The deadly strut tower rust...

[DeathBy240SX]

Has anyone ever successfully fixed this problem?

I see there is a repair kit for Plymouth vans which have the same problem, but that doesnt exist for the 240 to my knowledge. More info and pics of it here: http://users.cableaz.com/~iron....html

I have a lot of money in the car and the thought of the chassis being basically a pile of **** makes me want to cry.

[lofapoo]

Depends on how serious it is.

Now normally for dealing with rust you cut away the bad metal and weld in the new. This may not be the case when it comes to strut towers, as this has to do with the suspension. If it is not perfect then you're messing with your suspension, and that can be dangerous. Give us some pictures of your rust at hand and I'm sure it will be determinded if it's fixable or if you need to find another shell to swap your stuff into.

[AmoebAssassin]

As said before, it depends on how bad it is. Mine's starting to develop a line between the strut tower and wheel well, so i plan on sanding that down and laying a bead of weld over where the rust is, then hitting it with some rustoleum. That should do the trick for me, and it'll do the trick for you as well if the rust hasn't progressed far.

[trust]

man I was thinking the same thing the other day. It's minor for now, but I want it to prevent it from eating away further.

[AmoebAssassin]

If you lay down a bead, make SURE to use an inert gas. the SECOND it is done, let it cool, go at it with a wire brush or sandpaper (get any and all deposits left as these could promote air pockets/rust) and get some paint on it ASAP, making sure to cover completely and thickly. THis should reinforce the minor rust area and prevent more rust because of welding.

[DeathBy240SX]

[AmoebAssassin]

Wow, that's pretty hectic. It looks like it's progressed really far. Your best bet would be to get it professionally repaired. If you want to do it yourself though, your best bet would be decent gauge plate steel and lots of welding.

[DeathBy240SX]

I would never attempt it myself. I just dont know if its possible to repair without comprimising the structural rigidity of the car.

[AmoebAssassin]

It's more than possible, just get it done by a reputable shop. Expect to pay for it as well.

[DeathBy240SX]

Is the "lining" part of any use or can it be cut off? The little flap of metal that comes from the fender and overlaps the strut tower right were its starting to rust? Can it be cut off?

[AmoebAssassin]

I would be hesitant to cut any metal off in the strut tower area....show me a picture of what you're talking about and i'll go check it out on my car tomorrow.

[Dattebayo]

What do you have on your car that you cant transfer onto a newer rust free chassis?

I mean It might be simpler to get another one seeing as how even if you fix this car the value is nothing even after the repair.

[DeathBy240SX]

Just look at the seam where the rust is forming. Notice how that piece of metal is not welded in place but just silconed there. It looks like the whole piece is useless...

I have been scouring the area for rust free cars but they are VERY hard to find up here.

[JimmyMethod]

Is there much of anything that north in Canada?Just kidding...Well, it's not too expensive to have a car shipped... have you checked Calgary or Vancouver?

[DeathBy240SX]

Calgary is no better than Edmonton for rust-free cars, but I have been checking. I have found a guy that will do the welding, he just stitch welded his entire Z31.

[skydragoness]

Calgary is no better than Edmonton for rust-free cars, but I have been checking. I have found a guy that will do the welding, he just stitch welded his entire Z31.

Stitch welding is definitely the way to go! Will even make the factory welds stronger than they were before. If he's reasonable i say have him do it.