DDK - Die Deutschen Klassiker

My car is currently undergoing a suspension pan/front tank support replacement. The work is being done by Graham Green Restorations near Preston. The car had failed its MOT due to corrosion in the suspension pan, where the n/s wishbone bolts to the pan. It also appeared that the pan had been plated some time previously, so I decided to get the job done properly and replace the whole lot. Needless to say once the car was stripped, evidence of previous crappy repairs became evident... but tbh i think it could have been a whole lot worse! Graham is not cheap, but was recommended very highly to me.

Anyway, here are some photos -

Bummer dude, they all go there tho'

why didn't your PPI pick that up?

Yep, defo a bummer! But thats life!

Very p*ssed off that my PPI didn't pick up on it. He mentioned it vaguely in his report, but when I questioned him further he certainly did not give me any indication that there was a potential problem here, or even that it would fail its MOT! I would not recommend the guy I used to anyone.

unluck there chap.

had a bit of work around that area done on mine/nige's car. hope they dont find to much rot when cleaning back the old paint and underseal.
but best to get it done and done with the right pannels than just patch up.
Then it will be good for 30 odd more years.

hope you have some pennies saved.

Had to replace the same panels in the 911 in Feb this year after first investigating a small petrol leak - had a good look underneath the tank area and found some cracking underseal in the suspension pan at the same time - stuck the s'driver in and then was left thinking I wish I hadnt done that! If its any consellation mine was probably worse and I never spotted it due to the amount of cover up the PO had done
Got the panels from Stoddards and spent two weeks at it on an evening but was really happy with the result on what is potentially a VERY expensive repair area (should see the invoice my mate has on his )
As Nige says they all go there

Marky - not sure it is bad luck or my bad judgement when buying the car! LOL! Anyway, what you see in the pics is pretty much the extent of the rot/damage so it coulda been worse. I found your pics of the job you had done on your/nige's old car really useful... gave me a good idea of what the job is all about. Thanks!

58A-71E - I take it you did the work on yours yourself? You definitely will have saved a small fortune! Unfortunately I don't have the necessary skills to do such a job.

Will post some more pics up soon.

Ok... more pics as promised. These show the new pan temporarily clamped in place. Also show the areas where bad metal as been cut out ready for fabricated pieces to be welded in.









These photos were taken about 10 days ago. All the welding has been completed now, and the repaired area is now ready for rust-proofing and painting. Will post more pics next week.

Update - more photos!

Ok... as mentioned previously, all welding work has now been completed and the car is ready for rust-proofing and painting. Here are the latest photos taken yesterday.

New suspension pan viewed from below


Looking into luggage compartment


N/S showing tank support/batt tray


O/S pan/tank support


Repair to N/S chassis leg (under batt tray) completed


Repair to panel at front of luggage compartment


The box sections have all been etch-primed and will be treated with Dinitrol.

Nice job: if it looks as tidy as that in bare metal, I would imagine it looks spot on when sealed and painted.

Not an easy repair to do really well that one .

Boz,

What a downer this is. I can really feal your pain, {especially in yer wallet}.
FWIW I bought Fudge blind from 'evil-bay' and folks said i was mad.
The Porsche Gods must have smiled on me tho' as when i rebuilt the whole front suspension with new bushes, ball joints, shocks, etc all was well.

Will you E be at the TiPEC do or..........

Yep, he's done a good job all right. I'm getting the car back on Saturday and can't wait to see it all finished. I'll definitely be feeling the pain in my wallet then!!! Ugh!

Got my car back, and have to say I am absolutely delighted with the job! Will post some pics of the finished work once I get my ar5e in gear to take some!