Advice Needed

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Strike5

Advice Needed

Post by Strike5 »

Hi Guys,

After a bit of advice. I bought an MR2 2003 plate last week from a coastal town.

I noticed a bit of rust on the rear arch wheel at the time but didn't think too much of it.

Been down to Drifts Performance today for a vehicle check and there's rust all over the chassis underneath (not so much on sills) but a lot of rust!
He also pointed out welding to the exhaust where it may have snapped off due to rusting.

Has anyone had any experience of what the costs are like for repair on these kind of issues? Or where a reasonable place might be?
Or is it better to just sell? I'd hate to as the car drives perfect.

What I'm surprised at is that there's no mention of rust or corrosion in the last couple of years of MOT and it's only done average 1 or 2000 miles a year. Currently at 44k. So how could so much rust only just come since last 6 months when the MOT was done.
I do recall now the owner mentioning he knew the chap at the local Toyota Garage that used to do the MOT.

Any advice appreciated.


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andyroo
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Re: Advice Needed

Post by andyroo »

The rear subframe on the Mk3 is very prone to rusting and still available to buy new from Toyota, I would recommend getting the new subframe completely rust proofed, possibly powder coated to protect it from future corrosion.Rough idea of cost with fitting, alignment, new bolts etc. Around £800 - £1000, the rest of the car would require full rust proofing / underseal and the rear wings simply unbolt for easy replacement. If you are happy with the car and it does not burn any oil, of which these engines are prone to do then it is worth spending money on. The choice is yours.
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Strike5

Re: Advice Needed

Post by Strike5 »

Hi Andyroo

Appreciate the advice. Anyone you can recommend that does this kind of work to confirm exactly what needs doing? I could probably absorb the cost of rear subframe given low mileage of car but just worried how bad other parts might be.

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Re: Advice Needed

Post by MRHAPPY62 »

May help if you add your location to your profile !
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Re: Advice Needed

Post by andyroo »

Patrick Chambers aka headcase on here comes highly recommended for all marques of Mr2, although he is located in Bexhill, Hastings area.
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Strike5

Re: Advice Needed

Post by Strike5 »

MRHAPPY62 wrote: 16/06/18 21:30 May help if you add your location to your profile !
Sorry my fault, I've updated now. Based in Bedfordshire.
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Strike5

Re: Advice Needed

Post by Strike5 »

Hi,

Managed to take some photos from the front.

I just noticed a spring hanging out! Any idea what that is?

Is the car even driveable would you say?

Uploaded photos below as size too big.

https://ibb.co/he7F0J
https://ibb.co/iPzv0J
https://ibb.co/etJAZd
https://ibb.co/en8oLJ
https://ibb.co/bFRxEd
https://ibb.co/n88zSy
https://ibb.co/e5jpSy
https://ibb.co/f440Zd
https://ibb.co/d9F7Ed
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Re: Advice Needed

Post by angpozzuto »

Strike5 wrote: 17/06/18 1:06
MRHAPPY62 wrote: 16/06/18 21:30 May help if you add your location to your profile !
Sorry my fault, I've updated now. Based in Bedfordshire.
You're not too far from me I'm in cheshunt, Hertfordshire. I usually send my mk1 down to Patrick chambers in bexhill
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Re: Advice Needed

Post by Topdownman »

That does look a bit worse than usual but as you say, sea air and not being driven much will do that.

I would take the frunk plastic off to check the condition of the steering UJ and wire brush it and grease it up as that is likely to be severely corroded too. (The PAS pipes are likely to be bad too).

An MR2 specialist like Patrick will be able to give genuine advice about what is needed and if you need to panic or not!
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Strike5

Re: Advice Needed

Post by Strike5 »

Topdownman wrote: 17/06/18 22:16 That does look a bit worse than usual but as you say, sea air and not being driven much will do that.

I would take the frunk plastic off to check the condition of the steering UJ and wire brush it and grease it up as that is likely to be severely corroded too. (The PAS pipes are likely to be bad too).

An MR2 specialist like Patrick will be able to give genuine advice about what is needed and if you need to panic or not!
What's the UJ and PAS pipe? Thanks

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Re: Advice Needed

Post by Topdownman »

The steering UJ is the universal joint on the steering column that will be visible to the left of the frunk once you take the plastic off. They are very prone to corrosion and need regular attention to wire brush off the rust and regrease.

The power assisted steering pump is also near there and the pipes leading up to it also well known for rusting.
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Strike5

Re: Advice Needed

Post by Strike5 »

In the end I've decided to visit Steve at D1 in Loughborough this weekend. Was easier to get there (anything to avoid the M25).

Will let you guys know how I get on and hopefully nothing major!
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Re: Advice Needed

Post by vinp182 »

Looks like mainly the under bracing that’s rusty to me and a bit of surface rust in a few other areas

Steve’s a good guy
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