Transit inner sill replacement - must all four wheels be level?

[ignoramus]

For an inspection or oil change OK I guess. I wouldn't start putting any force to the body in that state. Hammering pulling ect... It's not a Ford fiesta. There's some weight to them.

Ah yeah i see what you mean. That would also make me uncomfortable. Also if there was any gusty wind.

All ill be doing from now on is using an angle grinder and power file, welding and painting. There is very little wind and ill try to rememeber not to use the chassis to pull myself around under there

Personally I'd work under that it's on its 4 wheels just stick some chocks on either side of wheel. Preferably stick a bit of ply under each bottom block (bit late now) so it doesn't sink in

The ground is very solid, think it might have been paved many years ago. Zero noticeable sinkage overnight. Might be different if it were sodden but weve had glorious weather for weeks

I'll chock each wheel and stick the axle stands under as well, I'm sure they wont be needed but might me buy a but of time if it did go south

 

[ignoramus]

You’re obviously using what you have and fair play to you.

I’d block that under the chassis at the very least not the wheels.

If that’s not an option, put something under there ideally a bit deeper than you. Spare wheel, sleeper, whatever. At least that way if the worst happens you’ll be trapped but not dead.

When I take wheels off I always slide them underneath for that reason.

Cheers James. It's all a bit of a bodge but when I when I bodge I try to get as good a bodge as possible. Will definitely put some back ups under there

 

[ignoramus]

That's because there is absolutely no need.

Didn't spot this earlier! Username suggests you have an idea about these things.

I've read that you should always do that so many times, and been told by people who aren't even very by-the-book/safety conscious, I've just taken it as gospel. Is it just an old wives' tale?

 

[ignoramus]

.

 

[tigdlo]

The jack? Or the blocks?

Stacks of wooden blocks need the grain direction crossing 90 degrees at each layer and IMO they just aren't big enough, needs more surface area.

 

[ajlelectronics]

Didn't spot this earlier! Username suggests you have an idea about these things.

I've read that you should always do that so many times, and been told by people who aren't even very by-the-book/safety conscious, I've just taken it as gospel. Is it just an old wives' tale?

It's nonsense, a myth propogated by those who don't understand electronics. You will hear lots of "My mate had his ECU blown up by welding" but you will not find any direct evidence. In fact keeping the battery connected is better because the electrics are at low impedance, rather than acting like an aerial, (the route that they claim does the damage).

 

[Shedendman]

@ignoramus you're replacing old sills with new i take it?
And take the wheel off,use blocks and axle stands

 

[Shedendman]

I predict this to be a very long thread

 

[roofman]

The MK6 Transit, always worth saving imho,apart from the metal cancer one of the best models, including the Smileys too

 

[Blobber]

At least if it all starts going pear shaped you'v got a ready made bonfire for those chilly may evenings

 

[Shedendman]

including the Smileys too

My 99 is still rocking an rolling baby

 

[reb78]

The MK6 Transit, always worth saving imho,apart from the metal cancer one of the best models, including the Smileys too

Best model - Mk1 v8 surely?!

 

[roofman]

Best model - Mk1 v8 surely?!

Been there with a MK1 pick up but with a Ford V6 in it, it used to spin up in the first 3 gears. I miss the 80,s

 

[reb78]

Been there with a MK1 pick up but with a Ford V6 in it, it used to spin up in the first 3 gears. I miss the 80,s

Me too!

 

[ignoramus]

It's nonsense, a myth propogated by those who don't understand electronics. You will hear lots of "My mate had his ECU blown up by welding" but you will not find any direct evidence. In fact keeping the battery connected is better because the electrics are at low impedance, rather than acting like an aerial, (the route that they claim does the damage).

After a search on this it sure looks like a can of worms. Seems a lot like the burning-softwood-inside paranoia. Sounds completely reasonable if you have a very very crude idea of combustion (that it's basically the same as evaporation). It's complete b*llocks yet seems 95%+ of people believe it.

View attachment 400303

Speaking of softwood - if anyone thinks I'm insane for doing this, there's a big log pile behind the van, it's what I had to hand. Perfect spot for welding on a crispy summer's day.

Stacks of wooden blocks need the grain direction crossing 90 degrees at each layer and IMO they just aren't big enough, needs more surface area.

I agree it's far from ideal. But it's what I had and it's up now. I have two stands, a jack, and a wheel under there. There's no wind and not putting any force through the van. I'm satisfied

@ignoramus you're replacing old sills with new i take it?
And take the wheel off,use blocks and axle stands

Yeah, sliding door sill is completely shagged, inner and outer. I will buy some axle stands and possibly a bigger jack before trying to lift it again, it was a right pain in the ****. But this will have to do for now

The MK6 Transit, always worth saving imho,apart from the metal cancer one of the best models, including the Smileys too

It's a beast, was owned by Police but not driven by them, so best of both worlds. Mechanically never missed a beat in four years Once I can weld it up I'll be laughing

 

[ignoramus]

My first weld on the van - the only upside down job i can see so its all downhill from here!

Still some gaps to fill but I'm pleased with it so far

 

[ignoramus]

Outer sill coming along

 

[ajlelectronics]

Looks like you could use a touch more penetration, try upping the Voltage a smidge.

 

[T5 TDI]

Watching with interest. I had to do this job on my Transporter recently. It was only the outer sill in my case but I had to use a salvage panel because there are no repair panels for the N/S. I'm not a welding guru so it was quite challenging for me to cut my old panel out to match the salvage guys cutting of his and then butt weld them together. Shame his was green!

 

[ignoramus]

I'll have a play with the voltage AJ, i think I see what you mean on the upside down patch particularly.

And is that a T5?! They're still new vans in my head but I spose the T4 did stop a long time ago. I think green skirts are a good look either way

Thankfully rotten transits are so common there are loads of people selling all kinds of replacement panels for them