front lower support cross beam thingee... just bought some sheet steel that was like 5 bucks. if my memory serves me right, I think it was like 22gauge galvanized or something like that. then put it on the sheet metal bending machine (that's a technical term, btw) and put it in the U shape, clamped it over the front clip, welded that thing in there, better than new. Just had to drill some holes and prime it and paint it flat black, I was happy.

 

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sounds wicked sketchy?

 

95 Max SE. I bought it in 2004 w/70,000 miles, now it has 110,000. It's spent its whole life in snowy, salty New England.

No problems at all the first three years, but in the past year:

1. Lower radiator hose clamp rusted through and hose came off while driving. Only a few bucks to replace at least; had them replace all the radiator hose clamps while at it.

2. Enough of the bolt/bracket things holding the plastic under-engine sheilds failed that one of the shields came loose while driving -- was dragging on the ground and against the right front tire. Quite a racket at 65mph!

3. All license plate and plate light hardware rusted out; plate is held on with wire ties to the plastic bumper now.

4. Several rust spots appeared on fender around right rear wheel.

5. Y-pipe about to rust through and crack according to my shop.

6. Oil pan started leaking due to rust damage. Only several drops per day for now, but clearly it has to be replaced.

A whole lot of other things underneath look frighteningly bad with rust.

Given that it only has 110,000 miles I figured I could get to 2010 with it, but if I'm going to spend $1000+ a year fixing things that rust out on top of needing tires, etc., I may just dump it soon.