Where do sw20s rust?

[Grrrrrrr!]

Considering buying a manual NA SW20, just wondering where i should be checking for signs of the car cancer. Its got one patch thats a fairly easy fix (roof) but I'd like to know where to check to avoid getting a rust bucket.

Also, what are the other common problems with them... ie expensive things that stop car from running, or passing WOFs.


Thanks

[Al]

Just check the oil regularly. The early 3sge ones have a habit of running big ends when people don't keep the oil full

[Adamal]

Just check the oil regularly. The early 3sge ones have a habit of running big ends when people don't keep the oil full

*Cough* What are you on about... *cough cough*

Can't say I've ever seen any major rust on SW's. Seen a bit of surface rust. Last one had a bit on the boot lid. My other one had a bit on the door.

One of the things I'd look for would be where the front sway bar mounts to the chassis. They tend to crack around there.

Here's a pic of mine after they tried to weld it up.



They eventually had to cut them out and weld new plates in. Has to be done by a certified welder and have an engineering report (or something, was a while back, can't remember the finer details).

Other than that, the early 3S's are hit or miss. They're either indestructible or already rooted. First SW was solid as a rock. Second drank oil like it was a 2 stroke.
EDIT: Alternators quite often go too. And they're fun to replace. Some say that they can be taken out of the bottom, but I dunno, maybe they were working on turbo ones. Exhaust gets in the way on N/A ones I've found. Have to take the alternator out of the bracket, then remove the bracket from the block (3 17mm bolts from memory) and then pull the alternator out the top. Would probably be easier with a hoist... Scratch that. EVERYTHING is easier with a hoist.

[MAC_HATER]

3S-G(T)E's will pack up with the ferocity of an imploding star if you neglect the oil for any length of time - keep it clean and keep it full!

[al_feinted]

If it has a rust hole in the roof have a real good look at areas underneath that as water is more llikely to have entered there and trickled down to other parts.

[KinLoud]

Where do sw20s rust?


Sorry, I couldn't resist a bit of location humour

[iOnic]

SW's don't really rust unless they've been hugely neglected. If the one you're looking at is rusty just walk away - there are plenty of others around, they're not exactly rare Common faults = 3S

[Al]

Factory fitted immobiliser = 3S

[2fas4u]

on my SW20 with targa top, sometimes the area where the glass seal is can rust as it's always exposed. The spare tyre bay at the front, under the plastic moulded shell of the spare tyre.

The only thing it ever failed wof on was the steering rack rubber boot. they are great fun cars, Don't give a sh1t if people say they are for gay guys...what a crock, if they actually cared to look it up, it's Mid Rear 2 seater not TWO MISTERS do make sure you check the cooling system as i've had a turbo version overheat and blew headgasket on me due to the fact the radiator is all the way at the front and the engine behind the drivers and passenger seat. Great drifter and fishtailers The turbo's are a blast to drive, real pocket rocket!