1995 sportrak

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i own 1995 sportrak but appears i have clutch prob & fuel pipe corrosion should i also expect corrosion to underside and is welding something to look forward to. i was thinking of new daihatsu but love the look of sportrak so much am considering spending some dosh on it (am i wasting my cash??)

Scrap Or Restore

This is a very subjective issue, to renew a clutch is a fairly straightforward job as it is a wearing item, fuel pipes are to a degree, a replaceable item; based on these two issues alone it would appear worthwhile to replace these items if you like the vehicle so much.

Before embarking on a semi or restoration project, it would be prudent to undertake a full and honest assessment of the entire vehicle, this takes a lot of time and effort, this time and effort is worthwhile as it will provide useful information to make an informed decision as to what you will need to do.

Consider carefully your own capabilities, are you mechanically inclined, how much of the work can you do, and how much will you need to pay to have done, how much will this cost, and can you have the vehicle off the road to perform some of the potential tasks you may find. In summary, only you can make the decision.

Replace items such as fuel pipes with copper, or cupro-nickel items, these are available at a price, but will save money in the long term, if you intend keeping the vehicle, ensure this is not in contact with steel components to prevent electrolytic reaction, i.e. mount it on plastic clips. Build modern technology into the vehicle wherever possible to ensure longevity, this may include items such as a stainless exhaust for example.

Never forget, if the vehicle needs a part restoration, it always takes three times as long as originally anticipated, and alwasy ends up costing twice as much.

Good Luck

Our 95 M plater has just had

Our 95 M plater has just had a clutch fitted for £300 inc. parts if you dont (like I didn't) relish the prospect of scavenging around underneath on a cold - sorry, warm and wet - january day. A price I did not consider unreasonable, and depending where you are, you may even get it done cheaper.

You dont actually say if it's failed it's MOT on the pipes/chassis - if not, then it's time for action - NOW. Clean the pipes, paying special attention to the sections hidden at the back behind the chassis member where it rises to meet the tank with emery cloth or soft wire brush. Use white spirit on a rag to remove any dust & debris, then paint them with Hammerite - at least two coats. Dont forget all the brake pipes either, esp. the one which is carried across the rear axle, a real magnet for road muck. Also, a tin of Waxoyl is the best £20 you'll ever spend in killing rust and prolonging chassis life - Apply this (diluted with a bit of white spirit) with one of those cheap £5 pump sprayers designed for garden use ALL and I mean ALL over the underside, around the fuel tank, around the shackles, and get as much inside the chassis members as you can. Don't forget the grease points on the front end and propshafts if you don't want any premature joint wear.

Treated well and with some preventative maintenance, your Sportrak has years left in it yet.

Dave with a Sporty

Dave with a Sporty