What's the cost of all that work compared to buying a new Richards chassis
I wouldn't want to spend £500-600 getting an old one blasted acid dipped galvanised if it was only double that for a brand new one.
I've learned over many years not all savings are worthwhile
I don't think this is right.
When you see car monocoques that have gone off for stripping in the acid bath, they come back as raw clean steel. Obviously where rust has taken hold the steel is thinned or perforated at worst. But there is never any trace of rust left.
Structurally it may be less than ideal but rust coming through the galv after an acid bath......
I have contacted pressbrake and i can get one from him stillIf the OP is going to go ahead with his plan then:
1. The xmember ideally needs to be fitted when the vehicle is complete as it has to be adjusted so that the tub bolt holes align etc.
that would be easy enough as the replacement tub is here also
2. Xmember needs to be fitted before galving.
yes that was my plan
3. Don't know if Clive (Blacksheep) is still in business.
Thats ok, we've all got opinions.
Mines formed on speaking to a chap at the indoor 4x4 show last year that had done exactly what the OP is considering. He'd payed money to have his chassis cleaned and galved and was at the show getting a price from Richards for a new one as it had lasted 2 years as the corrosion on the inside was eating its way out. Galv dosent stop rot once its got hold of it, it is a prevention not a cure.
I was with another member of this forum when i heard this so he can verify it.
However it isn't my money or my chassis so all I'm doing is providing some information to the OP. Its up to him.
I'm the same, I'll keep mine going but I'm well aware it will need replacing sometime