"MOT Failure Help & Opinions Needed"

Just to boost the argument we spent a lot of money getting the rust issues sorted on our Duetto. Just look at what the alternatives are and the costs. I was told I was mad to spend so much on repairs but these vans are classic now. I looked at one other option at a show and managed to pull a drawer front off, the drawer felt like it was made of cardboard!!!!.     
Keep the flag flying for the Duetto.

Dave you right they dont make them like they used to.

Been watching with interest, we have  2000 Symbol 1.9 td and have just spent £1300 on welding as the van is as good as new inside and only has 60,000 miles on the clock. All done and with a new MOT till Feb we can continue to enjoy the summer in the old girl. I agree that the draws on new vans are rubbish. Took the one over the sink out the other week and the woodwork had proper joints and are as good as new.
Best regards, Mike  

A lot of new vans use chip board and then wood effect paper it makes the vans lighter I have no doubt but will they last ? I think they will wear much quicker than the older vans which in many cases use real wood.We seem to want keep up with fashion by having newer vans but im happy to muddle along for the time being with my VW Clubman Gl we are going away for 2 weeks on Wednesday and this will be the first time with our two dogs so space will be at a premium and the only way im likely to change is to get something roomier but we will see how it goes.

Yes totally agree the "Old Girls" are really well made, it's a great shame that all the New Vans out there are not made as strong.
Weight might be an issue but the Old Girls get there in the end.
I have taken off the "Modesty Door" to try and save a bit of weight (Found we didn't use it anyway) and every time we get back from a trip in her I take out stuff we really didn't need but just took "Just in Case".
Took the original crockery out as well (Now stored in the loft) and replaced it with "Argos" Melamine Plates and Mugs..

Simply to mention that I have just opened a new thread on duetto rust, highlighting a great resource series of youtube videos. It has quite a lot of relevance to the discussion here:

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Hi,
Just a quick update on my Duetto Rust.
Sorry to say as yet no news from the Bodyshop.
Fingers crossed will hear something next week.
Phil promised to let me know when work starts,
With pictures before and after.

Cheers Heather...

I hope that the work is progressing well for you.
I spent most of my working life a panel beater, with my own body shop business for almost 25 years before I sold up and began a totally different business so I am well versed in all sorts of body repair and the necessary techniques used.

With all the money that you are spending, as the others have said, it's a very good idea to have the van protected against further corrosion and I would recommend that you have all the new repairs treated with 'Dynax' [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.]  as, I think anyway, is the best on the market. It's not exactly cheap, but it really does do its job. 

Good luck and enjoy many more miles in the van.

Hi All,
Update on "Duetto MOT Failure".
Work will be started very soon all parts arriving next week (we did say when we left her with "Whites Bodyworks" that there was no rush)
Before and after Photos will be taken.
Will post again with any more info ASAP.
Cheers

Hello Just Chillin, wondered what happened in the end did you get her back and MOT'd alright?   Do you still recommend garage you took her too? Not far from us and I am looking for a good lace for a few minor bits to be done to my van soon. Do let me know, been a while since we heard on this post. 

Hi m8form8,

Funny you should ask about my "Duetto",
Yesterday we went to pick her up after over 3 months (well we did say there was no rush)
She has now got her "MOT"
After a lot of Welding,
We also had 4 Seals replaced (Oil leaks) which meant the Engine had to come out so we also had a New Clutch fitted at the same time.

The place we took her to was not the cheapest, but only time will tell if they were any good. (Next MOT)

Now all thats needed are the Back Doors and Wings to be repaired,and a good clean.
Then we can start using her again,
I have really missed her over the Summer.

Cheers Heather 

Flying High wrote:Been watching with interest, we have  2000 Symbol 1.9 td and have just spent £1300 on welding
Best regards, Mike  

Thats worrying, my 2001 symbol doesn't need welding so what happened with yours,
Chris

A very interesting thread. I'm pleased that there appears to be a happy ending. The last time I had welding work done (about 12 years ago) was on a Volvo 340. Bought for £195, welded for its MOT a year later for £200 and sold after 18 months of ownership for...£195. If only motorhomes were that cheap to run!

Reading this in Spain almost bought a tear to my eye

You can replace your 1995 Ford Duetto with a brand-new Warwick Duo at a cost of £48,700 ....

Your new Warwick Duo would immediately start to rust unless you get it WaxOiled or similar as the corrosion protection is laughable.
I agree that you should get the Duetto repaired properly with part panels not just patches concealed with underseal...

PeteJ