Regarding Some Frame damage

[Echoplex]

Hello Everyone,

I am currently considering the purchase of a well-maintained, well-documented D with all the current updates. But if not for one point of concern, I would already have made an offer on the car. Before I do so, however, I would like to get your opinions. About 30 years ago the frame was struck by a piece of road debris (presumably a thin piece of metal) on the leading edge of the cross-member, in just behind transmission housing. It took a chunk of the epoxy/coating off and left a small dent similar to a door ding on the frame. When the owner had the slave cylinder done on the clutch, some fluid leaked on that part of the frame. DMC subsequently cleaned the area and inspected it for rust/oxidation and said that they were not concerned at all. He has had the area inspected with each service during '86, 89, 93, 01, 03, and they said it was not a problem each time. To this day, that area of the frame shows no rust/oxidation, though the area of bare epoxy/coating has grown. This is a fairly pristine vehicle in general, which has been garaged and kept immaculate by the original owner in a dry climate for its entire life. The rest of the frame looks almost immaculate. The seller is the original owner and has been very up front and honest about every little detail on the vehicle.

1. Can this type of frame/coating damage be repaired/sealed or "fixed"? If so, is this an expensive repair?

2. Any other concerns or considerations with this type of damage? I am probably nitpicking, but I am a newbie and want to make sure I make an informed decision and offer.

3. Last, assume this can be reliably repaired - will it have much impact on the value of the car?

I would be bringing the car from a very dry climate to Washington State. Though I do not intend on driving my D in the rain, the general humidity here is higher than where the vehicle has been kept for its entire life. That worries me a bit with this exposed area of frame, so I would want to have that repaired immediately.

You time and thoughts are much appreciated! Thank you.

[uhhair]

So from what I can gather, a spot on the frame has a small ding and no epoxy covering it, but there is 0 rust on it, around it?

If that's the case, you can safely go ahead and make your offer. Sounds like this is a non-issue. You can easily recover the area in epoxy. And since the car has been inspected and the owner told it's not an issue, again, sounds like a non-issue to me.

I can't see this affecting the value at all. Epoxy is cheap to recover the spot, and outside of a concurs car, I don't know of any frame that doesn't have at least one ding, some small surface rust, etc. Sounds like this frame is better than 99% of the frames out there in the wild.

[Echoplex]

So from what I can gather, a spot on the frame has a small ding and no epoxy covering it, but there is 0 rust on it, around it?

Correct. Thanks for your thoughts on this! I also called DMCNW and spoke with them regarding the repair of this type and got a good idea of what it would cost, so I will consider that expense in my offer.

[uhhair]

Correct. Thanks for your thoughts on this! I also called DMCNW and spoke with them regarding the repair of this type and got a good idea of what it would cost, so I will consider that expense in my offer.

I don't think this even qualifies as a repair. You could do this yourself for very little time and cost.

[Rich_NYS]

Sounds like a non-issue, and sounds like you're going to have yourself a nice car!

[DMCVegas]

3. Last, assume this can be reliably repaired - will it have much impact on the value of the car?

If you are worried about values, I would seriously tell you not to buy ANY car ever. Cars are not good investments on any scale. Walk away and put your money into something else.

You do NOT under any circumstance buy a car for any other reason other than because you like it. Even if it's destined to be a beater econobox. Because if you do, it's going to be a miserable ownership experience.

[Echoplex]

If you are worried about values, I would seriously tell you not to buy ANY car ever. Cars are not good investments on any scale. Walk away and put your money into something else.

You do NOT under any circumstance buy a car for any other reason other than because you like it. Even if it's destined to be a beater econobox. Because if you do, it's going to be a miserable ownership experience.

Oops sorry! My sentence was poorly written. I'm was referring to the value of the car in terms of what I should offer, assuming it was fixable. I don't see it as an investment at all, but rather something I desire and have desired for about 30 years.

Thanks again, everyone, for the input. I'm an overly-cautious D-noob with much to learn!

[88KPH]

Mate, you sound a lovely chap, but, in all honesty, if that sort of thing is even a question, or causes uncertainty in your mind. Are you sure you want a 35 year car? In all likelihood you are going to confront 100's such uncertainties and if you choose a garage repair on something so minor, you are in for some very expensive ownership. Just my thoughts.

[Echoplex]

Mate, you sound a lovely chap, but, in all honesty, if that sort of thing is even a question, or causes uncertainty in your mind. Are you sure you want a 35 year car? In all likelihood you are going to confront 100's such uncertainties and if you choose a garage repair on something so minor, you are in for some very expensive ownership. Just my thoughts.

I am prepared do deal with anything. I am, however, particularly picky about the frame because that is generally an area of concern on any old car, and it would be prudent to have any sort of frame damage repaired, living in the great State of Washington. The section in the buyer's guide about "even scrapes from parking lot stops - can cause significant damage" caused me to double check with the knowledgeable folks here.

Don't worry about me, good folks! I'm not another guy buying a D expecting rainbows and unicorns. There will be work. There will be breakdowns. There will be money. DMCNW is 30 minutes away and I expect it will be there often for upgrades and repairs.

I really like the community here. You are an up front, no bones community, and I appreciate that.

Let's do this.

[Bitsyncmaster]

I bought my car 7 years ago and just thought, I could use the car and if I ever sold it could get what I paid for it. As long as your repairs don't cost a lot during ownership, you should be the same.

I don't keep track of my expenses but I would guess I've spent $5000 in parts mostly for upgrades. Now I do all my own work so labor cost is nothing. I would still say I'm $5000 ahead if prices stay the same.