We bought our '98 Colorado GX, 1KZ TE in 2002, her first 4 years were in Cumbria then to Sussex where we lived. We then moved to France 10 years ago, to save her from the English salt! I bought 2 gallons of waxoyl in 2003 but never got round to applying it - dread of the job and mess!
Anyway, moving on there was some corrosion noted to the rear cross member that would have meant a fail of the French CT (MOT). To do the work meant removing the tow bar, fuel tank etc, etc. Work commenced stripping down to reveal ............ Funny how all jobs escalate!
The last part of the chassis rails past the back axle were completely rotten, mud and crap gets caught inside against the fixing bolts! Also with the exhaust removed, there was a large section of rot to the inside of the chassis rail adjacent to the silencer - this is not really visible until the protection plate and exhaust are removed. A few small patches were also required to the bottom of the sills but the inner and outer sills were generally OK All other parts of the chassis, crossmembers axle turrets etc seemed in good order. The welding was beyond my skill set so she was 'shipped out' to a specialist welder.
Work completed and back home, the rust proofing for the future began! All parts were wire brushed, scrapped and/or sanded as necessary to remove loose rustI I used Bilt Hamber products throughout - Dynax S50 inside all sections and Dynax UC (spray and brush applied) to exposed externals, sump guard, fuel tank etc. I love their spray nozzles and cans that work in any orientation, that made the job a pleasure, well almost!!!
Anyway that was over 2 years ago, and she is as good now as the was when first done! Good products that do 'what it says on the tin'... Not cheap, but easy to use.
So if you do find a good one, treat it to preserve it!
Good luck with the search
Might be worth a bit more than half that on a (very) good day. <<Edit>> just checked it again and it's not even a VX, just a GX!
