Finding even more rust on my Mk1 Renault Clio Part 2

Well, it's time to explore Rusty Nicole's rear end ( stop sniggering at the back) and discover just how bad this Phase 1 Clio really is.

[mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm]

I get it now. Your 'seals' are what I call 'sills'.

[mr.slaphappy]

Hi, I have a mk1 phase 1 Clio like this one, although it's a 1.2, 3 door and blue. It's got rust on the rear axle mounts just like yours (and just as bad) and I'm planning on tackling it soon. I'm currently in the process of finishing my BX, which was also rotted on the rear axle mounts...
What I did to support the weight of the BX at the back was I temporarily welded some 2mm thick steel plate to the inner sills, near the middle of the car, and then simply placed the axle stands on the now reinforced part of the sills. This has allowed me full and relatively easy access to the whole rear section of the underside, and allowed me to drop all the suspension and fuel tank without too much hassle (although having a pit helps LOADS).

From someone who now has a bit of experience with fixing rust on vehicles (I drive and maintain a fleet of 9 30ish year old cars and vans), your problem does look entirely fixable, but really patience is key, you'll find yourself spending hours and I mean hours cutting, grinding, welding, hammering etc... All of this with bits of slag and molten metal falling into your hair and down your sleeves and into your shoes (been there done that), but when the job is finally finished, you will be greeted with immense satisfaction. Just remember to coat the inside of box sections with cavity wax for long lasting protection.

Good luck I'm looking forward to seeing this project progress.

[paultaylor]

I had one of first model Clio's in 1994 new from a local dealership, the gearbox synchro went on 2nd gear after one year, the front subrafme also started corroding around the same time. Don't forget cars then only came with 1 years warranty, it was traded in when fixed. Good luck with yours matey.

[OhioPeteSk]

A good project to practice welding on. Otherwise just drive it into the ground and enjoy the Clio until it dies. Glad you’re in good spirit about it.

[TK]

Do it. Treat it as a training project. No better teacher than hands on, practical experience. It's going to be tricky to jack it up at the rear when the torsion bars/subframe is removed. I suppose you could build a frame that supports and spreads the load across the structure behind the rear bumper - a bit like a half rotisserie. Once the fuel tank is out and exhaust and suspension is dropped, it's probably quite light at the back end.

[DeGlennen]

This car really needs a complete dismantling and a bare shell restoration. It's going to be quite a task getting this one back up to par.
If this amount of welding would be too much, it might still be a good donor car for another Clio with body damage, knackered engine or missing interior.

[papposgarage]

If you think this project is worth saving, then it is. Welding is a very satisfying skill when you create something that doesn't resemble pigeon splatter, and that will take practice. Good luck removing the torsion axle, those nuts look to have the tensile strength of butter! As for metal shaping and forming, check out Trev's Blog on YouTube, a West country metallurgy genius. Good luck with your project, I'll be tuning in to see how you get along.

[catcaptain]

Welding isn't necessarily a hard skill, but personally I always struggled on thin materials (like car panels) and in awkward positions (such as the underside of a vehicle).

Some bench practice, or a short course if there's one available will set you up nicely.

[x_x_x_x_x]

Good luck mate, you are a braver man than me, but i am looking forward to watching

[fhwolthuis]

I think at this point, raising the Titanic would be a more viable project 😂😉

[ulrich_badmecanique]

Hey man, I watched that video yesterday and I've been thinking about it since. Despite what other comments say, I must say, perhaps it's not worth your time and money. This seems like an extremly hard and costly job, even to learn on. Especially accounting for having to fix what someone didn't fix properly the first time. And while I'm all in for saving the odd spec cars, perhaps this one would serve better at saving other ;)
Of course, I'm a bit biased, these cars are still everywhere here (And very much not rusty!) so it's hard to consider going all in on a Clio, especially if doesnt have sentimental value. Anyways, whatever you decide to do, good luck!

[ianferguson]

Good project to practice on - I started with my Beetle in much worse condition, learned to weld on it and it's saved a car that probably should have just been broken for parts!

[gianlucaantoniocamilleri]

How's the process going? Currently restoring a '93 RT 2 door manual, and I'm very excited that I can watch a vlog about someone else restoring one.

[JANT]

I'd be calling the scrap man tbh.

[porschea]

As Yazz sang ‘The only way is up! Baby!’ I started welding on rusty UK beetles! Moved to Australia and spoilt here now. Welding upside down is no fun though! You need to flip Nicole over on her side I think?

[RustyRoseAdventures]

My van was the same, rotten chassis beneath layers of paint and underseal. But I've welded the whole van up now after never welded before, you'll defo do it, Feel free to take a look at my channel if you want.

[unionflag]

That's more than doable, once you strip everything back.Just tackle it once piece at a time once you've made your template etc.My mk 2 cavalier was way worse than yours but it taught me how to weld, which is why I bought it, although, I didn't know how bad it was at that time.

[richardhoneybun]

If you can bring that back as a novice you will be an expert by the end 😉