Rusting

[sinlessgunner]

Alright lads,

At long last got the tax sorted out with the FTO and things are looking great (or so it seemed). The next step is the NCT so I said I'd get the mechanic I normally go to to give it a good look for failable issues.

Few hours later I get a call...... "Aaron, my advice to you is to get rid of that FTO"........

Apparently the back right Chassis arm (below the fuel tank) is rusted on the bend pretty badly. Other than that it's not bad but he said it will definitly fail NCT if this isn't fixed and he's not sure if it's rectifiable...

Anyone have any suggestions on what I should do or is my FTO ownership about to come to an end?

[Mustang]

Apparently the back right Chassis arm (below the fuel tank) is rusted on the bend pretty badly.

I assume you mean the rear suspension arm? In which case it is prone to rust (common issue on mitsi's apparently). The fact that it is bent is another issue. Hardly the end of the world though. Price a new one. If too dear get a second hand one remove the rust, paint etc.

[sinlessgunner]

That was the exact term he used but the bend is actually supposed to be in this bar whatever he's on about thats where the rust is at it's worst...

[steelroe]

sounds like your fto is a uk import. very common on uk imports. I have seen several fto condemed by the nct for this problem. I would also check under the fuse box in the engine bay.

In regards to mustang's suiggestion, it is actually part of the chassis thet is rusted and is a major job to remove. I would get all the rust cut out weld in a plate and then underseal the entire car.

[sinlessgunner]

What would be the best (but not too expensive) solution? I want to get this sorted pretty quickly...

[steelroe]

the rust has to be removed and all the holes plated up.

[sinlessgunner]

So a good welder or body shop even would do the job then....

That's not so bad he was panicking me for no reason so.......

[steelroe]

take pics and you need to check front and rear chassis legs i would bet there is a lot more rust to be found.

[sinlessgunner]

He told me he checked the rest of it and that was the only piece that would cause problems. The rest of it is fine and shouldn't be a problem. I'm just glad I'm addressing all of these problems now and not in a years time!