Looking for advice on my 1997 Cockburn-Holdsworth Sonata

[HueysMum]

1st off get some cream for your Cockburn

Seriously though you need a quote from a bodywork garage..they can tell you if it's not economical to repair.
Remember paintwork after body repair is expensive also..2-3k sounds do able though

Good luck

Thank you. Yes must remember painting will be extra. Guessing most welders don’t spray paint either so another person to pay!

 

[HueysMum]

I was considering scrapping my Iveco several years ago until I found a place in Tavistock that do nothing except weld vehicles. I couldn't believe how quick, thorough (I was there when they did it) and cheap they were.
It was only a tiny, dingy, back street garage but these places do exist and can quite easily resurrect a rusty van.

Encouraging to know! Thank you. I’m sure I’ll find someone who can help.

 

[HueysMum]

I'd drive it west country or north and have a holiday at the same time.

No point spending Buckinghamshire prices on welding!!! (That's if you can find anywhere that know what to do!)

Cheers James (originally from Penn!)

I Hadn’t thought of this Tbh. Are welders different prices in different places of the country?! Thanks btw.

 

[HueysMum]

We spent nearly five grand having a lot of welding done on our 95 Duetto after we had owned it for four years. The worst being a screen pillar and scuttle when a cracked screen was an MOT fail looming.
Two years later the tester spotted more structural rust in the front end of the rear spring hanger mount under the shower floor. As much as it hurt I couldn’t face the idea of having to pay for the interior being stripped to carry out the repairs.
We had the underside rust proofed when we bought it by an alleged professional company because I lost the use of a workshop to do it my self as I did with my Landrovers.
Good luck with the search for a repairer in you’re area.

That’s what I don’t want to happen - spend a ton of cash for it to need more in a couple of years. I guess I have to get it done professionally and thoroughly or not at all really. Thank you.

 

[HueysMum]

Hmmm , so what are your plans regarding ownership of this vehicle , are they short , or long term .

I guess that really depends how much it costs to repair to be honest. I’d like to get it in a really good condition and use it for years. What I don’t want is something that is going to require lots of work every MOT.

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[HueysMum]

Dare I say this is cart before the horse, make a decision on the corrosion and repair then the service items if viable of course.
Take the opportunity to change brake hoses often forgotten, that will facilitate brake fluid change also, try not to forget from hub bearing grease and gearbox oil.( Ensure correct grade and viscosity used GL4 from memory)
I believe the van has many years ahead entrusted to a competent and trustworthy welder. However try to get the sequence of attack in a logical order is key in my view.

Thank you. Yes I guess a good plan of action is needed. Were you in the forces by any chance? lol

 

[HueysMum]

Doesn't look too bad, those holes in the crossmember bits look the worse and will need cutting out and refabricating.
Important to find a good welder not a back street MOT bodger.
Have a good check around all the suspension mounting points that could determine if its worth keeping.
As said should have got the body sorted before spending money on the mechanicals.

All the suspension mounting points were welded last MOT so they should be good. Yes I realise I’ve gone about this a bit backwards. It wasn’t my original plan but after discovering a huge gash in one of the tyres at the garage I just thought it easier if l left it there and let them get on with it so it’s turned out that way. I figured if I can drive the thing I can at least get it to someone to work on! I didn’t want it stuck in my flats car park not even running.

 

[HueysMum]

I thought of suggesting that but it depends if you want to keep it. Back in the day my first car was an Austin Maxi. I think as a design it was way ahead of its time a hatchback front wheel drive 5 speed box etc the only problem being the sills were pretty good and the floor they just we'rent joined together anymore. It would have been an easy fix to get an mot but to get it to a point where it was unlikely to recur in a year or two would have been a lot harder.

If it’s uneconomical to fix properly then I think I’d jut get MOT welding done and sell it on. What I really want it to fix it up properly again tbh. I love the layout inside and haven’t seen any others the same.

 

[HueysMum]

"MoT " welders will ( generaly) weld what they need to get it through the mot.
Stay clear of them.
As said in a few posts a specialist car restorer is the way to go.

Noted Ta.

 

[HueysMum]

Nothing there that cant be fixed ...you will probably find that each bit thats corroded will end up 5 times the size by the time you clean it all out but thats best in the longrun . Dont just patch it as you will just have to weld it every year afterwards .

Thank you. Advice appreciated. Don’t suppose you want to earn some extra pennies do you>?

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[airwave]

I guess that really depends how much it costs to repair to be honest. I’d like to get it in a really good condition and use it for years. What I don’t want is something that is going to require lots of work every MOT.

Okay , just so i was clear what your intentions are . I think it's only fair to warn you , if you do go for it , it's gonna cost , and it's a cost your probably never gonna recover , this is the reason for my original question . While on this subject , i would also add , it unlikely to very quick either , so to be frank i wouldn't plan on taking it anywhere this year . Good welders are seriously hard to find , those that are any good , are stacked out with work . Despite the interior looking good , if you only planned on keeping it a couple of years , then frankly it's just not worth the grief . Now i know this all seems rather negative , and that really is not my intention . I don't like to being negative , but i do try to be honest . Anything can be repaired , but it's at a price ! . However , the chances of a recurrence of this in another place , i'm sorry about this , are good .

Now your van appears to be a series 2 , which places it between 94 , and 06 . Though it could be a slightly earlier 2.5 tdi , released 94 , i suspect it more likely a 2.8 , making it a 98 to pre-facelift 02 . This is all pretty academic really , as the fact it is a series two , means many panels will be generic .

Okay so what's my opinion , well i've studied the pictures , and it does looks a mess . The first few pictures seem to indicate , the main issue is what i believe to be , the offside front wheel arch . Looking at it's condition , i would say , this has been repaired before , and personally i doubt it was to a very good standard . It has all the hallmarks of a typical backstreet mot repair , weld a plate on , then slap a good coat of underseal on , to hide it . In other words , it's being bodged .
The repair is relatively easy , though time consuming . To reduce costs , the outer sill could be patched , but being honest , i fear the inner sill maybe shot as well . It looks rather rough and bloated beside the support bracket . Of course the later itself needs to be complete replaced , there's nothing to weld to . But i am slightly baffled as to why the jacking point appears to be missing .

And so now , the good news . Well , both the inner , and outer sills are available , furthermore their not a silly price , around 20 quid a piece . I can't find a support bracket , but as the sills are available , it's unlikely that's not . Actually , it's again fairly academic , i could fabricate one , so it's safe to say , any good welder should be able to fabricate one up as well , but before you ask , i can't weld ! .
Bearing in mind , you've already spent the better part of one and a half grand , on mechanical repairs . I would say you are still within your budget , so long as nothing else is found , which i seriously doubt . I would think you could probably add another qrand , to thirteen hundred for this repair .

 

[HueysMum]

Okay , just so i was clear what your intentions are . I think it's only fair to warn you , if you do go for it , it's gonna cost , and it's a cost your probably never gonna recover , this is the reason for my original question . While on this subject , i would also add , it unlikely to very quick either , so to be frank i wouldn't plan on taking it anywhere this year . Good welders are seriously hard to find , those that are any good , are stacked out with work . Despite the interior looking good , if you only planned on keeping it a couple of years , then frankly it's just not worth the grief . Now i know this all seems rather negative , and that really is not my intention . I don't like to being negative , but i do try to be honest . Anything can be repaired , but it's at a price ! . However , the chances of a recurrence of this in another place , i'm sorry about this , are good .

Now your van appears to be a series 2 , which places it between 94 , and 06 . Though it could be a slightly earlier 2.5 tdi , released 94 , i suspect it more likely a 2.8 , making it a 98 to pre-facelift 02 . This is all pretty academic really , as the fact it is a series two , means many panels will be generic .

Okay so what's my opinion , well i've studied the pictures , and it does looks a mess . The first few pictures seem to indicate , the main issue is what i believe to be , the offside front wheel arch . Looking at it's condition , i would say , this has been repaired before , and personally i doubt it was to a very good standard . It has all the hallmarks of a typical backstreet mot repair , weld a plate on , then slap a good coat of underseal on , to hide it . In other words , it's being bodged .
The repair is relatively easy , though time consuming . To reduce costs , the outer sill could be patched , but being honest , i fear the inner sill maybe shot as well . It looks rather rough and bloated beside the support bracket . Of course the later itself needs to be complete replaced , there's nothing to weld to . But i am slightly baffled as to why the jacking point appears to be missing .

And so now , the good news . Well , both the inner , and outer sills are available , furthermore their not a silly price , around 20 quid a piece . I can't find a support bracket , but as the sills are available , it's unlikely that's not . Actually , it's again fairly academic , i could fabricate one , so it's safe to say , any good welder should be able to fabricate one up as well , but before you ask , i can't weld ! .
Bearing in mind , you've already spent the better part of one and a half grand , on mechanical repairs . I would say you are still within your budget , so long as nothing else is found , which i seriously doubt . I would think you could probably add another qrand , to thirteen hundred for this repair .

Thank you so much for the thorough reply, it’s most appreciated!

 

[HueysMum]

Thank you everyone for your help!

Little update. Huey has had a service, new timing belt, auxiliary belt, water pump, battery, wiper pump, tyres and exhaust. His leaking injector has been fixed and in two weeks he’s off to a welder/restorer who has quoted me £3,000 to get his underneath in perfect condition. after that I’ll have the heating and water serviced and he’s ready for some adventures!

Thanks again anyone that took the time to give me advice.

 

[dazandandrea]

Fantastic , where you got planned for the first adventure?

 

[HueysMum]

Fantastic , where you got planned for the first adventure?

I have a deaf house cat who will be travelling about with me so the first adventure will be one night away somewhere local to see how he feels about being in a van. We sat in it together last Sunday for a couple of hours and he was fine. After that the Forest of Dean!

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[dazandandrea]

Hope you have a wonderful time

 

[L' Hobo]

I have a deaf house cat who will be travelling about with me so the first adventure will be one night away somewhere local to see how he feels about being in a van. We sat in it together last Sunday for a couple of hours and he was fine. After that the Forest of Dean!

IF there an Owners Club, it might be worth getting in touch with them, they should have all the contacts and might even put you in touch with someone who specialises in welding these vehicles and who knows where parts can be found, Good Luck!

 

[HueysMum]

Update: After several delays I took the van to the welder yesterday. He showed me around his workshop and the e type jag he’s just finished fabricating a complete new floor for. His work is amazing and after a look he says he can sort my van out properly. happy dayz!

 

[The Wino]

Update: After several delays I took the van to the welder yesterday. He showed me around his workshop and the e type jag he’s just finished fabricating a complete new floor for. His work is amazing and after a look he says he can sort my van out properly. happy dayz!

Sounds like just the sort of place to go to.

 

[airwave]

After several delays

Ah delays , huh . yeah i know all about delays . I've had nothing but delays with my van . As my timing belt was due for renewal two years ago , i figured i should replace the water pump , and overhaul the cooling system at the same time . Nothing major , new hoses , water pump , and replace the header tank . I was fed up of using my digital level checker , take the cap off , and stick a digit in ! . It ended up with a complete rebuild , which left the actual engine , cooling fans , and heater matrix , the only original parts . 9 rubber hoses , three steel pipes , oil cooler , thermostat , water pump , radiator , and a new header tank . Along with a new alternator , a fan belt , and restoration of the belt adjuster which was seized solid . It didn't end there . I found the timing belt vibration damper seized , so i replaced not only the belt , but both idler wheels , tensioner , vibration damper , and all bolts including the damper bolt . I had numerous delays , waiting for parts , then having to source the correct parts when the wrong parts appeared . The Fiat parts list , doesn't always agree with what my van has fitted . I also located , and eliminated two oil leaks , i didn't know i had , and finally had the van running late last year , however it's still not on the road .
To gain better access to the rad , i removed the front bumper . The intention was to affect a small repair , and respray . Hmmm , the welding alone took 3 days , i'm actually quite good at plastic welding now . It was in a hell of a state , oh and that's without mentioning both front spats . Worse was to come , with the bumper removed , i also discovered minor corrosion in the front offside chassis rail , which needed attention . It was invisible from underneath . I resprayed the engine bay chassis , plus the bolt on front cross member , while waiting for parts . I also tidied the wiring , re-running some , repaired others , and fixed it down properly . Numerous plastic covers , and brackets were also refinished . After i discovering bit's in the windscreen washer bottle , not being quite sure what they were , i completely flushed the bottle , and overhaul the whole system . New pipes , one way valve , washer pump seal , connectors , and washer jets . I broke one removing it from the wiper arm . I couldn't find a replacement anywhere , so i replaced all three , with parts sourced in China . I still have the battery tray in paint , and i'm getting ready to completely overhaul the power steering , after i found corrosion on two major steel pipes fitted to the rack . Parts here have been a nightmare to locate , and i'm still short of one , the listed part is too short .
In addition to all that , i have also gone through the electrical system , and replaced the fuse box . Now this is a whole new story , so it's suffice to say , this job is partially on going . I converted the radio stack to double din , to allow fitment of a Kenwood media centre , with gps , handsfree phone , and rear view camera . It's awaiting Hydro-dipping , a new skill , which hopefully will leave a wood effect finish .

I still have a bit , i want to get through , including replacing the sliding channel rubber on the passenger side . Just got to figure out a way of doing it . The glass won't come out , i've got the seal though . To be honest , i've got no idea how much i've spent , but it's safe to say it's in the thousands . Of course being able to fit this stuff myself , has actually saved me several thousand . Access is not very good on an A class .

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[HueysMum]

Huey passed the MOT today

 

[airwave]

Huey passed the MOT today

Hey , hey , excellent news . well done

 

[Quackers]

That is good news.
Have you packed yet?

 

[Jamesh]

Well done!

Get some underseal on the new welding and the rest of the chassis asap!

 

[Swifter]

Huey passed the MOT today

Absolutely brilliant news

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[dazandandrea]

So glad to hear you have a pass.

 

[The Wino]

Good to hear. It will feel properly yours.

 

[HueysMum]

No I haven’t packed yet, he’s still with the welder! A 2 week job turned into a 10 week 8k job That’ll teach me to not look properly. Luckily I got the van extremely cheap so all is good. Bit of a journey though.. not really what I had planned but that’s what you get for buying a ‘bargain’

Off to a festival next weekend - first outing!

 

[HueysMum]

Well done!

Get some underseal on the new welding and the rest of the chassis asap!

All done

 

[The Wino]

All done

Also waxoyl or similar in any box sections

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