:22 pm
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

Frame Rust - Looking for advice

Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 2:15 pm
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.

Frame Rust - Looking for advice

Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 5:20 pm
by FalcoColumbarius
I've moved this thread from General to L400 Technical.

Falco.

Frame Rust - Looking for advice

Posted: Sat Jun 24, 2017 7:35 pm
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.