Help - Is Rust Round The Sills Costly To Repair

[darkangel1975]

Hello All

I really need some advice. The hubby and me have fell in love with the idea of owning a T25. We have seen and viewed this T25 on Ebay. We are totaly new to this and are slightly concerned about the rust around the windows. Does any one have any experience of this? Is it expensive to repair? Please help there are only a few days left on the auction. Is gem or a nail.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll? ... K:MEWAX:IT

[lloydy]

is it just the tailgate? if so cheaper to get another tailgate. Cab steps look like they need welding, but thats quite easy to do. All depends how much he wants for it
look on preloved, and pistonheads, some ok vans on there as well

[weldore]

it dont look too bad to me.the rust round the tail gate window can be easily treated if you get someone to take the window out(unless you can do it yourselves).the arch isnt too bad either,all these busses have rust to a certain extent and the one in the pic dont look too bad.
you could be all day looking around one of these and still find problems after you have bought it..if its perfect for you and its not a bad price then go for it...hopefully you will get your money back if you decide its not for you.

[darkangel1975]

Wow, thanks for the speedy reply. There is rust on the tail gate, but the main concern is on the front windscreen, in the bottom corner, on the inside, in the left hand corner of the metal dash board there seems to be rusted. The reserve is about £3000.00, we expect it to go for about £3500.00. Any advice greatly appreciated (0:

[weldore]

mine has rust there..its a common problem and easily sorted if you can get somone to remove the windscreen(unless you can do it yourselves)..err de jar vu

[darkangel1975]

Many many thanks, you have put my mind at rest. Will definately put in a bid (0:

[weldore]

the area's you have mentioned are typical of the unaware buyer..the places that you can see and make the van look shabby...these usually are the non serious areas .areas to check are under the rear arches,fingers up inside the lip to where it meets the inner arch.if its crusty or weak or even holed then its just the tip of the iceberg.then check along the sills(the lower part of the van in between the wheels)outside and underneath.check the jacking points are fixed to solid metal ,this is load bearing and the steel they are fixed to has to be strong.underneath the kitchen window is a seam that joins to the sill,if it looks like its been filled or its weak then its welder time again.the vans are made up of different panels that are spot welded to pillars that make up the strength of the van,youll see the joins in then (the seams)these tend to collect water and start to rust.if they are flexible on the seam when you push on them then that is another serious problem with rust..theresloads more but an idiot abroad has started..ill be back later

[darkangel1975]

What a star, thanks again, I think I have a lot more reading and checking to do (0:

[weldore]

at the top of the page theres a tab called the WIKI..loads of info for you to soak up in there
but from the pics it looks a nice van

[xpress]

great post weldore

[weldore]

cripes xpress..as you know its just the beginning of checks..theres a lot more to check on the bodywork like the front seat belt mounts ,the areas round the side windows that let water in when the rubbers perish(one of the main reasons for rotting from the inside out on the seams)then theres all the mechanical side of things(of which i know nothing of when it comes to petrol vans(and most diesel ones too )).then the electrical side..van and camping...all things point towards taking someone who knows a good range about the t25 to viewings.
i wish i had when i bought mine

[kevtherev]

...all things point towards taking someone who knows a good range about the t25 to viewings.

me too, but I've never been to see a van with a new buyer yet...

[weldore]

yeah..usual thing is to buy a van then come looking for advice after.that was me,took the plunge then took the consequences.
non structural bodywork repairs though are only as important as your vehicle pride.some people need things to be perfect and others can put up with imperfections till they get chance to sort them out

[weldore]

hope i didnt scare them off

[darkangel1975]

Hi Weldore

No you didn't scare us off (0:, although you did give us some good advice and resources. As a result decided not to buy this van...but...... We have made 6 hour round trip to Devon and brought another one. She made the journey home and seems to be free of rust..... (time will tell). Thanks again (0: