[DML] Re: frame problems

[William T Wilson <fluffy@xxxx>]

On Sat, 11 Sep 1999 RICKAYE@xxxx wrote:

> is there any truth to this possible frame problem. where 

The problem with the frames is rust. The frames are epoxy coated which
was designed to seal the ordinary steel frames inside the epoxy and keep
out all moisture. Unfortunately this design didn't work well in practice
as the epoxy cracks and allows water in. Then it makes things worse as
the epoxy actually traps water inside it, in contact with the frame. It
would have been better if they had just painted or undercoated the frames
like everybody else, but that's not what they did.

Other than rust there are no structural weaknesses or deterioration to
watch out for, unless the car has been in an accident.

I think www.pearce-design.com has pictures of rusted vs. non-rusted frames
under the "permaframe" section - as does dmc houston at www.usadmc.com.