Hi everybody,

 

My name is Stefan, but most folks just call me Wolf.

 

I now have (2) subbys! I drive an 01 O/B wagon with a mostly custom exhaust. I just purcahsed an 1986 Brat! however, I have run into a problem with the brat.

 

It happened after we unloaded it from the trailer, I'm guessing.

 

The passenger side unibody/frame rail just behind the firewall has about 3" chunk that has rotted away.

 

I was debating whether I can insert a metal bar inbetween the two sections or just get another body. The current body needs a lot of work. No rocker panels are left, the right rear fender is rotting as well as both inner wells in the bed.

 

What would you suggest?

 

Stefan

that doesn't sound too terminal... east coast peeps are always fixing rust like that... a frame rail (get some U-bar) and rockers (sheet metal and angle bar) shouldn't be too tough... bed fender wells might be trickier if you want them to look stock...

 

don't know how much luck you'll have finding an old subaru body out there with less rust...

 

I had an '85 wagon with the same frame rail rot... I never fixed it and it took a lot of abuse... but I also am on the west coast where we don't have to get inspection stickers... (:

 

 

--Spiffy

Put it back on the trailer, and take it to the junkyard. You don't want to drive a vehicle that isn't structurally sound.

doesnt sound too bad, you might want to post some pics of the rusted areas.

 

my brat needed new rockers on thepassenger side and a couple chuncks on the driver side, as well as about 1/3 of the floor pan and it has a few other small spots here and there.

 

dont let the west coast people make you think any less of your brat, they are spoiled with very little rust and a surplus of clean subies.

 

definatly dont let any one try to scare you, ive seen these cars on the road in conditions that would cripple any other car out there, and they jsut keep on going along. just get some sheet metal and a good weler and go to town on it, you will be just fine.