Chassis rail repair

[jonnyb]

While my engine is off for machining I thought I would have a go at the front suspension. However, close inspection shows a rust issue in the front section of the chassis rails/legs which needs sorting first. Repair sections for the Morris Minor are available from ESM but there are two options: one for the van and another presumably for the saloon/traveller? I am not sure which one to go for. Any help would be appreciated.

www.morrisminorspares.com/body-inc-panels-trim-c21/panels-c31/front-chassis-leg-repair-section-r-h-32-with-tie-bar-bracket-lmc-hadrian-uk-made-p828465

www.morrisminorspares.com/body-inc-panels-trim-c21/van-pick-up-panels-parts-c41/front-chassis-leg-repair-section-l-h-van-pick-up-26-long-henric-uk-made-p829250

[jonnyb]

Ah just seen Tony's post in an earlier discussion and Longbridge do have repair rails but 2 or 3 times price of ESM. I'll check with club spares too.

[vue from the north]

i believe club spares dont charge vat whereas longbridge / esm are private businesses

[ozieagle]

Hi,

I have the Wolseley version of these cars. Some years ago I too found rust in the rails, and purchased the MM ones. Bad move, not really compatible, though can be bodged in.
I wound up with the Longbridge ones, nicely made, and are a complete section, not just the bottom half. A tip. also get the front cross piece, not just the side sections.

Here is a link to my experience. Note it is on  the Wolseley forum, and you may need to register.

www.wolseleyforum.com/topic/14254-chassis-repair/

Herb

[tonyhosk]

Quite agree with ozieagle. If the rot is just in the front half of the rails, Longbridge do supply a half repair rail. They are an exact fit, but a lot of work removing the old ones - lots of spot welds to cut out. If you could repair locally I would try it. If you do go for the rails, almost certainly the two front X section members will be buggered as well.

Tony

[jonnyb]

Thanks Herb and Tony, just the information I need. I am taking the car to a well respected classic car specialist on Friday, so see what he says.

I checked with Susie and Club don't have the repair pieces.

I have checked the front crosspiece and it seems pretty solid and rails are good top half  so hoping for local repair as Tony suggests.  

As you said Herb I had to register on Wolseley forum and wait for approval. Now I have read your scary thread I am even more hopeful of being able to do a local repair and disturb as little as possible!