rust in doors

[jimmy_f]

hey all im currently looking a defender and have had it looked at today. Drives fine and mechanically good, only problem is it has surface rust at various panel seams, door openings and rust bubbles visible in the doors. How hard is this to fix and how costly?? thanks in advance

[bcj]

more detailed location info? year, model
If bottom rail -easy fix
Hinge mount on firewall or door's bit more complicated-Hinges themself nothing to worry about
Surface rust on edges of fixings ok
double check firewall (footwell)& chassis (rear & outriggers) door's are easily replaced
Brett
110 300tdi

[rainman]

Do a search in galleries on "defender rust". I actually uploaded some shots last night of the rust I recently repaired in door frames and firewall on a 130 Tdi. This vehicle had been rust proofed but had had a particularly hard life with a lot of beach work.

The footwells can get particularly bad because there is and inner panel or "skin" spot welded to the main piece. Water can seep in through the holes for the bonnet release cable, air conditioning pipes, etc and sit between the two sheets of steel. Unfortunately there are a lot of places on the firewall you can't see properly without pulling things off (like guards and dash) but you can get a fair idea by looking at the footwells and joins and seams from the engine bay side.

For the doors, if you can, pop the trim off the inside just at the bottom and peek inside with a torch. It's worth the effort ;). The driver's door is generally in the best condition because it gets opened and closed more often so the water and dirt potentially clogging the drain holes gets shaken out. As bcj says, doors are easy to replace, but last time I checked they were about $800 each for a good second hand one or $1200 new.

[jimmy_f]

car is a 2000 110 defender, location vic(melbourne but i believe the car has had time spent near coast), the car is coming with a rwc but i find it hard that it would pass with rust evident.? Thanks for your replys

[Marshall]

Unfortunately a bit of rust here and there may not make the vehicle "unroadworthy" but still may end up costing you some coin to repair...

[bcj]

Doors aren't structural, if chassis and firewall good & doors functional it'll pass as roadworthy
where is rust located?
Door frames can be fixed to a certain extent.
Brett
110 300tdi

[Helitours]

Hi Guy's,
First post here.
I actually bought this particular Defender.:)
Underneath is perfect, had been well treated, also the amount of fish oil sprayed all over had me thinking this was owned by someone from the TV show "Deadliest Catch"!
I live down on Phillip Island (rust capital of Aus) and am now seeing a lot of small patches of rust appearing on my 94 Tdi Disco, so it was time to upgrade. I managed to get it for a good price ;) and if she lasts for 5 or so years, then I will be happy.
Hope to see some of you on the tracks at some point.
Cheers
Steve
(Helitours)
PS If anyone is looking for a 94 Tdi Disco with snorkel, winch, ARB Bar from a SII, lift kit, just get in touch.