 | Home > Puma (Tdci) > Chassis check on a TDCi after crash |
 
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| grumpy old git Member Since: 16 Nov 2013 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 153  
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I' suggest taking some measurements that can be replicated on the other side, but given LR's tolerances that could be misleading! Do you know who repaired it, it could be worth asking them what checks they carried out. A good look and feel of the chassis in the affected area might reveal any distortion.
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14th Sep 2015 10:01am |
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| grumpy old git Member Since: 16 Nov 2013 Location: United Kingdom Posts: 153
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I'd suggest taking some measurements that can be replicated on the other side, but given LR's tolerances that could be misleading! Do you know who repaired it, it could be worth asking them what checks they carried out. A good look and feel of the chassis in the affected area might reveal any distortion.
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14th Sep 2015 10:01am |
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| enfield_dinosaur Member Since: 14 Jun 2015 Location: Tertius orbis Posts: 120 
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According to the documentation and the recipt, it's been repaired at Land Rover themselves.
So it should probably be fine, shouldn't it? |
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14th Sep 2015 10:03am |
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| Mike_B Member Since: 23 Jan 2011 Location: Moray Posts: 550 
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Take it to bodyshop with a Jig. That'll be square and will act as a reference for them to measure dimensions. The body is never 100% square, but I'd expect the chassis to be straight from the factory.
Failing that, negotiate enough discount to make a Galv chassis a reasonable option? |
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14th Sep 2015 10:25am |
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| enfield_dinosaur Member Since: 14 Jun 2015 Location: Tertius orbis Posts: 120
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A galvanized chassis would be nice, but I think that would set me back with more money then the dealer is ready to grant as a discount. If I understand this right, the new chassis is not so expensive, but mounting the car on it is, as everything has to be stripped down. Is that correct?
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14th Sep 2015 10:44am |
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| Mike_B Member Since: 23 Jan 2011 Location: Moray Posts: 550
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Pretty much. A large proportion of the cost is the labour although a New Galvanised chassis will still set you back about £1500 for a 90 or £1800 for a 110.
There are planty of companies who'll do the entire swap for abour £3k, which is a realistic price on a relatively new defender. Older ones attract more and more cost as dmaged or corroded parts are discovered during the chassis swap. A Galv chassis will last a long time, especially if the galv is protected with paint. If this is all too daunting, get the current chassis checked by a competent bodyshop, or walk away and find a straight one. Has this one been recorded on HPI as a Cat D or Cat C loss? If so, it'llbe worth less when you come to sell it, so you need to take this into account when buying. |
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14th Sep 2015 11:07am |
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| enfield_dinosaur Member Since: 14 Jun 2015 Location: Tertius orbis Posts: 120
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Good idea to check for a Cat D or Cat C loss! I will do that. I don't think I have the opportunity to check it in a bodyshop. However, I might ask for copies of the measurements that Land Rover certainly took when they repaired the damage.
All in all, it's a rather surreal experience. In a positive way. The seller appears like an honest chap to me. He openly discussed with me all the flaws and finer points of the car. Freely, by himself, without me having to push it. Not to appear cynical, but I am not used to this kind of transparency with a Land Rover dealer. |
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14th Sep 2015 12:26pm |
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| Mike_B Member Since: 23 Jan 2011 Location: Moray Posts: 550
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As always, Caveat Emptor. I'll be surprised if LR have any chassis measurements on file! Maybe get it on a ramp and use a laser level to see if everything lines up, outriggers and crossmembers etc..
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14th Sep 2015 12:41pm |
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| enfield_dinosaur Member Since: 14 Jun 2015 Location: Tertius orbis Posts: 120
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Yes, caveat emptor! That is very true.
I'll bring a laser level - that's a good idea. |
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14th Sep 2015 12:45pm |
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| blackwolf Member Since: 03 Nov 2009 Location: South West England Posts: 17799 
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It only takes a minor impact to do that, and chances are that a side impact sufficient to bend the chassis would cause extensive body damage and probably kill the driver. If it has an LR repair and wasn't a write off, I wouldn't be too concerned.
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14th Sep 2015 1:52pm |
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| enfield_dinosaur Member Since: 14 Jun 2015 Location: Tertius orbis Posts: 120
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I had a look. Seems like it was involved in a larger crash. It has a new roof and some new panels. The floor panel inside is still a little wobbly. And there's a patch of rust where a screw from the dashboard hit the bulkhead. The fake windscreen hinge on the crash side is also curiously blooming with rust. The only spot on the whole car!
For details, see the pictures below... Oh, and apparently Land Rover fixed it including two hours on the straightening bench. Other then this, I really like it. Nice 2.2 diesel. My dream color in Santorini black. Really well kept inside. The price is also right. Would be perfect if not for this strange kind of damage. Tough decisions!  Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge Click image to enlarge |
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15th Sep 2015 8:50pm |
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| Pickles Member Since: 26 May 2013 Location: Melbourne Posts: 3795  
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Don't like the sound of that.
Can you ascertain what actually happened in the accident?...I thought you might be able to, as if you know the repairer, they would have the details as to what actually happened, & what they have actually repaired. Unless I could ascertain those details, I wouldn't be going any further. Pickles. |
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15th Sep 2015 10:55pm |
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| Happyoldgit Member Since: 14 Sep 2007 Location: Norfolk Posts: 3471 
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The dummy hinge corrosion is common and all part of Defender ownership
Does it drive in a straight line, any sign of tyre scrubbing / unven wear, does it sit square-ish [side to side]? Should you wish to delve depper there are chassis measurement charts available, a quick google should direct you to their source. Steve. Owned numerous Land Rover vehicles of all shapes and sizes over the decades. Current Defender: A non tarts hand-bagged Puma 110 XS USW. [Insert something impressive here such as extensive list of previous Land Rovers or examples of your prestigeous and expensive items, trinkets, houses, bikes, vehicles etc] http://forums.lr4x4.com I used to be Miserable ...but now I'm ecstatic. |
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16th Sep 2015 2:01am |
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| Fozzauk Member Since: 05 Feb 2014 Location: Derbyshire Posts: 268 
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I Think I would be walking away and finding a non accident damaged one. There are plenty out there and I suspect once the defender fashion phase has passed there will be quite a lot more low mileage one owners coming on to the market.
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16th Sep 2015 7:43am |
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