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My car is broke, can I fix it?
Topic Started: Aug 25 2014, 12:35 PM (1,806 Views)
AmandaRose
New Member
[ *  * ]
Hey! So I was on my journey to St. Cloud State University and my car died. The engine sounds alright, but when I try to move, it makes a loud rattle noise. The mechanic said that the frame rusted out and there was nothing I could do about it. Is that true? I love my Geo, and my dad and I just replaced the head gasket, alternator (three times), and parts of the body. I have fallen in love with Edna(my geo's name). So is there any way to fix it? Please help. Thanks in advance :)
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Cubey
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It's probably true, giving your location. Unless you're really good at metal cutting and welding or can find someone to do it for a reasonable price without botching the job, you may as well place a lily under the windshield wiper.

If you don't trust the mechanic's word, you can always lay on the ground with a bright flashlight or a drop light and look around under it. See for yourself if there's major rust damage, especially around the lower front control arm mounts (frame horns).

Such as:
Posted Image

Posted Image
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TimmyD
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A Metro Driver

Cubey
Aug 25 2014, 12:53 PM
... especially around the lower front control arm mounts (frame horns).

Such as:

Posted Image

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....to let a frame go that far gone is just criminal....

:oshit
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Cubey
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TimmyD
Aug 25 2014, 02:17 PM
....to let a frame go that far gone is just criminal....

:oshit
Scroll down this page a ways... they actually FIXED that car:

http://forums.sccv.org/viewtopic.php?f=44&t=3733
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AmandaRose
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She is done for :'(
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perfesser
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Elite Member - Former Metro owner

Looks like you have a treasure chest of spare parts to help with your next one! Those of us up here in the rust belt need to be especially aware of chassis and horn rot before buying. I was fortunate to find a nearly rust-free car. I had to drive 400 miles to pick it up, and if you read the Wall of Shame thread you'll see lots of posts from me about things I've had to correct, but it was worth it. I definitely paid full price for it, but with a good body, I'll make it up in mpg savings.

As long as the body's good, you can fix just about anything else on one of these and still expect to save money with it over a year or two. It's a perfect car for a student budget!
Edited by perfesser, Aug 26 2014, 09:02 AM.
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Bad Bent
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Facetious Educated Donkey

AmandaRose
Aug 26 2014, 08:36 AM
She is done for :'(
Goodness, you are only 64 miles south of Snowfish and he MIGHT be able to help you.

I see he is on GMF so send him an PM: http://geometroforum.com/msg/?c=2&mid=464948
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nathan298
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Geo Resurrector

Welcome to the forum! I wish it wasn't under such unfortunate circumstances.

Find a good welder that isn't afraid of the liability of welding on a thin, rusty car frame. It's your only hope.

There is a guy in Pennsylvania that does frame welding, although it might not be practical for you to move the car that far. His username on here is: PA.metro,fixer,frames,ect
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snowfish
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Basic GearHead

Bad Bent
Aug 26 2014, 09:10 AM
AmandaRose
Aug 26 2014, 08:36 AM
She is done for :'(
Goodness, you are only 64 miles south of Snowfish and he MIGHT be able to help you.

I see he is on GMF so send him an PM: http://geometroforum.com/msg/?c=2&mid=464948
Right on. :thumb Is the car at SCSU now? :hmm I may be able to buzz down :drivin and take a peak. :news

Quote:
 
I see he is on GMF

^o) Might as well be my home page. :lol
Edited by snowfish, Aug 26 2014, 11:16 AM.
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arudlang
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Andrew

My sister is at SCSU also, but she probably can't help you weld your frame :lol

What could even be done if you did go look at it, Snowfish? Bolt or weld up some 1/4" plate so it can limp? Trailer it here? I could maybe help depending on the day. Or if you want to take my little 110v wirefeed welder and my 100' 10 gauge extension cable... :rocker

It sounds pretty bad though. Any chance of getting some pics? :x
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snowfish
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Basic GearHead

Quote:
 
What could even be done if you did go look at it, Snowfish?

Probably not much. :shake It would be more of an assessment visit. :news If salvageable, it would need to be trailered, a frame brace purchased, and twice as much welding than meets the eye. :gamerz Parts, and materials, alone will exceed $400.00 pretty quick. :deal
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arudlang
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Andrew

Quote:
 
Parts, and materials, alone will exceed $400.00 pretty quick.


Bummer :(
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perfesser
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Elite Member - Former Metro owner

With a decent engine in it, $400-500 might not be a bad choice, though. Compare it to shopping for a decent body, shipping it to St. Cloud (local selection of low-rust frames is somewhat limited) and swapping the good stuff out of her dead one, and it could be a viable option. I doubt Amanda's going to be using it for autocross anyway.
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AmandaRose
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I am going to get photos of her tomorrow to let you guys see. Maybe she can get fixed, but I am not betting on it. :-/
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Bad Bent
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Facetious Educated Donkey

AmandaRose
Aug 26 2014, 03:19 PM
I am going to get photos of her tomorrow to let you guys see. Maybe she can get fixed, but I am not betting on it. :-/
My money is on snowfish. :bacondance

But a U-Haul tow trailer and 10' truck for 6 hours is $130 plus mileage would double that. The trailer is only $45.
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