MOT fail - GRR!

Had the first MOT since I've owned the van today, always nervous taking 'new' vehicles for the 1st MOT, just in case they find some massive issue I've missed regarding rot. No major issues with wholesale rot, it failed on:

Scary fail - both front brake flexi's have a split in, only visible once on the ramp. on one, inner lining is partially herniated through outer, only a few good squeezes away from a burst I reckon. I checked then recently from ground level, but couldn't see anything wrong. MOT is invaluable sometimes.

Irritating fails - both bottom front ball joints coz they are an PITA to do (thinking going cool-air ready pressed into torsion bar exchange type) and cv joint boot split (its nearly new, love new rubber products).

Holey fail - There is a hole the size of a 5p piece in the rear arch within the magic 30cm of a load bearing part. Surrounding metal work looks okay, certainly resisted his attempts to destroy it with a screwdriver (after the test).

I'll can doit all myself expect the welding, which he quoted £200 for if I striped out the interior. Seems a bit steep, but what do people think? I have a MIG in the shed (unused) do I just crack it out and plate over the hole for the MOT? How hard can it be?!?

 

Not hard. £200 sound steep as you've described it as an MOT repair. If it were done, painted both sides, sealed and protected, as you will find out, the time soon passes.
Where is the hole?

 

Be positive and thankful the MOT showed the failing brake hoses. The other stuff is annoying but not life threatening.

 

for a five pence piece worth

I do it in ten minutes with interior in...

 

drill it to make it regular - fit a bolt - bit of underseal, paint sorted

 

Wow, as I read that I thought two hundred pounds isnt too bad for those repairs but just for the welding of a 5p hole!

Some people complain about the mot but clearly it's there to protect everyone and keep everyone safe, This talk of them droping it for cars over 30 years old is just mind boggling!

Your not too far from me either I know a couple of excellent welders who'd sort it for you.

 

Put a grommet in it.

 

There are welders out there who come to your place. Just as good and usually a bit cheaper for cash.

 

you wanna tell him?

 

£200.00 that would be a days work surely

 

you must be close to me as well

 

I'm Widnes Cheshire, also if I can ever help anyone out your more than welcome at my place.

The more buses the better, I know the neighbours just love it

 

ill start making a list of jobs and make a rota up for those attending,I'm in Chester BTW

 

Get the welder out. It will not be the last time you need it.

 

I'm going to have ago. I have MIG, gas, sheet steel and angle grinder... what could possibly go wrong!!

I've just noticed a small hole in the floor of the beetle too, so that's next!

 

What brand of cv boot did you recently fit?
Break out that mig and start practising on some scrap it will save you a fortune over the years
Especially if your getting quoted that sort of price for a small hole


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Four hours work for a cheap mobile welder


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Not sure on brand, they were just the cheapie ones for around 8 quid each. Went for the pricier ones this time, will see if they last any longer.

The MIG is coming out, pictures of ropey welding will appear soon I suspect.

 

Well that was fun - the 5p sized hole was just the beginning!

10 seconds with a stiff wire brush and the hole was six inches long. On closer inspection the area had been previously plated up to the corner, but a small gap left which has now rusted through (not really a surprise).

A nice bit of 2mm steel, held on in the short term with a bolt and I was away. A mid way photo showing some pretty ropey looking welding, but ground back it looked alright and more importantly was solid. The welder I have is rubbish, the feed speed continually varies (you can hear the motor speed change) so its hard to get a consistent weld. May buy a better one now I know I can use it.

Welding was probably the best fun thing I'd tried working on the van, very satisfying. Now just the brake hoses, ball joints and rear gaiters to go!

 

edited.