Flattened chassis rails

[paulhempshall@yahoo.com.au]

My 1980 280zx is in need of some help and I need some advice. I am aiming to get the car on club plates this year and after a check with my mechanic he tells me the car good apart from it will need a structural integrity test because the frame (chassis) rail are somewhat (badly) squashed at the front. I can go to a bog standard panel repair company but I'd rather go to someone who knows this era car. Can you recommend someone to either:

 

1 - provide the test; or/and

2 - do the necessary repair at a reasonable quality and cost.

 

As a third option I've seen that the rail can be removed, straightened and re-welded but I'd need to rent a garage space with hoist to do the job (and probably other things I find under the rail : ( ) myself. Does such a facility exist to rent in Melbourne?

Edited May 5, 2021 by paulhempshall@yahoo.com.au
typo errors

[C.A.R.]

We performed this exact operation to a 280ZX last year for the owner - it passed the RW test without a problem.
Depending on severity, it can cost from $2000 to $4000 for repair CORRECTLY.

As the vehicle is over 10 years old, not test is required.
We simply supply a letter stating that the repair has been completed to relevant standard.

Zero Four Zero Zero Zero Five Four Five Seven Two.
Regards,
Lachlan.
CAF - Warragul

 

Edited May 5, 2021 by C.A.F.

[paulhempshall@yahoo.com.au]

Thanks for the post. Your finished work looks superb! Well worth the money. My rail looked worse to begin with. I decided to do it myself, budget and interest. I

1. jacked the car. 30 careful minutes. I managed 520mm clearance from the driveway floor.

2. cut the damaged rail from the car. 1 careful hour.

3 hammered it back into shape. 30 minutes. This is really thin gauge steel.

3. Bought the welding equipment, gas and helmet $500 (bloody amazing how little equipment costs) Internet(MIG welder) and Complete Welding Supplies Moorabbin for gas, wire and advice.

4. spent 3-4 hours welding it back into place (after 1-2 hours researching welding methods and a bit of practice).A bonus. found and cured an underlying foot well rust problem.

5. 1 hour grinding and polishing

6.  30 minutes under-body repainting.

My fix looks great and I'll rust proof it this weekend. It is not as good as CAF rust buster's job though . I still have to get the Road worthy (I can't  believe it; the heater blower has failed LOL) But I'm still luvin it!

For anyone who has the same problem in Melbourne contact CAF rust Buster and get the job done (as they say) CORRECTLY for $2000 to $4 000 or do as I did. Spend $500 spend a couple of weekends and gain some basic skills, put some welding equipment in the garage for future body repairs no doubt!  . Your choice.

Thanks Lachlan.

[paulhempshall@yahoo.com.au]

PS. The harder rail is the driver side. Fuel and brake lines did impede my work. I looked into removing the lines but in the end removed as many brackets as I could and chocked the lines away from the rail (manged 20-30mm clearance).

[C.A.R.]

Glad to hear you sorted the issue, Paul