96 - 2000 Chrysler strut tower corrosion

I have a 1996 Grand Voyager with strut tower corrosion. Receiving quotes
from dealers in the 4500.00 range. Chrysler pleads the 5th and says "
Nothing we can do" I'm not asking them to pay for jack, just trying to get
an answer why the TSB 23-044-02 states Time Allowance of 15 hours, yet the
quotes are in the 4500 range (300/hr.)

Anyone here run into the same thing?
Did you get Chrysler to compensate you in some way?
If so, how?

Looking for guidance as I can not afford this bill yet OTOH I can not in
good conscious sell this vehicle given the safety concerns.

Thanks for your time
Regards,
John

 

$4500 puts the van close to being totalled because it's close to it's total
value.

I would venture out to independent shops to get new quotes. I can't claim
any expertise in body work, but a friend of mine at work does body work all
the time on his cars and he is always showing me how he's cut out some
portion of the body and welded in a new piece to accomodate something new,
like a new engine or new front end.

 

Was curious as to location (use of salt on roads) and type of rust
proofing if any and whether car was bought new or ever in an accident.
Don't remember ever seeing this one posted before.

 

Art,

Location is south Jersey. The rust is developing under the hood on the top
of the tower. Chrysler has admitted to a design defect (as reported by
another Voyager owner to me in an email). The way the assembly was designed
allows water to sit on the top of the tower mount under the hood. Here is
a link showing the problem. This is not my vehicle but of another Voyager
owner who posted it.

http://train.ed.psu.edu/mini006.jpg

John

 

After seeing the photo, I agree with David - take it to a local
competent welding and fabrication shop. They should be able to make a
plate with the right cutouts and bolt holes to weld over top of the
existing metal. It should be a fraction of the $4500 you were quoted by
the dealer - my WAG would be under $500. It can be done to not look too
bad, paint it with matching paint, etc., though it will be obvious to
someone looking in that area what was done, it should work fine.

I once paid a local welding/fab shop $175 to rebuild two 80% rusted out
frame members in a Subaru - still on the road 10 years later.

Bill Putney
(to reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with "x")

 

I mentioned this friend of mine at work; let me just say that when I see the
results of his body work, I can't tell that there was ever any work done
unless I look very closely. Typically, he cuts the desired piece out of a
salvaged vehicle using a plasma cutter. He'll take it home and do a rough
cut on his car with the plasma cutter, then line up the new piece and cut to
fit. Then he welds it on, grinds to smooth out the weld, then paints.

I imagine with a strut tower, it's important that it's lined up just right.
I'm not sure how one does that. I wonder what the dealer does for $4500!

 

LOL! For that price he could weld a whole van in place of the old one,
and never have to turn the welder on! 8^)

Bill Putney
(to reply by e-mail, replace the last letter of the alphabet in my
address with "x")

 

I had 2 91 Ford Taurus's. They had only limited alignment ability
and it was common to have to drill new holes in the strut tower and
weld reinforcements to make certain alignment adjustments.

 

I live in snow and salt country and own a 96. After a few years I noticed
some reaction to salt on the weld lines on the outside top of the strut
tower. An $18.00 can of 3M rust proofing spray was and is occasionally
sprayed by me on this and other critical areas and, as a result, no
significant rust has formed on this vehicle. Should Chrysler do this at the
factory? Hell no; that would likely raise the price of the vehicle by 2 to 3
cents. Can't have that.

Richard.

 

Had a 96 T&C with the towers rusting also. Even the power steering pump
rusted out and starting leaking fluid. The whole undercarriage showed signs
of extreme rusting but the exhaust system original and was still in
excellent condition. I purchased new and always washed every week. Sounds
like Chrysler had a problem in 96 but don't know for sure. Mine looked like
new when I got rid of it last month with only 76k miles on the odometer.
Just had too many problem. Good luck
Bob

 

i have geard some mention of this being caused by aftermarket body shops not
doing correct work

 

I assume you are thru the body rust thru warranty period???