That brace accross the back is rusted rather badly.  Is there no way to fix that, or should I just steer clear of this Sidekick and keep looking?

The only problem is, I only have limited funds to purchase a project with.  Like $400-$600 dollars.  Its hard to find them at that price that still run, or whatever.

Does anyone have any ideas for me.

Clark

I had probably the worst repairable rust ever on a 1992 toyota pickup...... Rear frame rails were rusted through on three sides, cross brace near gas tank was gone,  rear spring hangers were practically hanging in mid air.

I have a good working relationship with a corner garage that has a pretty good welder.  He got some plate steel bent into angles that matched the frame and rebuilt the frame and the cross brace.  COst 400 bucks for the right side frame rail and cross member, im watching the left frame rail for signs it is about to go, maybe it will last a year.

I figure at those rates that im looking at maybe 1000 bucks in rust repairs to the frame over the 5 year life of the new engine i just put in.....(god i hate this truck) 

I would like to get some info from someone who has a sidekick or tracker that has had major problems with body rust and frame brace rust.

Come on, I know someone out there can give me some info.

Clark

If this rig is beyond repair...does anyone know where I can get one in my price range....$400-$600?

Clark

I seem to remember someone repairing the rear brace using another piece of tube with an outer diameter the same as the inner diameter of the brace. They drifted it into place and then spot welded.

I think I'm gonna have to give up on this poor little SideKick and look for another one.

Does anyone close to West Virginia happen to have a Tracker or SideKick that has everything but a motor....and isn't rusted all to heck on the frame bracing and such.  As long as the floor and body mount areas are good....I can deal with rusted up body parts and such.  As long as there is something to weld to, and the frame is solid.  I am willing to pay $400-$600 even if it doesn' t run well.  Or doesn't run at all.  But I need it to be close enough to pick it up easily unless someone is willing to deliver.

Let me know if you have anything.

Thanks alot for all your info and help.

Clark (SUPERMANWV)

Clark, you coming to MJ7? If so, I might have something for you to look at...

Where in WV you located?  I'm in PA about 10min from the Mountaineer Racetrack/Casino in Newel WV.  I have a almost spotless 95 Tin Top with no motor or trans. 

Digger:  I PMed you, so deffinetly get back to me.  I'm interested in hearing what you have.  I doubt I'll make it to MJ7, the details are in the PM I sent you.

joe_and_jeep:  I PMed you also.  Details in the PM.

Clark

DIGGER:

Where you at.  I'm waiting to hear from you.  PM me.

Clark (SUPERMANWV)

joe_and_jeep:  I PMed you a couple more messages.

DIGGER!:  Where you at.  You get me all excited about a RIG and then you dissapear for a couple days.  I hope everything is ok.  PM me.

Clark (SUPERMANWV)

Sorry, man... I just got home from working a 48 hour shift with no internet access, so please forgive me if I couldn't get back to you right away... you have an email...

Hey yall.....my time has come....       

I got a telephone call back this morning from a guy in Clarksburg, WV who had a 1988 Samurai in perfect running order.  It has the expected rust, but it is alot better than any of the others I've seen.  It is inspected.  It deffinetly needs some body work, but for the most part it runs and all the 4 wheel drive stuff works great.  It has 5 brand new Cooper Discover tires (Stock size).  The only problem is the shifter aligning washer that usually goes bad in them has gone bad, so I have to replace it....but it seems like an easy fix.

It has a new water pump, new battery, new tires, new timing belt/chain whichever it uses, and it starts right up.  Oh it also has a new soft top.  All carpeting is in it and all the seats are in it, and it also has all door handles and none are broke, the window roll up and down, and it even has a working radio, all inner door panels and such are in there...SOME ARE NOT PRETTY....but they are in there for me to use for templates.

AND TO THINK....ALL OF THIS FOR $400 dollars and a Compound Bow.

I CAN'T BELIEVE IT HAPPENED. 

I own it and it is sitting in my parents yard, until tomorrow when I can take it to my house and put it in it new home to be worked on.....THE GARAGE.

Later

Thanks for all the info.

Clark (SUPERMANWV)

Congrats. 

Put some pics up once you get time.  It would be great to see this steal you found.