Car has a new name - Crusty.

After seeming to fix all the rough running issues, the next major problem is rust.
Catastrophic rust. Really, really really bad rust. The sills on both sides, inner and outer. Rear chassis near subframe mount.
Some small areas on driver side floor.

Do not seem to be able to find anybody interested in doing the job, All so expensive it is a financial write off.
Nobody wants to get under a car and weld these days.

IF, I do get this fixed, I am leaving the undertrays off and protecting it yearly. At least a closer eye can be kept on things. Engine undertray acceptable. Those under floor trays are a disaster for these cars. XFs will all go the same way..........

What are your experiences?
Cheers

 

I assume you're referring to your XK8.
Don't forget, all cars will rust.
Less in California and Melbourne and more in the UK.
At least in the old days all the oil leaking offered some passive protection.
Enjoy what you've got, it looks good.

 

No not the XK8, that is ok. But the STR. She is really bad.

XK8 is fine, been regularly treated and looked after underneath. Also they do not have undertrays.

I have only ever had 1 car this rusty, that was an X308 XJ which had been treated before I got it, but the owner had hidden the fact that he had gone over all the rust with a very very thick layer of grey paint used on ships. After getting that I know what to look for now on that model. Again no undertrays, which I think is a good thing.

 

You are correct Sir, No one wants to do anything which requires actual hard physical labor anymore. They would just as soon swim with Sharks, as they would use their "Back" to accomplish anything. Sucks but it's the truth. Age (66) is a big deterent, as it makes things more difficult, and makes them take longer. The other alternative is really deep pockets, or "someone" eager to learn, of which I haven't found very many of, in my 66 years. (except myself) But I have realized I'am a dying breed. And once us Dinosaurs are gone. Those left behind will be in a mess they have created. And will simply have the man in the mirror to blame. But they won't do that either. It's always someone elses fault. God Help Them.

Jack

 

Wise words. Every one of them. I am with you 100%.

 

I think this is a common problem in the UK. Mine is like it too. On mine, the subframe fell apart with rust. It took a lot of hard work to fix that problem. If you ever need to do the same, buy a used one from a Lincoln LS in Texas. The sills are due to be replaced this summer. Pattern sills are quite cheap (just look on fleabay). Labour to fit, not so cheap at all!
I hope you can find an out-of-work welder willing to do the job cheaply.

 

We got some cheap pattern sills. The problem is the inner ones you can't get and they are starting to rust out too. Certainly got holes.
The subframe is not too bad, more the parts of the chassis frame you bolt to are only just hanging in there.

Estimating 2 to 3 times the car's value to fix the welding. Total disaster. Rather get another shell if we can't find someone prepared to Frankenstein stitch it (for now)

 

ok got a quote to weld both inner and outer sills, both sides, and mounts for rear subframe.
Wait for it.............................






£7 to 8 thousand, yes that is 7000 to 8000 of the King's British Pounds.
Forget that then.
Next.

 

That sounds almost reasonable, "IF" that includes the finishing, and paint work. On this side of the pond a standard repaint is 4 to 5 Thousand US dollars. An Excellent Paint Job (without extra body work) is 10,000+ So if they are including the Finishing work, it might be well worth it. Even though the car isn't??? Now you have to decide if it's worth it to you. Good Luck. Just my Thoughts.

Jack