Rust under battery tray, fixable? Options

[peter71]

Hi, yet another question from a 914 rookie. I found a '73 2.0 that is in really good shape, except there is a patch of rust rot under the battery tray (around 3"x5")- a screwdriver could be easily pushed through. Is this a red flag, or is it a relatively easy (and hopefully inexpensive) fix? Where could i get this kind of work done and done well?

thanks for your help!

[scruz914]

QUOTE (nine14cats @ Mar 1 2005, 09:19 AM)

Hi Peter, The new pics don't look that bad. I still think you should have the owner pull the rocker panels off and shoot pics of them for you if you haven't seen the jack post areas yet. Also, did he give you pics of the suspension console area (where the swing arm attaches to the body?). I agree with Scott, fixable. You've got several ways to go here, you can buy replacement pieces, make your own pieces (a la Trekkor! (IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/laugh.gif) ) which looked awesome by the way, etc. If you can't weld, I know several folks here in Campbell by us that can do it for you. Even some mobile welders who are car guys. Just give that car another once over and have the PPI done. There's a tad more surface rust on the car than I'd prefer (just my preference) but if this is the only problem, it may be a solid car. How much is he asking? If he hasn't discounted for the repairs....he should. Let me know if I can help. Bill P.

(IMG:http://www.914world.com/bbs2/html/emoticons/agree.gif) With Scott's post too.

You should also take into consideration that there will be more damage under what you see now. Error on the worst case scenario side when estimating time and expenses. Pulling off the rockers is a must considering the rust you are seeing in the hell hole area. The battery tray is minor, way minor, compared to cancer in the longs. You should look at both sides of the car.

What does the rest of the car look like? Have you looked under the carpet and seats, spare tire area in the front trunk, under the carpet in the rear trunk?

As previously mentioned you are in the perfect location to get some help looking at the car before you start bargaining. Is the car in the Bay Area? Just ask here if anyone can accompany you.

-Jeff