cracked floor VH wagon

[ol smokey]

Hi folks, just a newby in this forum so go easy with me.

I just bought from the local wrecker a VH wagon in pretty good minimal rust condition. It's got all I need in a car right now, gas, air, towbar, 4.2 V8 etc. I'm getting it ready for roadworthy and naturally there's a problem which I have been told is fairly common. The floor under the driver's seat is cracked in a number of places, and while i don't mind the extra suspension I'm sure the roadworthy tester is gonna knock it back.
Can anyone suggest a reasonably inexpensive way of repairing this?

thanks in advance

Andrew

[ari666]

inexpensive would be to run a mig bead along it

oh welcome BTW!

[strgas]

drill the ends of the cracks first and clean the metal of paint and mig weld the cracks then place some sheet metal over the area to reduce the stress and spread the load , take not to set fire to the fuel lines or the brake lines running close to the seat mount bolts

[Dayvo]

Also paint the area after welding to stop it rusting again.

[Darkman]

This is a common problem with the old girls. All the above steps are they way to go - drill, mig etc. With the plate, I used some 3mm thick by 50mm wide strips make sure it extends passed the cracks/welds if possible. Drill the holes to line up with mounting bolt and put it on the inside under the carpet. Can weld it in place if you like but once carpet and seat in and bolted it will distribute the weight anyway
Any exposed weld will have to look good for RWC - if your confident do it yourself. some proper primer then some spray on sound deadener will cover a lot.

[VK SL 3800]

I read somewhere that this was such a common problem that holden fixed this even if your car was out of warranty at the time, but only for the drivers seat, and they would only repair it once so if it cracked again you were out of pocket.

Just my 2 cents worth

[ol smokey]

Thanks for your replies.

Not being a welder myself I've been ringing around various places and getting the same reply: "we used to do it but don't now" - big help. Still looking...

I've heard that, because it's structural this repair has to be inspected and certified by an 'engineer' for the RWC. Any comments on this aspect?

[ari666]

lol. no one cares. weld it, metal finish it then spray it matte black. no one will notice or care.

[strgas]

lol. no one cares. weld it, metal finish it then spray it matte black. no one will notice or care.

A poor repair job may not pass RWC inspection and could reoccur later then someone may notice or care ??

[ol smokey]

What I'm getting at is, as it's a known problem it will be specifically looked at.

I suppose I should find a tame roadworthy tester and ask them.

[DerekP]

What I'm getting at is, as it's a known problem it will be specifically looked at.

I suppose I should find a tame roadworthy tester and ask them.

Just had a rego inspection on my VH on the weekend - didn't even get anywhere near a hoist....

[ari666]

A poor repair job may not pass RWC inspection and could reoccur later then someone may notice or care ??

i wouldnt consider welding and metalfinishing a 'poor repair' nothin stronger than filling something with weld

[c2105026]

mine has the same issue. it passed RWC. in NSW. enough said.

the mechanic I took it to, when i arrived for the RWC, smoked whilst working. it was at that point I knew I had the right person.