Front chassis rail rotten around leading crossmember bush

[disco_monkey79 29]

Hiya, as per the pics my 1979 mk4 front chassis rail has rusted around the leading bush mount.

Does anyone sell this as a replacement part? I'd prefer to chop it all out rather than try to repair, as I expect the tube for the bush is weakened as well.

Or does anyone have a breaker they could chop that bit off for me, assuming it's not equally rotten. 

Thanks

[sheffieldcortinacentre 741]

No it was only ever available as part of a full inner wing.

 

Also be aware the piece is different size shape between the mk's ( the bush is in the same relative space) but pre & post MK3 have a different size hole/bushing .

Mk5 the chassis rail is thinner so panel is taller ( I'm not sure if MK4 is same as MK3 facelift or Mk5 as I've never measured a MK4) you'll have to make it by hand.

 

I do have a template for the mk3's.

[markymarkthree 174]

Assuming that the top hat-tube/front cradle bush sleeve, is the same for face-lift Mk3s, Mk4s, Mk5s. Then the Mk3 club has them for sale.

Also EX-PRESSED has front legs for Mk3s but i have no idea if they are good for other Mks.

Part no C3E5/6  HERE.

[sheffieldcortinacentre 741]

Appears they only sell complete no's inner wings & don't do the leg piece.

I supplied them with a floor & bulkhead in the late 90-00's to use as patterns.

[disco_monkey79 29]

Thanks both for the replies. I am on the hunt for suitable parts and will post here if it's useful to mk4s.

[martog 148]

I'm down at my friends unit tomorrow, i can take some pictures / measurements off my mk4 if that helps.

I also have a pair of mk5 inner wings cut off a shell, the area that you want are mint on these but going of the above could be different and also would be too big / problomatic to post. I'm in Manchester.

[martog 148]

This will help. From Ford's workshop manual.

 

[disco_monkey79 29]

Hiya, thanks so much for that diagram. Markymark3 has put me on the trail of a replacement cylinder to hold the bush that will hopefully be the right size, and that schematic will be super helpful in making sure it goes on the right place. 

[martog 148]

No worries.

I couldn't do anything today as the landlord of my mates place is now busy splitting the building up into smaller units and fitting fire resistant walls between them. 

So, because of the amount of crap that's in there I can't get any where near my car at the moment. 

[disco_monkey79 29]

Hiya, oh no, that's annoying! But not to worry about the measurements (but I very much appreciate the offer). I think I now know how to take this forward. Fortunately the other side is still sound so I can use that as a guide, coupled with your diagram. 

[sierra3dr 53]

On 5/11/2025 at 7:29 PM, sheffieldcortinacentre said:

No it was only ever available as part of a full inner wing.

 

 

like so

[sierra3dr 53]

I would try and pattern what is left

 

[sheffieldcortinacentre 741]

5 hours ago, sierra3dr said:

like so

Yep that's a Mk5 one.

[sierra3dr 53]

I do wonder if these have not been crushed yet....I know it is far,but nobody is breaking any in the UK....https://ecooparts.com/en/scrapped-vehicle/17443487_ford-taunus-13.html

[sierra3dr 53]

https://ecooparts.com/en/scrapped-vehicle/13095001_ford-taunus-20-v6.html