Rusty rear crossmember!

[steveyd]

Hi All,

I started to fit a towbar yesterday to my 96 AFT 2.5TD 2WD (ex 4wd).. After getting the bumper off I noticed that the bottom of the wing on the O/S around the vent was almost gone, there were some big crusty holes in my rear box section -- though the parts the towbar mounts to were pretty solid. Whats the best way of dealing with this -- is it possible to get repair sections to weld in or is my Bongo just waiting for the scrapper now... MOT man in Feb said it was pretty solid underneath, though it is a Northern Japan Bongo (had winterpack) and the importing garage did some undersealing on import 18 months ago (I've been topping it up myself though - original garage didnt even bother to take off the spare wheel and sprayed around it!!!). The towbar is only for a bike rack (2 bikes).

I do have rear arches that are bubbling up so was saving up to get those replaced... but looks like something more urgent is coming up! Until I can get the work done whats the best way of stopping the rust - wirebrush and waxoil - I have a drill with a brush attachment but I'm a little nervous (but excited) at the prospect of getting an Angle grinder...

It all seems to be box sections -- is it DIY weldable (someone at work is selling an ARC welder for £15)..? I've always fancied one ...?

cheers,

Steve

[BongoMTBer]

Everything is repairable! Especially if you can keep the cost down by doing it yourself.

Get some 1.5 mm steel plate, buy a 1/2 decent MIG welder, self darkening mask, a pair of gauntlets, a large bottle of CO2 and get practicing!