Comical Engineer Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 Just took the Disco for the MOT. Knew I might have a might have a couple of issues but the tester went a bit hard on the old girl and knocked a couple of holes in the underside (wheelarches and associated areas) within 30cm etc... He also found some play in a couple of the muddy bits. He also condemned one of my rear shocks, rubber bushes & a couple of other minor things that I can fix myself (at a price). Unfortunately I sold my MIG welder some years ago when I got rid of the MG so it looks like the MOT will cost me somewhat more than I had budgetted for. This means that my plans for improving the motor have been dented for the time being. Was planning to replace the squeaking alternator, fit a decat pipe and electric fan and get some tyres that work better on road than the Insa Saharas. Oh, and the radiator fins are corroded so I'm budgetting for a new radiator after winter! Is there a simley for "really hacked off"? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sotal Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 ALDI keep doing a cheapo gas free MIG for under £100, which some of the other members have praised - might be worth a try? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pete Attryde Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 I have a gas-less mig I can lend you if you want. I live in Northwich but work in Chester and pass through Helsby twice a day, so could meet up to hand it over. Pete. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crazyfarmerboy Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 You can buy a cheap mickey mouse one for about £80 reconditioned in shops. i bought one when my good one broke so i had time to get a good deal on a decent one. but i just kept the small one as it did the job. i just cuts out every now and then. thanks Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Richard Mills Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 It's always nice to have something new.... A new MIG will cost a lot less than getting the local garage to weld it! Secondly.. it will be there when you need it again. Happy Migging. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
LandyManLuke Posted September 9, 2008 Share Posted September 9, 2008 I'd avoid the cheap welders, to be honest, they're carp!! For the price of a garage welding job you may well be able to afford a half decent budget machine. If i was set up, I'd help you out, by my welder is currently in storage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comical Engineer Posted September 9, 2008 Author Share Posted September 9, 2008 Guys, many thanks for all the offers. I'd normally do it myself but I'm up against a time problem in the next couple of weeks, that being that the MOT expires on 21 Sept and I'm away on business for 6 days between now and then. A bit of hunting around this afternoon found me someone who will do the welding at a reasonable price and I'm hoping he can sort out the other bits on the list. I'll let you know end of next week when it's all done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Les Henson Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 Make sure he uses at least 2mm plate. The MOT requirement is just for the repair to be plated over with a seam weld and it's really common for a bit of thin tin to be used. Les. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thys Posted September 10, 2008 Share Posted September 10, 2008 What causes the radiator fins to deteriorate like that, and the body/chassis to corrode so badly, is it the sea air or do they still spray a salt solution on the roads to prevent ice forming, or is the mud, when off-roading, corrosive? Maybe I am spoiled, as I live +/- 700 kms from the coast, and we do not have ice forming on our roads, but we usually give the LR's a good high pressure under body cleanup after off roading. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Comical Engineer Posted September 28, 2008 Author Share Posted September 28, 2008 Finally got through the MOT. The damage was: Welding to both rear wheel arches & one inner wing patch - cost about £180 New front wheel bearing £25 plus about £50 fitting New swivel bearings & sphere (one side) £75 + about £80 fitting 2x MOT @ £48 (ran out of time for re-test but see below) Total £350 odd plus £100 parts = £450 Exhaust that I fitted a couple of weeks ago £75 Might have been a couple of additional bits that brought the total up to about £575 Here is the interesting point: At the first MOT, the tester did not spot the collapsed top swivel bearing that was giving a lot of play (and I mean a lot) of play on one of the front wheels. Fortunately, the second tester (different garage) did spot it. I'm ok about the expense of doing it although it did put a dent in my budget, my point is that the bearing was dangerous. In theory I could have spent the next 12 months trundling round with a bearing that could have collapsed terminally at more orless any time. Guess where I won't be going back to? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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