[ozhummer]

I'm in the process of restoring a SWB Vitara (88) - just completed the motor and GB - complete rebuild - no expense spared, if it was available as a spare it went on/in the motor!

Now I'm moving onto the body and this is where I am stuck now! - The attached photo shows what I uncovered under the first layer of sheet metal on the 'A' pillar from the door sill to the front window.

I think what has happened is the plastic under the RHS wheel arch broke away many years ago, and stones chipped the paint and water got in!... the rest is science.

Has anyone ever tried to cut an A pillar out and weld in a newy (oldy, but no cancer) ???? Maybe I need to look for a complete body!....

[eldo]

first up get some rust converter, give it a good clean first then apply the rust converter. then you will at least have some decent metal to work with.
i dont own a vitara so i know fuck all about them, i do know about fixing rust though, it doesnt look that bad... maybe ask steknig for some advice

[royce]

Before you go any further, jsut under the front floor where the chassis rail bends over the front suspension and attaches to the Horizontal section that runs to the back, give the bottom of that bit a good smack with a hammer

[ozhummer]

The chassis and bottom of the care appear in really good cond - no runst anywhere (prob because of the amount of oil and crap there!)..

Just the front driver door 'A' pillar.. and a bit above the windscreen and a few little spots around the place that are easily fixed.

[royce]

the chassis rusts from inside out and always looks really good till you smack it

[ozhummer]

i'll smack it tommorrow ....