Pass me the grinder Posted May 14, 2022 Share Posted May 14, 2022 This occurred to me today while working on my chassis rot Land Rover chassis rot from the inside out. They rot because carp gets into the chassis via the numerous drain holes Land Rover drill into them.. They also have drain holes so that when offroading, the carp that gets in can get out; which is mostly doesn't. So weld up the drain holes, and every other point of ingress and you'd never have to worry about a chassis rotting from the inside out, but the easier to deal with outside in. Or am I missing something obvious. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Sparkes Posted May 15, 2022 Share Posted May 15, 2022 Might be missing condensation due to temperature change. If condensation affects tanks for liquid fuel it can affect chassis, plus I think it will be a brave person who will claim they can weld a chassis to be a total vacuum (air tight). Regards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Retroanaconda Posted May 15, 2022 Share Posted May 15, 2022 I tend to work on the principe that mud and water will always get in, and so it is better to have decent drain holes so you can wash it out. Plus an old chassis will already have rust inside, and in order to slow this down (there’s not really a way to stop it) you want it to dry out it in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Junglie Posted May 16, 2022 Share Posted May 16, 2022 However... I've had these thoughts as well. But I was thinking of squirting something (maybe lanolin based as it's runnier) inside the chassis and then filling the holes, probably with silicone rather than welding 'cos that won't bust the galvanising if I get to go that way... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mossberg Posted May 16, 2022 Share Posted May 16, 2022 45 minutes ago, Junglie said: However... I've had these thoughts as well. But I was thinking of squirting something (maybe lanolin based as it's runnier) inside the chassis and then filling the holes, probably with silicone rather than welding 'cos that won't bust the galvanising if I get to go that way... Why not use rubber blanking grommets? Drill drain, inspection and treatment holes to a size that will suit grommet availability, treat the chassis including the hole and fit the grommets in the holes except the lower drain holes. It nay be worth treating around the holes with a thicker anti corrosion grease before fitting the grommets. I have thought of similar things in the past with particular focus on inspection and cleaning holes. I wondered if you could weld strengthening sections with a bsp taper thread in them at strategic points. My thoughts were that you could have a bigger hole due to the strengthening plate, then fit a 1" bsp plug (which is quite big). I thought of this in the rear crossmember where the chassis rails are as you could take the plug out and jetwash inside - you would want flush fitting plugs so you may want a parallel thread here! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landroversforever Posted May 16, 2022 Share Posted May 16, 2022 It’s a bit pointless unless it’s a completely brand new chassis. But even then you’ll still be amazed how much would get in around bolts etc. Better option is making some places to be able to wash it out easily IMO. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sigi_H Posted May 17, 2022 Share Posted May 17, 2022 imho the most dangerous points are on top of the chassis, where ist is covered from the body. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mossberg Posted May 17, 2022 Share Posted May 17, 2022 What size drain holes would you recommend. I am thinking it needs to be big enough to let muddy water out without blocking, whilst not compromising the strength. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
landroversforever Posted May 17, 2022 Share Posted May 17, 2022 30-40mm maybe? With a reinforcing ring around to put the strength back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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