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[bob.dent]

Having washed the car myself the other day (I normally have it valeted) I noticed I have some pretty bad area's of rust eating in to my doors. I knew I had a couple of patches but they are now far worse and there are a few more new patches in different places.

Unfortunately, I don't have the skill, knowhow or tools to attempt any repairs myself so does anyone know of any decent places in the Herts/Essex/London area where I might be able to get it sorted out without me having to take out a mortgage? Or are there any guys on here that could do the job for fair payment?
Having spent a fair wedge of money over the last 18 mths or so (probably more than the car's worth) getting the car mechanically sound and running like a dream, I can't afford to spend a fortune on body repairs.

Any advice/recommendations much appreciated.

[markrl]

Bob – If this is the problem of rust starting under the window rubber weather seals it is unfortunately the curse of the Omega. If it’s not too bad and caught very early it’s possible to successfully repair. I had one door repaired by a very small body repair place in Sidcup (one elderly chap and his son) for £80 + £25 for the cost of a new rubber strip. He managed to avoid too much painting by matching old and new paint at the sculptured ridge at the top of the doors. So far after 6 months it’s been OK. If however the rust has been really left to take hold then the only option likely to form a lasting repair is to replace the door outer skin completely. This would obviously be very expensive in terms of labour although the panels are not that expensive. This problem appears on many Omega’s even the later facelift cars that were supposed to have more corrosion protection. It’s the result of poor manufacture when the stretched steel panels were originally pressed and results in filoform corrosion forming under the paint. A problem that has also afflicted the Mercedes E class with some vengeance. The difficulty with this kind of repair is that most body shops do not want this work due to the likelihood of you returning several months later with the rust bubbles back.    

[bob.dent]

Thanks Mark, yeah I know it can be a common problem with Omega's just from what I've heard since I've been on this forum. A couple of the rust patches are where you mentioned - under the window rubbers. I've also got quite a bad one at the bottom of front passenger door and a couple of other area's on the doors. I might have a look around to see if there are any places fairly local that might tackle it as long as it's not going to cost me a fortune, but I thought it might be worth asking on here first.

[Elite Pete]

TBH Bob if rust has got a hold its hard to stop. I would replace the doors with secondhand ones, it will probably be cheaper as well

[bob.dent]

TBH Bob if rust has got a hold its hard to stop. I would replace the doors with secondhand ones, it will probably be cheaper as well

Yep, you probably right Pete, cheaper to change doors but TBH I really don't think it's going to be worthwhile spending a lot of money sorting it out because I could end up spending more than the car's worth. Oh well, just have to get a newer one when finances allow. :-/

[Elite Pete]

We managed to get a door for Bo Bo's Omega in the same colour for £40. But saying that I dont think ive seen another Omega in your colour.

[bob.dent]

We managed to get a door for Bo Bo's Omega in the same colour for £40. But saying that I dont think ive seen another Omega in your colour.

I think getting a door in the same colour as mine will be virtually impossible! It is a very rare colour and I've never seen an Omega in this colour. BTW thanks for the PM Pete, reply sent.

[Hillper]

What colour is it?

I finally tracked one down in my colour ('Denim' blue), which took a year.  I had rust at the bottom of a door after a repair was done badly before I bought it. It cost £100, but was complete with innards.

I actually had it resprayed as well for another £200.  

I used the spares search engines every Friday until I found one.  You have to be persistent.

These guys are good.

http://www.vauxhallspares.co.uk/

[bob.dent]

I'm not sure of the exact name of the colour but it's a light metallic green - pics in the following link.

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1160927975

Also thanks for the info, I'll give them a look.

[Elite Pete]

If you PM me the colour code Bob the next time im in Chester I will have a look

[paolo]

I just got a tiny bit of tin worm in the past few weeks...this winter finally did it...really small area, so will get it seen to. all on drivers side, which is the side exposed to the weather