bodyrot 2 (the sequel)

[painter]

Just had the diff. changed, here's what you can expect on older XK8's around the sub frame and areas concealed by the diff. I had hoped mine would not require welding but being 1996 the reality is that it will need attention. Very pleased with the work carried out by Spray Tech in Penryn (nr. Falmouth), they removed the diff/sub frame and refitted after welding/rebushing and protective coating. (Very prompt service but not rushed). The more worrying find was a corroded/leaking fuel pipe - directly above the diff. (replaced with rubber pipe as parts no longer available). Quite a few photos but have trimmed back to 30% of those snapped, hope not too boring - can only get 3 photos per message. (take no notice of the dates on photos, just never bothered to reset camera date)

[painter]

2nd batch of 3 as under:-

[painter]

3rd batch attached:-

[painter]

Batch 4 attached:-

[painter]

5th batch attached:-

[painter]

batch 6 (yawn)

[painter]

last batch, feel as though I've over posted here but as diffs are rarely removed these hopefully give an indication of the problem areas.

[mike020150]

Thanks for some helpful pics which should prompt owners of early cars to go looking carefully underneath their own vehicles. Sadly, no mild steel component lasts forever especially if its dowsed regularly in water and dirt plus an occasional salt spray! Mike.

[dennisv8]

Hi Painter ( and everyone else on forum )
My 1999 XK8 was even worse rot wise and Spraytech spent 120 hours fabricating and welding and then wax-oyling underneath to get everything pristine again. The rear sub frame, prop shaft, gearbox and exhaust system were all removed and all areas of rot cut out and new sections welded in. Most worrying was the fact that the rot was so bad around the sub-frame mounts that the whole lot was in great danger of coming adrift ! Don't want to worry anyone with an older XK but it might be a good idea to have a good look underneath. Mine passed it's MOT just 10 months ago and no mention was made of rust, so a cautionary tale. While mine was having so much work carried out I took the opportunity to have the exhaust replaced with a complete stainless steel system and a replacement gearbox as I was experiencing jolting when pulling away.The car now sounds as a V8 should with a pleasant deep gurgle when idling but virtually silent when cruising. Painter, we must meet up to compare notes sometime !

[painter]

Hello Dennis,
I saw your car during repair - extensive work but looked as new when completed, as did the rear respray. The MOT is a farce for older cars, as the inspector is unable to remove wheel arch covers to check for corrosion. Pipes become covered in underseal or waxoyl so cannot be properly checked. There should be an option for older cars to undergo a more extensive MOT, obviously would cost more, but would hopefully avoid the (ultimately) very expensive restoration work. (a stitch in time). I'm going to start on the cockpit now and try to improve the sagging roof lining, cracked leather and replace some damaged items. Be good to meet up and build up a list of approved/trusted suppliers/restorers - bring the girls, (and the wives of course). Will send a PM for venue etc.