Crunchy crossmember

[steviec]

My 94 Dot will soon be due its mot.

Overall it seems ok, but the front crossmember is on its last legs- there are holes at the ends and on the underside.

Question is, is this a fail item (even though it doesn't seem to be in a prescribed area?), or will it just be an advisory (which is what I am hoping as I fancy trying out the spot welder and having a go at replacing it myself when it is a bit warmer and drier).

Any clues anyone?
Cheers

 

[frank]

steviec

its a common fail !
a mig would be better

 

[squarepants]

just buy a new cross member for £30 on ebay. mines really bad, has about 4 holes in mine lol

 

[Alienfish360]

steviec

its a common fail !
a mig would be better

not really, the front crossmember is spot welded and bolted on.

 

[frank]

alienfish

spot welded on by the factory yes ( with shiny new steel and multi million pound robot welders)


steviec

give it a go, (but i would sooner have a weld i can see)

 

[steviec]

I hope there is enough access for the spot welder- I've got a mig, but it hasn't seen use in years, so will no doubt be a pain to get running again.
Thanks all

 

[Alienfish360]

alienfish

spot welded on by the factory yes ( with shiny new steel and multi million pound robot welders)


steviec

give it a go, (but i would sooner have a weld i can see)

the same can be said about sub £500 Mig welders too. If the person has the skills and half decent tools, there's no reason the job can't be done right if it's prepped right too.

 

[solarice]

dead easy fix to be honest...my fail depending.

spot welder should fit, theres only about 30 spots at most on each side iirc...one benefit of using a mig though, is after youve drilled out the spots when you place the new member in place youve already got the holes...where as youd still have the holes and new spots side by side.

 

[steviec]

Car had its mot yesterday afternoon- no mention about the crossmember holes, so I think it can be safe to assume that this is defo not a fail area.

Turns out it is just the outer sills between the B pillar and rear wheel arch that need welding. Time to sell the car soon then...!