Patching a rust hole in the Citroën BX A pillar.
Three days until MOT, and the slight rust problem on the port side A pillar has not disappeared. No time to change the windshield, so..
..it's time to take the pneumatic hacksaw out.
The hole is cut to a somewhat more regular shape as far as it's needed to find healthy metal..
..a cardboard model is cut..
..and fitted to the hole.
Using the cardboard model..
..the shape of the patch is drawn to a piece of leftover 1 mm roof panel..
..which is then marked with the correct direction..
..and cut out of the sheet.
The leftover glue is removed..
..and the surroundings of the pillar are protected..
..in order to apply a layer of zinc paint.
An additional sheet of roof paneling is fitted to protect the glass from heat..
..the patch is fitted..
..welded at a few points first..
..and the seam is completed.
Zinc paint is applied to the seam..
..and the patch is bent downwards and welded along the edges.
The end is cut to final dimensions..
..so that it meets the edge of the hole..
..it is welded fast..
..and the seam is smoothed by a handheld grinder.
An additional patch is made..
..fitted to the remaining hole..
..and the welding is completed.
Some zinc paint, followed by red paint..
..and the Old Lady is ready for yet another MOT inspection.