Credit history is shot after being on 80% wage for a year now, so not an option.

Going with galvanising the replacement; it's a stretch but I think/hope worth it. Whats good to paint it with for a little extra protection?

I wish that was an option; I would if I could.

Yeah it probably is a bit of a risk; but I don't really have much option as it stands. Just going to have to do everything I can to try and protect it going forward, and realise that another swap in a few years might be necessary.

I didn't mean leaving it filled up lol. Just filling it then draining it as a way to make sure the whole inside is completely coated. After all; thats essentially what will happen with the zinc if galvanising turns out to be affordable.

Sure, if I had the £5k to do it with a new galvanised chassis then I would. But I don't, that's the problem. Its rotted faster than I've been able to save for it (thanks, Covid).

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I've also got to consider the work that's gone into this one to fettle various bits, which could easily crop up again when buying an unknown new one. Better the devil you know in that respect, really.

7 litres does seem like a lot to cover what's not really a large area haha. I wouldn't be doing any cutting personally lol. And I don't mean permanently; just for the process of cleaning/treating and welding back on after.

Any ideas how much of them I'd need? Also, I read a suggestion about cutting the end caps off the hollow bits to help get rust out; would that work? Would it make for a better sand blast and stuff?

So something like this https://www.taindustrialpaints.co.uk/shop/agricultural-tractor-trailer-enamel-paints-cheaper-popular-colours/? I guess then I could pick a fun colour, and it'd show up chips and whatever. What do you reckon the volume of the hollow bits of the chassis is? Could fill them...

Good point to have a check around the body; but I'm under the impression it's in pretty decent nick. Part chassis aren't great from what I hear; plus I think my rust is all over the place.

Oh yeah, will be blasted before coating for sure. I guess a proper galvanising bath would help avoid that particular issue too, wouldn't it. Food for thought.

Well, it's come round sooner than I'd hoped - won't pass the MOT with the current chassis. We've been saving, but aren't in a position to get the brand new galvanised one that we'd planned; but my mechanic has found one that's apparently in fantastic condition. Far from ideal, but that's just...

Am I right, then, that it's pretty much the same amount of work?

Mine are totally fine with it. Of course if the part is bad then that's on me, and I get that ‍♂️

I'm looking around at guides and prices, and as far as I can tell you have to do most of the same work just to replace the boot as to replace the whole joint? I don't really have the gear to be confident of doing it myself, so just want want get the parts so I'm not paying some of the prices...

Ah, I see thanks! My EGR has already been blanked, so that's why it'll be disconnected already.

Between the engine and brake fluid reservoir, I've gathered so far they're vac pipes? One came loose and my brake pedal went rock solid. I'd like to clean and tidy them up but I'm not really sure what to do with them. Additionally there's two connectors out of shot and two plugs (one covered...

Based on my VIN I have the 'upgraded' version already, and when I came to replace the radiator I didn't even have a pipe connected to the blanked off radiator connection. I reckon if you take a look down past the viscous fan to the bottom connectors you'd be able to see if just one or both is...