Suspension pan rust!!- 82SC - Questions

Kirk911SC · 04-19-2005, 04:26 AM

I've been rebuilding my front suspension for the last few days - shocks, bushings, TTRs, ball joints, and I noticed some rust near the driver side A-arm front mount. I'll try and post pics tonight. A few spots I can push a screwdriver through up into the area under the battery. Mount still looks in place but I'm worried about structural integrity. I guess the only way to check is to start ripping rusty metal off.

Checked the battery area and looks like a small amount of rust there too. I haven't pulled the battery yet. That will be tonight.

I've searched the forums and found some info on pan replacement. How involved is this replacement? What is removed to access the pan? Gas tank, and A-Arm mounts? Anything else? Can any decent bodyshop do this or should they have prior Porsche experience? Typical labour hours?

I know many have done this themselves, but I don't feel like learning how to weld on my car. I'm not even sure yet if I need the whole pan. I'm hoping that maybe some patchwork will be all that's necessary.

This front end rebuild has been an eye opener. Seized parts, shot bushings, rusty pan, dicey brake lines and hoses. One thing leads to another. I guess I should be glad I found this stuff.........I thought the car was in great shape and would have kept driving as ususal.

Kirk

Willem Fick · 04-19-2005, 05:01 AM

If you are technically inclined it is something you can most certainly attempt yourself. I couldn't even weld properly before I started, and still managed to pull it off.

To access it, simply remove the tank. To make your job a lot easier, it is actually a good idea to strip out the A-arms, struts, and as much as possible from the luggage compartment, as this gives you room to work, and less stuff that you can damage. To get the new pan properly aligned, re-fit the a-arms and tank temporarily, while you tack it into place.

If it seems daunting, or if you are pressed for time, you can farm it out to any reputable body shop, as there is nothing complex to the job. You'll probably be able to save some money, if you were to for instance do the stripping yourself.

Another option is to see if there isn't a warm-hearted Pelicanite in your neighbourhood that can assist!

If you are going to replace the pan, you will also have to replace the fuel tank support, and if the rust is bad enough, also the two lateral supports on either side of the fuel tank. In the case of the latter, I found that acid seeped into them too, and even with no rust visible from the luggage compartment, they were rusted beyond repair from the inside.

Cheers!

Willem Fick

Kirk911SC · 06:06 AM

Anyone else? Anyone know of a good bodyshop in the Toronto area??

Kirk911SC · 04-19-2005, 07:02 AM

Bump

Willem Fick · 04-19-2005, 07:19 AM

Patience, patience...

A good (not failsafe!) way of finding a good bodyshop, is by paying a visit to a couple and seeing their work for yourself.

If they want your business I'm sure they will allow you to see not only cars they have fixed, but also those undergoing repairs. Try to specifically find a vehicle that is not in for a mere bolt-on repair, but rather one that is undergoing extensive repairs, incl welding. You want to make sure they know what they are doing in this department, as anybody can swing a wrench, but welding is an art. Even if you can't weld yourself, I am sure you can spot a bad welder from a mile!

The class of vehicle they work on will also be telling of their ability, as those with expensive cars often do their homework best!

Also speak to your local Porsche dealer - they might well be able to point you in the right direction too.

Biff · 04-19-2005, 07:34 AM

Do a search under "suspension pan" you'll find a bunch of info on the subject, its been discussed on this board alot! Biff