Major Welding - Chassis - Now Underway :-)

The handfuls of rot were from the deformation panels and the chassis legs, not exactly where the beam attaches bit further forward but the chassis legs that I've got will need putting in past the beam as I want rid of any rot around there too. Was the three - four day estimate for the job not including the chassis leg replacement, or were you thinking it was the front end of the chassis legs before the beam?

I have in the past been out and bought the second hand mig, thinking that I'd learn the art, only ever managed to fix the hinge on my gate (not sure that I've ever seen a messier bit of welding ) .....that purchase wasn't with this job in mind though, far too scary a task.

paradox, would be great to hear your views on what needs doing and gain the estimated costs, I'm grateful for the offer, I don't think it would be fair to drag you on a 200 mile round trip for petrol money and a bag of chips though. Like you said its too far for you to complete the job.
I just need to get it to a garage that are going to be confident and competent in completing the job and provide me with a clear estimate upfront. Sounds like people have recommended garages that they've had this kind of service from, so if the garage in Wakefield doesn't come up trumps I should be able to sort something out.

 

You can cut them off without touching the front panel..




I did remove the paint..

 

Simon, have you got a cut that's like LEN's pic and with the chassis legs attached still? If yes that makes the job easier IMO.
Do you know that the beam area of the chassis needs replacing? If it doesn't you're making a bigger job of it than you need to.
Yes the 3-4 days (for me) was taking in the front 12" (ish of the chassis and not right back to and past the beam. I should have read more carefully, but the thought you took the beam off to replace the beam rather than to replace the chassis in this area. For me you need to add at least another couple of days to get this done right. I did read that the handfuls of rust were from the beam area so that's a relief!

 

Hi, I've got a cut similar to LEN's, I got it from a dry state camper. It also has a bit of cab floor about 5-6 inches of chassis legs plus the lip that the washer bottle attaches to. The chassis legs are a separate cut, they are attached to a cut of floor though so both chassis legs are in one piece. They probably go back to around the front jacking points. I had these parts delivered straight to the garage where the bus is though so I have no pictures to show.

 

Much time has passed but finally I have my camper in a garage where things are progressing and all looks good. 1st chassis leg is in place and second cut out, being replaced today . I am really happy with the work and would not hesitate to recommend Martin's Auto Centre in Wakefield to anyone else with a welding need.
I'm heading down to Worcester tomorrow to collect the front arches from 'Many Projects' shell as these will be easier to graft into mine than dealing with the individual repair panels that I purchased, plus I get the bonus of having the bottom of the b-pillars attached, mine is shot next to the bottom of the slider.
It would appear all the waiting will finally pay off, I wouldn't have found out about Martin had it not been for a chance meeting on the sale of a pair of fibreglass Beetle wings to Graham who is building an amazing twin turbo'd V8 powered chop top bug in Martin's look up. Look up Rabid Bug to see more on his project, well worth it.

Thanks for everyone's help, I'll keep you all posted on any progress.
Simon