Rust in rear cross member

[PeterB]

Hi I am looking at buying a Defender, as yet unseen, I have been told it has a rusty rear cross member bar that will need replacing and some rust in the bull bar. It is a 2001 model, does this sounds reasonable or should I run away from it. Have been quoted $1,500 to replace the rear cross member bar.
Appreciate any help

[130man]

Hi Peter, I think $1500 sounds a little high but it depends if the rust has gone around the corner into the main chassis rails. Some years ago I did my own repairs on a 110 County that worked well. I used 6mm plate steel and fabricated the crossmember to the exact size of the original, which was a lot thinner than 6mm. Whether the rest of the vehicle is worth it is only apparent if you look closely at it so you will need to tap the chassis with a screwdriver handle or something similar to check for dull sounds which would indicate problems. Cheers, 130man.

[PeterB]

Thanks for your reply, I am inspecting it tomorrow, Ben from APT Fabrications has said he will check it out for me. APT Fabrication for Land Rover parts (http://www.aptfabrications.com.au)

[wally]

Look closely at the firewall. Check from the engine side, lift the floor mats, and stick your head into the wheel arches. Check door bottoms too. Personally I'd be giving it a miss. If the rear cross member is that bad you've definitely got problems elsewhere.