Hi Guys,

Looks like I have made a schoolboy error when buying my Dato...all appeared well until today I was messing around under the dash when installing an aftermarket stereo and I found a fair bit of rust in the inner wing on the drivers side.

Can this be repaired? Is this something I can attempt myself ?

Rule of Life #25891, "All rust can be repaired".
Just depends on whether it's worth it or not.
Can you be more specific or post a photo of the damage?

_________________
Regards, Graeme
Just trying to help...
http://nissanman.shutterfly.com/
graemes@internode.on.net

Thanks again, Nissanman....My list of repairs/mods is growing quickly

I've attached a few pics here, the later images show the same area on the passenger side under the glove box, it looks as though a repair patch has been put in there with some sort of sealant.

What are your thoughts? Do you think he will live?

Ooooooo! that's a bit ugly!
Only a guess on my part but I would think that is coming through from the air plenum, the area under the windscreen.
I suggest you take off the grilles of the plenum and have a poke around inside for debris.
Ideally it should be cut out and replaced with new metal, but lets just get the big picture first.

_________________
Regards, Graeme
Just trying to help...
http://nissanman.shutterfly.com/
graemes@internode.on.net

Can replacement plates be sourced for that area? or would I have to fabricate something?

Once you determine what is required just cut and shape some zinc annealed sheet to patch it up.
But find out why it is rotting out first, then we will determine the course of action.
BTW, that sealant is probably factory seam sealer.
What annoys the shite out of me, is that a lot of manufacturers seam seal BEFORE painting which means, if moisture gets past the sealer, it has nice bare metal to play with!

_________________
Regards, Graeme
Just trying to help...
http://nissanman.shutterfly.com/
graemes@internode.on.net

Once again, thanks for your advice this far. I bought the car as a rolling DIY 'learn by doing' project. so looks like a be careful of what you wish for scenario

I'll have a look at the area you suggested tomorrow afternoon and take some more pictures.

Trust me, I have battled the dreaded tin worm in my '65 Fairlady so I'm sure we can fix the Y.

_________________
Regards, Graeme
Just trying to help...
http://nissanman.shutterfly.com/
graemes@internode.on.net

Hi ChrisTwitch, where do you live?

Chimp, I'm on the Northern Beaches, Sydney..

Had a similar thing on a 120y coupe quite a few yearss ago.On mine when I removed the front guards the rust was located where the top rail meets the firewall there are a number of plates/panels in this area to brace and strengthen the rail to the fire wall and the rust had got in between these panels.Bit of a bitch to repair but doable.

Fingers crossed that it's not that bad...but I've been watching some horrific videos on youtube regarding rust etc, I'm anxious to get it sorted but the rain has stopped any further progress today

You will have to take a few panels off to inspect it properly.
Then, post some pics. and we'll see what's what

_________________
Regards, Graeme
Just trying to help...
http://nissanman.shutterfly.com/
graemes@internode.on.net

How do i go about taking off the front guard?, I can see the scuttle panel is just screwed down, is the guard welded? will that need to be removed to inspect?

I have access to a welder and somebody who can weld, but I'm not sure how confident he would feel welding car panels back in place.

OK, time to get a Manual?
My guess is you will need to remove the grille, headlamps and associated trim to gain access to the fasteners underneath.
On the top of the guard, inside the engine bay there should be a series of fasteners along the top edge of the guard.
Also there is probably at least 1 maybe 2 fasteners underneath the bottom edge of the guard fixing it to the sill panel.
There will be a couple of self tappers fixing the lower front of the guard to the front valance.
That was the scenario with my B120 uterus anyway.

Sorry, I have lot's of Nissan manuals but none on the Y

Welding patches in sheet metal is best done with gas, in my opinion.
You can retrace your weld to correct any doubtful areas.

_________________
Regards, Graeme
Just trying to help...
http://nissanman.shutterfly.com/
graemes@internode.on.net