Closing plate mess

[Rich_NYS]

I'm somewhat familiar with the issue of leaking master brake cylinder and the damage the fluid does. My questions about these pics are:

Is this what a typical "epoxy eaten by brake fluid" scenario looks like, and what type of damage should I expect to find under the closing plate?

The rest of the frame looks ok, so I'm thinking brake fluid has leaked all over the place in the front and exposed the metal to the elements....just wondering if the frame beneath the closing plate is usually OK, or usually a disaster. I included shots of the front, it kinda seems like the car was parked on an angle and brake fluid ran everywhere toward the front.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

(FWIW, I didn't see any evidence of exposure to road salt.)

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[DMCMW Dave]

Normal closing plate stuff, take it off, clean up and POR15. The other side will be much worse.

There is something going on at the Right Front crumple tube, it appears to have been repaired/repainted.

[djdogbone]

Dave, justin has a right crumple zone issue. How difficult is it to replace that front piece?

[dn010]

The frame that I just finished repairing had brake fluid leaking so long that the fluid ate through the epoxy and the frame rusted so bad that the lip that holds the nuts for the closing plate had to be cut off and a new one fabricated/welded. Check yours out and make sure it hasn't gotten to that point...

[krs09]

I had a very similar problem. The corners of my closing plate were f'ed (leaking master cylinder). The epoxy felt like a latex glove and peeled right off and yes the other side was MUCH worse. I pulled my tank out and had some damage along the front side of the frame too.

[Jonathan]

Normal closing plate stuff, take it off, clean up and POR15. The other side will be much worse.

Yes, yes, you're quite right about that!

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Got plenty of practice with POR15 on my frame sorting this out, but went with an SS replacement for the FTCP itself.

[dn010]

+1 for the stainless plate, I haven't ordered mine yet but I need to, very soon.

Either way you go, check the brake master cylinder (And clutch system too if you have a manual) for leaking fluids on occasion- it is harder to tell if your frame is rotting due to leaks with a stainless plate than it is with the original plate with pealing epoxy.

[DMCMW Dave]

Dave, justin has a right crumple zone issue. How difficult is it to replace that front piece?

Very. Welding and aligning. And finding/fabricating the part. I've seen a lot of hack jobs on that one.

[PJ Grady Inc.]

Hi Rich,
Since you are fairly local to us you might consider letting me take a look at your frame. The fuel tank plate may be beyond salvaging but your bigger problems are with the r/h frame extension which has been already hacked up but some poorly executed repair attempt. I could advise on exactly what you need to do and provide the repair plates and even do the install and refinishing if you want us too. In any case you need a professional to look over the frame and make some suggestions.
Rob Grady


I'm somewhat familiar with the issue of leaking master brake cylinder and the damage the fluid does. My questions about these pics are:

Is this what a typical "epoxy eaten by brake fluid" scenario looks like, and what type of damage should I expect to find under the closing plate?

The rest of the frame looks ok, so I'm thinking brake fluid has leaked all over the place in the front and exposed the metal to the elements....just wondering if the frame beneath the closing plate is usually OK, or usually a disaster. I included shots of the front, it kinda seems like the car was parked on an angle and brake fluid ran everywhere toward the front.

Any thoughts?

Thanks!

(FWIW, I didn't see any evidence of exposure to road salt.)

32900329013290232903

[Rich_NYS]

Good eye Dave, I noticed that crumple extension but wasn't sure what to make of what I was seeing. Here are two more pics, it all makes sense now...I think something was either hit or run over.

Rob, this isn't my car, it's one I looked at this past weekend and is much closer to you than I am. I'll be speaking to the owner again and will extend your invite. :thumbup:

Thanks for the input everyone.

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[David T]

Good eye Dave, I noticed that crumple extension but wasn't sure what to make of what I was seeing. Here are two more pics, it all makes sense now...I think something was either hit or run over.

Rob, this isn't my car, it's one I looked at this past weekend and is much closer to you than I am. I'll be speaking to the owner again and will extend your invite. :thumbup:

Thanks for the input everyone.

3293432935

Yes, it is a common area for rot and damage. One member of the DMA (the founding president in fact) had his car repaired by someone who welded in a large piece of diamond plate! Although it was an ugly repair it worked.