after completing the above metal & paint repair, and getting back on the road, now turned my attention to more "rear-end" repairs, kind of related
I delaminated a tyre at 90kmph, and was lucky to avoid a serious accident, as the rear end partially locked, inducing a fishtail
I knew the flailing steel belt layer of the tyre had inflicted some damage to the underbody of the Jeep, and today, I thoroughly inspected the area, and now realize why the wheel was "braking" so much!
the force of the steel belt hammering upon the underside like a hammer has torn about 5 spot welds off the inner rear fender panel from the floor panel, deflecting a section of floor panel upwards about 1"...opening a 8" x 3" "gash"
the force has also been directed rearwards & upwards, slightly bending the lowest part of the D-pillar, and breaking the 4 spot welds that hold the D-pillar to the floor!..I can actually pry my D-pillar upward lol
I dont think the 4 spot welds here would have broken except for there is some corrosion crept under the D-pillar/floor panel join, due to moisture, this appears to have taken place over quite a few years.
I now know my vehicle played in sand, as there are some hidden pockets when you take all apart..the sand is non-local grains,
( I know my vehicle originated in Rockingham WA)
All this sounds a bit horrible, but it is repairable, only need to cut & weld a few small pieces, will rivet & seam seal as well, will be almost like factory, certainly way better than now
this is turning into a shipwrights disease situation
will post some pics
top and bottom views of the damage...I can also see the lower guard has taken a really hard hit separate to this damage.
I cant see any easy way to pull the big dent
seems someone has been in here before me..The D-post is now completely separated from the floor, by drilling out 2 X MIG PLUG welds, AND the lower D-post has green paint. I thought for sure factory would be spot welds ?
anyway, I only have to weld in 3 small patches, but making sure everything is structural and wont rust again, or leak water, takes care