General Rear beam and spring seat rust

[Kekybobo]

Hi all. I've come across an 06 1.3 dynamic sporting panda for sale. It's done 55k miles and I'm quite keen on it. I've had a look and a test drive and all seems be ok. My only slight concern is the dreaded rear beam and spring seats. They didn't look terrible, but they were clearly a bit more rough around the edges compared to my 08 500 rear beam. The rear brake drums were also looking sorry for themselves.

My question is, how much rust is too much? If I get the car I'll probably jack it up, wire brush and paint.

Unfortunately I don't have any pictures of the offence.

 

[irc]

Hi
Red or Black? We have a black one.

Spring pan rust is a pretty popular topic at the moment!

Some scabby rust spots on an otherwise smooth surface are normal and not something to panic about.

Any signs of delamination rust (whole layers peeling off) or a visible line across the cup on the welded side are fairly bad news and need closer inspection.

Most are somewhere inbetween and are actually fine - they would just benefit from a cleanup and some rust prevention to stay that way.

It's actually quite difficult to judge the condition without disconnecting the shocks, removing the springs and inspecting the pans and weld joints closely.
All the ones I've removed so far have actually been in better condition than they appeared to be from underneath, but perhaps I've just been lucky so far.

 

[Kekybobo]

Its a black one with stripes removed. There's a few scuffs here and there but a little touch up and a mop should sort it out. The car is advertised for £900.

Scabby spots seems about right. The beam wasnt so bad although you could see rust all along its edge. The pans were more scabby, but you've reassured me.

 

[redjon72]

For £900 I'd get it bought. I had a red one. They are a hoot! And easily return 60mpg on a run and nudging 50mpg round the doors. Give it a blast now and again to keep the turbo wastegate actuator free and do the rust protection on the beam and you should have a good few years out of it.
Don't be tempted with a tuning chip, the clutch can't handle it. I found out the hard way. Got a 100hp now and, while I'm happy with it, it doesn't actually feel that much quicker than the sporting. (until you get on the 'B' roads )

 

[irc]

Yep. They really are a hoot (applies to all Panda MultiJets), and, to be honest I reckon a well driven one is nearly as fun as a 100hp round lanes (in Norfolk that's pretty much all you've got).
Ours regularly gets 70+ mpg when not being a total hooligan.
As with all Panda MJs, make sure
a) the centre scuttle screw has been siliconed (see guides) to avoid damp air filter, and
b) oil changes are done on time and with correct oil.
The Sporting looks just a bit more macho than a standard Panda without being over the top.

 

[Wee Smurf]

I saw that one on Gumtree myself. Very low miles.

 

[Kekybobo]

Ah well. Car is now sold.

 

[Wee Smurf]

Didn't think it would hang around long. I'm presuming you missed it?

 

[Kekybobo]

Didn't think it would hang around long. I'm presuming you missed it?

Aye. It was still there this afternoon. Text him when I got home from work and it was gone.

 

[Wee Smurf]

Bad luck.

 

[DaveMcT]

Don't worry so much. Even if the spring pans are badly rusted they can be welded or for a better ride and handling fit a 500 axle.

The axle can be removed and replaced in a day by a slow amateur mechanic. Just take your time and use good quality tools.

 

[irc]

Ah well. Car is now sold.

Noticed a red one with 96k for about £800 on Gumtree if you're still looking. In Perth (Kinross). Not advertised as a Sporting but pretty sure it is one. Has correct bodykit and think I can make out the badges.
Too far away for me to look at and only 4 external pictures but might be of interest...
No idea of condition.

 

[Kekybobo]

Noticed a red one with 96k for about £800 on Gumtree if you're still looking. In Perth (Kinross). Not advertised as a Sporting but pretty sure it is one. Has correct bodykit and think I can make out the badges.
Too far away for me to look at and only 4 external pictures but might be of interest...
No idea of condition.

Thanks for the heads up, unfortunately I'm in N.Ireland so the wrong side of the water for me to look at.