Hello again!
Chris here - the one who's been asking for advice about chassis and rusty bits prior to viewing a potential R4 purchase...
I've just got back from seeing the car and it appears to be very clean and in very good order, and I checked for rust in all the usual places. It's got a bit of rust on the roof, (near-side rear gutter), between the near-side rear wing and the panel above and also a bit of bubbly rust on the off-side front wing.
The inner-front wings are in excellent condition, and the floor of the boot looks almost immaculate. The car in general has the few usual small dents and scratches, but nothing serious.
What I would like to ask you all about is, again, the chassis around the rear suspension. I'm mechanically illiterate, so it was difficult for me to guage the real condition of this area. There was no obvious corrosion at the corner of the chassis under the rear doors and, indeed, there was hardly any rust in those corners with the rear doors open. Generally, though, the suspension/chassis area was so kind of 'well-used' with plenty of muck and dirt that I couldn't really tell. I gave everything a good prod with my screw-driver and no bits fell/flaked off and the chap selling the car told me that all's well in that area. He's a realy nice guy, so I believe him! The potential problem is a patch that has been welded on in the area of the rear suspension...
...It's difficult to explain exactly where this patch is because I'm so mechanically stupid, but I'll try!! It's sort of just above the inner rear suspension mounting, just to the right of all the suspension bits and pieces, and it's a small vertical weld. Hope that description is sufficient!!
I'm a little worried about it because last week, Clementine the Cat advised me not to go for a R4 which has been welded/patched in the area of the rear suspension.... Does it sound like something to be majorly concerned about, or a harmless little patch????
Basically, I want the car but I'm not a rich man - I won't be able to throw money at a car which could potentially need further welding in THAT area. Does the patch I described suggest that more (serious) welding will be needed soon???
Your help and advice will be, as always, greatly appreciated!! I need to know quickly because I have to tell the chap Yes or No by tomorrow evening.
As I said, the rest of the car looks good. Floor pans are good, new clutch and brakes, low mileage, etc etc.
Looking forward to your replies!!
Chris
Chris here - the one who's been asking for advice about chassis and rusty bits prior to viewing a potential R4 purchase...
I've just got back from seeing the car and it appears to be very clean and in very good order, and I checked for rust in all the usual places. It's got a bit of rust on the roof, (near-side rear gutter), between the near-side rear wing and the panel above and also a bit of bubbly rust on the off-side front wing.
The inner-front wings are in excellent condition, and the floor of the boot looks almost immaculate. The car in general has the few usual small dents and scratches, but nothing serious.
What I would like to ask you all about is, again, the chassis around the rear suspension. I'm mechanically illiterate, so it was difficult for me to guage the real condition of this area. There was no obvious corrosion at the corner of the chassis under the rear doors and, indeed, there was hardly any rust in those corners with the rear doors open. Generally, though, the suspension/chassis area was so kind of 'well-used' with plenty of muck and dirt that I couldn't really tell. I gave everything a good prod with my screw-driver and no bits fell/flaked off and the chap selling the car told me that all's well in that area. He's a realy nice guy, so I believe him! The potential problem is a patch that has been welded on in the area of the rear suspension...
...It's difficult to explain exactly where this patch is because I'm so mechanically stupid, but I'll try!! It's sort of just above the inner rear suspension mounting, just to the right of all the suspension bits and pieces, and it's a small vertical weld. Hope that description is sufficient!!
I'm a little worried about it because last week, Clementine the Cat advised me not to go for a R4 which has been welded/patched in the area of the rear suspension.... Does it sound like something to be majorly concerned about, or a harmless little patch????
Basically, I want the car but I'm not a rich man - I won't be able to throw money at a car which could potentially need further welding in THAT area. Does the patch I described suggest that more (serious) welding will be needed soon???
Your help and advice will be, as always, greatly appreciated!! I need to know quickly because I have to tell the chap Yes or No by tomorrow evening.
As I said, the rest of the car looks good. Floor pans are good, new clutch and brakes, low mileage, etc etc.
Looking forward to your replies!!
Chris