Concerns Over Chassis Rails

[r32line]

When looking at an r33 gts-t recently for a friend we were happy with the car overall, it looked good drove well etc. However, we noticed when inspecting the underneath of the car that the chassis rails on both sides were squashed in (like as if a forklift had bent it) but im not sure if this was the cause.

What do people think about this and would it be of big concern because it put us off the car, but i am now thinking it might be worth getting a mechanical inspection on the car as it otherwise seemed a good buy.

All opinions welcome......

[d0p3y]

I have been in the same position where the rest of the car was ace but the condition of the chassis rails under the car gave me concerns.

I decided against buying the car because I thought while it's all good and well that the car drives straight, i'll be regretting it if I have the misfortune of having an accident in the car and it simply crumples to bits. In my case it looked more like it had been in a big accident rather than just picked up with a forklift...

Depends on how extensive it is though, did you take any pictures of it at all?

Edited February 13, 2007 by d0p3y

[Beer Baron]

it's pretty common. not a big deal as long as the car is still straight. the metal there is quite soft, and it's most likely someone just jacked the car up there and dented them. I've had cars with chassis rail dents, and some without and I even caused one once puttng a jack stand in the wrong spot. If it was a real concern you can have the rails unpicked and buy new ones from nissan and have them welded in. definately use it to negotiate a bit though.

[r32line]

Yeah i have seen damaged rails before, these were a little more squashed than normal, but the car was deffinately straight and handled well etc which is why i thought maybe i should not right it off.

If my friend is still considering i will go again with him and take detailed shots of the rails to show you all. shame i didnt have my camera at the time.....

[blind_elk]

Mine failed a (Vic) RWC because of crushed rails (caused by jacking under them).

[djr81]

Slightly squashed chassis rails are very common on Nissans. I wouldn't be worry about it much if at all.

[r32line]

I had a look at the rails under mine, they are straight and fine, but at the jacking point on both sides they are a little dinted (very slight) but i was looking closely at it, they are not as strong as i first thought, its is quite likely the damage on the vehicle we inspected was caused by someone jacking the car in the middle of each side to change two wheels at once. Not as big a deal as i first thought, and as someone mentioned could be used as a very good bargaining tool... I want to try get an estimate on the repair as the rails seem to be an insert and not one piece of steel running the length of the car.

Edited February 14, 2007 by r32line