Rust Repair Advice S14 Zenki

[eunosluke]

Hi all,

I have an S14 I've just picked up and it's going to need some rust repairs.
The rear arches are rusted out both sides but it doesn't seem to have too many issues with the sills. I'll be taking a look inside with a scope tomorrow hopefully to confirm.
Does anybody know of somewhere I can take this car to have new rear quarters welded in?
I've had a google around and I haven't come across too much.
Located Skegness, England

Thanks for any help in advance,
Luke

PS: Sorry if this is in the wrong section, wasn't sure if this counted as technical or not.

[p.nicholas]

I’d start here for parts
https://srautosource.co.uk/items/repair-panels/

Might want to add your location

[eunosluke]

Thank you for the reply, looks like I don't need to worry about those parts as much!

The rear arches are what're worrying me since you can't get the original repair panels anymore.
Just updated with my location, thanks for spotting that.

[WTFIA]

You have SR Autobodies in Boston Lincs just down the road but believe he is closing shop soon for his own reasons, but worth a try. Same guy that runs SR Autosource as linked in above post, likely the UK’s current leading S Chassis restoration place and deffinately your most local.

[eunosluke]

Thanks, I saw about SR Autobodies. It's a real shame as that would've been the perfect place! I'll have a look into SR Autosource, I thought they only sold the bits.

Sent from my Pixel 6 Pro using Tapatalk

[sx rider]

Give these guys a shout in spalding they might be able to help https://www.rust.co.uk/product/cat/o...ofing-service/

[green_rs13]

a company called sumpscuffers in derby do a lot of 200sx work.

[piman2k]

I don't believe SR Autobodies will close, I think the chap running it is in a difficult time but it isn't the first time we've seen posts about packing up. He is very talented but understaffed, I hope he continues.

That said, you don't need an S body specialist to do a quarter or an arch. It's a single skin panel, find a well rated bodyshop in your area. Ask classic car groups in your area what they'd recommend as they are fussy and that works to your advantage.

[eunosluke]

Thanks for the replies everybody, nice to know that anyone competent would be able to do it and I don't necessarily need a specialist.
I'll ask around some classic groups as suggested too, seems like a great idea!

[piman2k]

If you do want to go somewhere S body specific or experienced, you'll just have to travel buddy. Check out 365 Motorsport on Instagram, Hamish's car is in there at the moment being worked on.

But yep, as I said, an arch is not something someone needs to know an S body inside out for. So word of mouth is best, there are always great little independents squirreled away doing magical things.

[eunosluke]

I figured that, since my post I've decided to move back down to the midlands so that'll open up some options with me being more central to everything.
I have a lot of family in the car trade down that way too so it works well.
You're right about the little independents and people that do things on the side from their main job. A lot of skilled people tucked away in mundane insurance work and small setups for sure.

I'm not overly fussed about paying for a top quality repair as I don't have to pay out a lot for paint and I'd love to see this car perfect again.

[piman2k]

Where in the Midlands are you? I'm in Northamptonshire and know of a few places. Or are you more Notts way?

[eunosluke]

I'll be in Nuneaton, west mids if that's any help. I'd definitely appreciate a couple of recommendations if you wouldn't mind, thanks mate!

[piman2k]

Ha, I literally just finished a job working at MIRA just outside Nuneaton.

I don't know much about up there as I live 45 minutes away, but if you fancy a drive there's GM Bodycraft on the top end of Northampton. Would take you about an hour to get to, but Gary is old school talent.

https://www.facebook.com/gmbodycraft/?locale=en_GB

[eunosluke]

No way! cool place that is, used to hear about all the new testing from a friend that worked there at the time.
Travel is no issue for the right job!

Excited and ready to get cracking now I've got somewhere to start with quotes, the rest of this car is in such fantastic shape for it's age minus the bits of rot.

[piman2k]

Well if you go see Gary, he's a very good fabricator and restorer. Very no nonsense, salt of the earth. He's not the only one around, but it's a recommendation as you were hunting for.

Yeah I just left working for Polestar, you can see the star on their office from the main road.

[eunosluke]

Thank you mate, I really appreciate the help. As soon as I'm there in a couple weeks i'll find some time to head over and see what the verdict is!

[piman2k]

You're welcome, let me know how you get on if you do go.