Why do cars always rust in THE most impossible places?
I just found more rust on my MG. The photo shows my steering column viewed from under the dash, as it passes through the bulkhead. Unfortunately it also shows my finger passing through the same bulkhead
I suppose if I cut the car clean in two then I could just about get in there to fix it....
A slightly more realistic although crap solution is to remove the dash (needs refurbishing anyway) remove all the wiring (needs a new loom anyway) and then remove the heater assembly in the engine compartment (it was blowing a little cool) then remove the master cylinder (brakes were a little spongy), remove the steering column (could do with a paint) then I should be all clear to weld in a repair.
That *IS* a tough spot. My question is this: how important is that area if left unattended anyways? The only person it'll bug the crap out of is you. It sounds like way too much work to get at unless you're stripping the car to the shell anyways.
That`s the kind of job I`m hoping my new Plasma Cutter will help with. Dremmels can sometimes be useful for that although cutting attachments are extortionate. Air body saw? The little air type angle grinder with a thin blade? Funnily enough I have a 3hp compressor and it wont push that angle grinder thing properly.
Alex
Danger, I'm going to leave it until I finish the other jobs I have already lined up. It will bug bug the hell out of me as you say, so I guess I'll have to fix it.
LippyP, Nope it's not wet, it's stains on the paint. I tracked down the cause of my woes. The brake fluid reservoir had dumped it's contents into the cavity above the steering column and ate its way through.
Alex, Plasma cutter? The stuff of dreams in my garage mate.
Lastly, LippyP This is a welding forum, wash your mouth out with soap! A heritage shell indeed.... tsk tsk such blasphemy
Sorry, but it's only going to get worse! my brain has now been officially turned to mush. My wife was rushed into hospital 10 days ago, she was 27 weeks pregnant with our twins, well a week later last thursday she was bleeding heavily and having contractions so they took the decision to do an emergency c-section so we now have two beautiful little boys, born at 28 weeks so very small Alexander weighs 2lb 3oz and Sebastian 2lb 9oz, both in Neo-natal intensive care but doing really well, breathing well themselves with just a little help, wriggly and loud.
I wonder if you can get junior welding sets? It might be a while before I can find a welding helmet to fit them though as I can just about cover them completely with both my hands!.
Congratulations Lippyp, 28 weeks is not bad and the boys should do OK, especially if they are breathing for themselves. Leave the junior welding kit for a few more weeks though, the fumes won't do their lungs much good at this age. I've put smaller than this to sleep for heart surgery, so keep smiling. I've thought about Heritage shells too, but modified for a beefier motor and back end that doesn't waltz round corners, so your welder can stil be useful.
They're doing fine now thanks, a strapping 20lbs and 17 lbs. They were discharged from the hospitals care last week which is great news, they appear to have no long term problems. Alexander has two teeth and Sebastian is still trying to find his. They're both sitting up and trying hard to crawl too.
Apologies to all, thought I was still in 'New posts' when I wrote my message - must have been the excitement of going for a Portamig:full! Congrats to lippyp anyway, and best wishes to the family.