Off side sill repair (3rd attempt)

[Schotten]

The old story of buy cheap buy twice (or this time thrice!). I could see this spring the front and back corners of the off side sill were looking a bit tatty. Bit annoyed as they had been ‘fixed’ in September ‘22 using Tom Hobbs panels. The rear had been ‘repaired’ 2 years earlier with another of his panels. Thinking the worst U bought a full sill panel and rear section, booked car into a ‘proper’ body shop. Estimate a bit in higher side, but was assured after a tour of their workshop. Had to go on a long wait list as they are so busy, worst fears materialised the day after dropping the car off, after removing the outer sill there was ‘nothing there’ according to them. Estimate just doubled. A lot bigger job than expected. Will have pictures sent to me soon and will post up for everyone’s relief at not being their sills!!

[Azur]

Ouch, that hurts, good luck! Seems strange that within such short time you have these problems after repairs. Should not be the case.

I can just whish you good luck, you are not the only one. Hopefully this time it will be a permenant fix!
Have just been repairing some sill problems myself too, tiny holes in the back sill so not as big of a problem. Have fixed it as a temporary 1-3 year fix. I am interested to see your images, keep us informed.

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by Schotten

... after removing the outer sill there was ‘nothing there’ according to them.

Although the Tom Hobbs panels are superb, they are only the outer skin of the sill. When the inboard metal rusts, as it often does, we're into fabricating from sheet metal territory. It's therefore doubly important to find a bodyshop with the required skills. For example, "accident repair" specialists are no good as they deal only with fitting factory panels or parts thereof.

Simon

[Schotten]

Will have pictures to post next week. From what I gather both jacking points had rotted away (on what and how has the car been getting jacked up ??). Inner sill front and rear had gone too, front had started to eat into the first bit of floor. It looks like the previous 2 welders had simply welded the panels provided straight on top of the existing (rusty) ones, didn’t cut anything out. For fear of what they might find?? What a joke, waste of time and money too.

[SD1too]

Originally Posted by Schotten

From what I gather both jacking points had rotted away ...

Tom Hobbs makes impressive support turrets too which I recommend. My bodyshop remarked that they are superior to the originals.

Originally Posted by Schotten

It looks like the previous 2 welders had simply welded the panels provided straight on top of the existing (rusty) ones, didn’t cut anything out. For fear of what they might find?

It won't be the first time. I think the reason that it's done is to provide a low quote and therefore secure the business.

Simon