Update on my car

Tourist · Post by **Tourist** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 3:02 pm

Here's a quick pic of the rust:

This is the best shot I could get given that I don't have a ramp.

Completely off-topic for a second, does anyone know what this is?

Found it loose where the aircon goes.

mike st gilles · Post by **mike st gilles** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 3:19 pm

Is that all of it? If it is then why did you worry? That can be patched over ith no probs...and is exactly the sort of thing that is 'subjective' ie. one MOT tester will fail it and another not worry about it....or just issue an 'advisory'. Can't see any evidence of any 'poking' or prodding there...could it be he just don't like BX's .....a lot don't....or he could be looking to make money off you for a repair thats not necessary.
In the short term, I wouldn't worry about it.

Tourist · Post by **Tourist** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 3:21 pm

mike st gilles wrote:Is that all of it?

Well, yep, that is all that I can see, however there might be some more that's not so obvious.

Why am I worrying? I worry about everything until I know not to

and if you're saying it's ok, then that's good.

Positivity, whoo!

cavmad · Post by **cavmad** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 4:17 pm

Could be me but that actually looks like a fairly poorly executed plate welded in that wasn't painted over, certainly looks nothing to worry about.

Post by **Tim Leech** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 4:24 pm

James, If I were you I would de rust it and underseal it to save it getting any worse for now, as Billy said its poor welding but if its done the job then that will do for now.

jonathan_dyane · Post by **jonathan_dyane** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 4:51 pm

Yeah, it's a horrible snotty weld, but localised and not the end of the world. For now give it a damn good wire brush, then buy a 20 quid angle grinder to grind smooth the messy welding then give it a coat of zinc primer followed by underseal (or even better use seam sealer on the welds before the underseal) and chances are it will pass the next test without muster.

ken newbold · Post by **ken newbold** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 4:54 pm

Yup, as Roverman says, out with the wire brush and maybe a bit of filler if you find any small holes, then some nice underseal.
It does look like a very poor welding job.

The other bit you've found is a plastic clip that shoud sit on top of the front strut and have the high pressure feed pipe clipped in it. You may find it's had a strut change and has the old type pipe clip fitted, if not, it would be a good idea to refit this to support the pipe.

It seems to me like you need someone who know their way round a BX to check this car over for you, without paying huge garage bills.

Tourist · Post by **Tourist** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 4:56 pm

Yes I would appreciate some help but I'm not sure who's local and more importantly who's willing.

Aerodynamica · Post by **Aerodynamica** » Mon Feb 23, 2009 5:37 pm

I'd want to have a look at the underside better. The points where the front sub frame mount onto the monocoque just forward of the foot wells can be a prime rust zone.

that is all that I can see, however there might be some more that's not so obvious.

- Hmm, the MOT tester should clearly mark the 'failed' areas with yellow paint/chalk

I hope this little bit of patching is the extent of the rust - might be lucky!