How to see front chassis rails rot when buying

[Straight6DOHC]

As per title really. Will I be able to see any rot as a potential buyer? Will I need to turn the front road wheels, or feel by hand?

[Deerfoot]

http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=1&a...

Have a read of this thread, including the links, some great stuff, if a little worrying.

One of the posts suggests it can be seen through the wheel arch with the steering on full lock.

[Straight6DOHC]

Thanks Deerfoot, I'll make sure I check with full lock either side.

[MX-5 Lazza]

Easier to feel for it. Feeling the underside of the rails with your finger tips, especially around the ARB mounts you can feel for rust or any "bumpy" metal suggesting rust between the layers.

[Straight6DOHC]

Thanks Lazza. That's a good tip and might be easier that squeezing my head under the car.

[MaxMX5]

When we got my last MK2.5 we took ramps with us so we could get underneath and remove the under tray so we could have a proper look. After having spent £600 to get one side replaced 6 months earlier on my first MK2.5 I wasn't taking any chances. Then get a screwdriver and give it a poke, it might look OK on the outside but the inside can be a different story.