Disco 2 Disco 2 Chassis Rust

Hi All,
Looking for some direction and feedback on a risk that perhaps has not paid off!

Just moved back from Australia (where rust is not an issue) with about 4k to spend on a LR. Conducted a nationwide search for a low mileage D2 TD5 and after a long search ended up finding a brilliant green D2, 75k on the clock and one old gent owner from new in Ayrshire. Had a look and engine and interior perfect with full service history, lots of surface rust on the chassis and a couple of patches but no huge obvious holes.

Got the Disco for 3k and expected to spend another 1k on incidentals. Fast forward 2 weeks of driving and before I could even get a welder to have a look at patching before rust treatment, the Rear Suspension Mount came completely off the axel due to rust and some pretty big holes appeared after a good knock with a hammer on mid-rear.

Kingsley and Blackpaw 4x4 both advise new galvo for 6k upward and local welder may not be able to weld the suspension mount back on to the axel.

Has anyone had any experience with this and had any success on fixing before spending on a new chassis? I took a risk and feel stupid given I've owned LR's my whole life, some risks don't pay off! But a new chassis will make it a great car for many years to come with low mileage.

Thanks,

Gareth

A galvanised chassis can be had for less if you can fit it yourself - http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LAND-ROVE...348860?hash=item4d05a78e7c:g:aJEAAOSwGYVW-7lT

Did the £6000 include fitting?

Thanks for the reply Brian.

Yes they advised that even though front section is repairable, mid to rear needs replacing bit it's better to do both. 2.5k for Richard chassis, 1.5k for labour and up to 2k for contingency.

Unfortunately, I'm not skilled enough to fit myself. I'm hoping that there may be a master welder on here who I can track down for some advice, garages often advise with bottom line in mind!

Im assuming you got it in Scotland, properly the worst place for rusty land rovers... I made the same mistake and had to re chassis the whole thing, used a tractor and loader to lift off the body...

I have a pair of brand new spring mounts and new shock upper mounts. also have 4 chassis plates I had made 900 long. go from behind spring hanger to first body mount.
http://s1227.photobucket.com/user/cambridgecockney/slideshow/Chassis plates.
if interested looking for £150 posted.

Hi Discodevon, yes I did get it in Scotland! The prev MOT has flagged rust but at 3k for a car that could get 5k without the rust i took the punt!

Thanks for this cambridgecockney. I'm seeing a welder here in Inverness on Monday and if he hit any issues I will PM you and get that ordered so he can get welding. It still needs a new rear in my opinion but if I can stave off the cost for another year that will be great.

Much appreciate your replies.