Sills on a grand vitara help please

[dougie212]

Hi there,

I could just do with some help regarding the sills on my 2002 grand vitara. In January, it failed the MOT and I paid (was screwed over) a fortune to have a new control arm, new cv boots ( not done ) and a fist sized hole in the seatbelt anchorage points ( I'm guessing the sills ) welded.

I went to a garage in the week who are far more trustworthy. They have voiced their concern that the sills may have just been fibreglass patched and coated the whole length with underseal. They have said it may or may not get through another MOT without having more welding done.

I have until January and really don't want to give up on the GV, she's an awesome motor, so I was wondering if anyone could advise if it is possible to have new sills fabricated and welded on. I think if the whole lot is replaced then maybe it would last me years longer. Has anyone ever done or had this done please or know of someone that could do it for a reasonable price. In Midlands based and am ok at mechanics but bodywork and fabrication is nowhere near my strong point.

Thanks in advance
Duncan

[Jordi]

New sills can be fabricated from sheet steel / box section or tube. All depends what look you want.

For a GV it's probably still possible to buy replacements pattern panels.

[Jordi]

Thats on an SJ. Folded 1.5 mm steel.

[dougie212]

That's awesome... Where on earth do I get that done please?? Would it be expensive do you think? I'm certainly not a fabricator so think I'd rather ask someone in the know to do it and maybe watch to learn...

[Jordi]

I had the sills folded up for £30 and welded them up myself.

Any sheet steel fabricator can fold them up.

Where abouts are you?

Have you looked for replacement panels? Just drill the old one out at the spot welds and weld a new one in.

[dougie212]

I'm in Cannock, Staffordshire but if I'm honest if it means keeping my awesome GV on the road, and getting it through its MOT in January I'm willing to travel..

I haven't looked for the panels to be honest, I'd assumed that they would need to be fabricated.