Metro Achilles Heel (at least in Northern climates)

[Mikey_K]

It's over, maybe. Or, almost over. The useful lifespan of my '92 Metro xFi, that's less than a hundred miles away from 160,000 miles, now.

There's rust at the frame trunnion where the driver's side control arm bolts up. That whole section is weak. I was going to have the ball joint on that side replaced, but the mechanic didn't want to do it, because he said the rust was so bad. His friend, from a nearby body shop, told me it would cost $1800 to take out the engine, cut out that whole frame section, and weld in a replacement piece. Not at all a simple procedure. I'd almost want to go for it -- it's close to being time for a JDM engine, anyway -- but I'm going to get a second opinion.

I'm taking it to a different body shop, half hoping they'll be able to weld on some reinforcement, for the time being, for a few months, maybe until next fall.

It also occurred to me that I might be able to make that frame section stronger, for the time being, without a lot of expense, by using some kind of epoxy putty.

I did a little poking around and found some marine stuff:

http://www.masepoxies.com/public/ind...oductid=222011

I'm sure there are other products, but I was wondering if there's any sort of track record here, if there's a company making some sort of super-epoxy that's made specifically to strengthen rust-weakened chassis members.

If it's a totally dumb idea, if it's even a dumb idea to try and strengthen that section without totally replacing that whole chassis section -- let me know.

I can start looking for a replacement Metro, maybe one from a warmer-climate part of the country.

[mr.Hand]

Hi, could you post a picture of that part of the car you are talking about?

I think I have may have the same problem, I just see a little rust, and i have 177,000 miles.

[dwendt1978]

For 1800 bucks you could buy a rust free Metro in almost showroom condition.

As for repairing the front frame (where your steering rack goes through) is an incredibly risky deal. Your front tire could literally FALL OFF the car. I live in Michigan and I keep that area clean. I clean it once a week to get all the salt off.

I would consider getting another Metro and use yours for parts.

Get a pic posted if you could.

[shortcircuit]

I was going to post exact same topic.Although i am unsure where your rust problem is.Mine is where i think peeps here refer to as A-Arm.My brother suggested something along them lines some kinda hardening material from a building supply store a fix something to put off the inevitable i guess.Is there anyway to post a pic to see if is same thing i am suffering from.I am in Canada,Ontario and they use a lot of salt.It is a shame mine is going like this because the little bugger runs great i can easily see motor outlasting body.I have 204,000 thousnd kilometers about 126,000 miles.

[brivers]

Not sure of which part you have rusting out, but if it has anything to do with steering or suspension of the car, than you can put the idea of any glues, epoxys, or any kind of adhesives out of your mind. None of those will work, they just aren't strong enough to take that kind of abuse. Sorry but your only real fix is welding. If I were you I would start doing a hard target search for another Metro. Most people don't see the value of these cars like we do, and will sell them cheap. Keep checking craigslist.com, and your local classified. Be patient and you'll find one for less than the cost of your repair. Good luck.

[mtran2000]

Originally Posted by brivers

Not sure of which part you have rusting out, but if it has anything to do with steering or suspension of the car, than you can put the idea of any glues, epoxys, or any kind of adhesives out of your mind. None of those will work, they just aren't strong enough to take that kind of abuse. Sorry but your only real fix is welding. If I were you I would start doing a hard target search for another Metro. Most people don't see the value of these cars like we do, and will sell them cheap. Keep checking craigslist.com, and your local classified. Be patient and you'll find one for less than the cost of your repair. Good luck.

Once A Arms area is rusted, Metro is shot and not repairable. Best to look for another Metro and then store car in the winter if you are in salt belt or keep as clean as possible during the winter
Mark