How To Repair Structural Rust Damage
Every situation is unique when it comes to rust and structural repairs like this. Consider this video a basic guide to structural body repairs, and nothing more. Note that some repairs are not practical or structurally possible. I recommend consulting with a body shop before performing a repair like this on your own to see if it’s worth the effort first.
That said, this video shows how I repaired the unibody structure where the rear subframe mounts on my 2003 Honda Pilot. Apparently this is a very common problem with these vehicles as well as Honda Ridglines and Acura MDXs of the same vintage. If you’re able to perform this repair yourself, or have someone do it for you, it can save your vehicle from the scrapyard.
Video of rear suspension removal on this vehicle: Video link posted when available.
Thanks for watching!
#ETCGVideo #ETCGHackHawk
My Patreon Account: / ericthecarguy
The best place for answers to your automotive questions: www.ericthecarguy.com
Check out my ETCG1 channel: kzhead.info?su...
Tools (some are affiliate links)
Body Saw: www.jbtools.com/astro-pneumat...
Plasma Cutter: www.longevity-inc.com/forcecu...
Welder: www.longevity-inc.com/migweld...
Magnet Holders: amzn.to/3ud0QgD
Drill: www.milwaukeetool.com/Product...
Drill center punch: www.jbtools.com/general-tools...
Stepped Drill Bits: www.jbtools.com/titan-tools-1...
Eastwood Chassis Black Paint: www.eastwood.com/ew-extreme-c...
Eastwood Internal Frame Coating: www.eastwood.com/eastwood-int...
Eastwood Rust Encapsulator: www.eastwood.com/eastwood-rus...
Parts
Subframe Bolts: 90160-S0X-A00
I used 16ga steel for this repair.
Related Videos
2003 Honda Pilot Inspection This Thing Needs Help: • 2003 Honda Pilot Inspe...
Easy Rust Repair the ‘Hack’ Way: • Easy Rust Repair the '...
Hack Bodywork Years After Repair: • What Happens to Bondo ...
How To Save Your Vehicle From Rust: • How To Save Your Vehic...
Fixing Up My Brothers Rusty Element: • Fixing Up My Brothers ...
Fabricating Exhaust Parts: • Fabricating Exhaust Pa...
2005 Honda Odyssey Give Away (Episode 7) Fixing it Forward: • 2005 Honda Odyssey Giv...
I Hate SUV’s: • I Hate SUV’s
Fixing it Forward Playlist: • Introducing Fixing it ...
Type R Playlist: • EricTheCarGuy Gets an ...
Dads Truck Series: • #ETCGDadsTruck Build I...
The Fairmont Project: • ETCG Gets a New Car! -...
**Answers to your automotive questions found here: www.ericthecarguy.com/faq
Social Network Links
Facebook: facebook.com/EricTheCarGu...
Twitter: / ericthecarguy
Instagram: / ericthecarguy
Wanna see more stuff like this from ETCG? Information on Premium Membership: www.ericthecarguy.com/premium...
Stay Dirty
ETCG
Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, it cannot guarantee against unauthorized modifications of this information, or improper use of this information. EricTheCarGuy assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. EricTheCarGuy recommends safe practices when working with power tools, automotive lifts, lifting tools, jack stands, electrical equipment, blunt instruments, chemicals, lubricants, or any other tools or equipment seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of EricTheCarGuy, no information contained in this video shall create any express or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not EricTheCarGuy®.
I started watching your videos when I was 17 years old. I learned a lot from yours videos. Now almost 10 years later I work as technician and honestly I don't know if I would be where I am without your content. So thank you Eric.
I’m 17 too & I just started watching yesterday lol, hope to become a technician too
I also found Eric about 10 years ago, while working as an apprentice. He's one of the reasons I passed my final exam.
I'm truly honored by your comment. When I started ETCG I had hoped my videos would help people. I never expected them to inspire others like you. Thank you very much for that comment and good luck with your career.
Hello Eric, I started to watch your videos in either 2010 or 2011, it's now 2022, and your videos have been extremely helpful. I worked in auto service garages before, and currently I work on my own cars, as well as for family and friends. With Much Thanks to you and your videos.
@@theroyalcrownedtiger2946 you’ve traveled ahead in time, how are things in 2022? Did we concur COVID?
This is the sort of rust damage that puts the car in a scrap yard. A first class job, sir.
If anyone wonders why rust repairs are expensive, this is a good video to show Inspiring work as always
Bondo and pop rivet rust repairs are less expensive. This video shows how it is done properly resulting in a safe vehicle.
He did that repair in 25 minutes though, that shouldn’t cost $3k+! /s
@@BlazingLightSword the repair was condensed to a 20 minute video. I'm sure he has more time in it than that! As he stated, he's not a welder or fabricator. Plus he took the time to video it. Setting up for video takes time. For a beginner, like me, he did an excellent job!
*A cast sleeve in a welded mount under a stamped raised ROUND footing. I don't know a lot of guys that would've fabbed that from scratch, especially with only three tools. Good stuff.*
@@BlazingLightSword you actually thought that took 25 minutes? SERIOUSLY?
It is amazing how Eric's fabrication skills developed during the years. This was a pleasure to watch!
Hey Eric I just want to take a moment to thank you. I've been watching you for a couple of years now and I have learned so much. I'm a university student and I work on cars (both my own and those from family members/friends) as a hobby in my spare time. However when I visited a highly praised shop in my area to get some springs compressed (as I don't have the tools for that) they were so impressed by my work on cars that they offered me a part-time job as a mechanic! This was such a compliment for a hobbyist like me and I owe you a big "thank you" for learning me so much throughout the years. Keep on wrenching and I'll keep watching!
I never get tired of hearing how my work helps people. Thank you for taking the time to share that with me. It's totally awesome that you got that job offer. Well done! Thanks again and have a great weekend.
@@ericthecarguy Thanks a lot for your reply, have a good weekend as well!
The cutting around the aerosol with a plasma cutter fail wad hilarious. Please include outtakes in all videos. Their hilarious. Nice repair as always eric
I do post out takes when I have them. I normally put them at the end like I did with that one. Thanks for the comment.
@@ericthecarguy ah I don't always see the very end then. I will have to make sure I do that. I've been watching your videos almost weekly since your old garage. You taught me how to do an oil change. Must've been near 10 years ago now.. anyways still enjoying the content.
They're** hilarious, you're right.
@@SalandFindles you must be fun at parties 🥳🎉
Not one of Eric's smartest moments. Still glad you included it in the outtakes. 👍🏾 Good job man.
You might not be a fabricator, but that's a job well done. A job like that requires the ability to plan ahead and visualize the next couple of steps.
I am not entirely sure why he put the flat disk on when he did and not last.
@@Oblithian probably to make sure the rear subframe was positioned correctly when checking the fitment.
Sucks I can't visualize
"that's so cool, I built that" - that's exactly what I love about fabricating and fixing stuff like this
This was very impressive, Eric. Well done. I'm a layperson (my work is in IT infrastructure so my tools are all virtual and not physical) and I enjoy watching your obvious skill and experience in a domain so clearly different from my own. Very cool.
Love your work mate. Nice one. You're encouraging people to do things themselves, in a world where they either can't be arsed, or are too scared to break the norm of paying money to fix a problem. We need more people like yourself. Cheers!!
Hey Eric I bought a Chevy Malibu from my brothers mechanic "friend". A few years ago I would've been screwed. Now if days I see it as more of a challenge now. Your videos have been crucial for me taking my vehicle maintenance into my own hands. This year I'm going to a trade school to be an automotive technician. You'll never understand the positive impact you've had on my life. And without a doubt I wish to pay that positivity forward by being honest and thorough like you are. Thanks for all you do Eric.
You've done a better job than every body shop "tech" I've ever seen. Awesome video!
Thanks Eric, like a load of guys here, been watching for years & your videos have inspired confidence in me!...Plumber by trade, taught myself to weld few years ago. Now welding my 20 year old ford escort 1.8 diesel van regularly to keep it on the road & earning me money. The way they were built (well actually chucked together) & not rust treated, they were like consumables!! But thanks again for ALL your excellent videos..learnt so much over the years, (Bridgwater, Somerset, ENGLAND)
Your comments about the worthiness of this repair on an old vehicle is exactly the calculation I did before I started doing some body and frame restoration on my Subaru. While I agree with your overall assessment and this kind of work makes a lot more sense when you can do it yourself, you took non-road worthy car that wasn't worth much more than its scrap value and turned it back into a vehicle that can be operated safely and sold with a clean conscience. So you have added thousands back to the value of the car. This was my way of justifying the amount of time and money I've invested learning these skills.
No I haven't. This Pilot is worth $4000 on its best day. It's not it's best day. This repair would have cost somewhere in the neighborhood of $3500 if you took it to a shop. I still need to replace the transmission which is another $3000 in parts alone. Not to mention the front suspension repair, the interior, and the engine service. In all, I'll probably have at least $9000 into this $4000 POS. I don't think that's good money spent at all, but it makes great content, and I'm happy with that. Thanks for the comment.
I just watch Eric because he just connects so well. His attitude seems genuine. Simple truth.
I just did a 97 CRV, where the trail arm bushings mount up. It was my first go at fixing structural rot, and I'm very happy with the results. I ended going with what your original plan was, welding a nut behind the first layer. I did not consider it needing movement, however after watching this I am still pleased to know someone with much more experience then I had a similar idea. Very confidence inspiring. Thank you!
I've said it before and I'll say it again, you are a valuable asset to the honda community! Thank you, stay dirty buddy!
I just bought an 07 Sierra that I have to repair one of the crossmembers and a small part of the frame on. These videos give inspiration and confidence to tackle something most people would shy away from, so thanks!
I got into the automotive field because of videos like this! Just started a job working for a RAM dealer. Can't say if it wasn't for an instructor and watching videos like this I would have chosen this path. The creativity and passion to perform jobs that you wouldn't normally consider yourself good at shows you are willing to learn anything and everything like a true professional, that is the same mentality that has inspired me! Thanks a lot for this video, it is well outside of your normal stuff and very inspiring! :)
An absolute work of art. Soooo satisfying to figure out and carry out your own solution. Job well done.
Glad to see that you're still doing videos Eric! Used to watch your stuff when I was a younger man, you're the reason I got into working on cars, absolutely an inspiration keep it up!
"Grinder and paint makes me the welder I ain't" Nice job. Sure there were other ways it could have been done but nothing wrong with the way you did it.
Hi Eric, weld through primer is a great product to help reduce corrosion on the surfaces you cant get to after welding.
i wonder how do they do on assembly line, the metal panels are raw they weld them and then paint it ?
@@mondecruel1866 at the factory, the body in white is fully submerged in a vat of primer that gets into every single seam and blind cavity (if you have ever looked inside a trunk without the trim and wondered why are there so many stamped holes that needed to be plugged up, it’s because those were drain holes to let the excess primer drain out of the body as it was removed from the vat)
@@mondecruel1866 They dip them in an acid bath after. Then they take other baths in sealer/primer.
@evolence detroit Look at any video that covers a modern assembly line. Ecoat is only done on replacement body panels so that they don’t corrode while sitting in inventory. All new cars during production do not get an electrolytic coating because it creates unnecessary prep-work steps through the production line. The chassis and body panels are finished raw. On a full production line, the chassis are dipped in an acid bath to etch the entire chassis, rinsed, then dipped in sealer/primer bath. Then it gets its finish coat from robots.
@evolence detroit No matter how it's done, NOT even attempting to paint or rust coat bare metal is wrong. midwest to east coast, rust through in 5 years on this very decent repair. What a shame.
I just discovered a very similar situation on my 2004 Element. I immediately remembered this video and came to rewatch it. Replacing the vehicle isn’t an option right now and we love this Element so I want to fix it. Thank you Eric!
Great work. I just started restoring the frame of a rusted 1950 plymouth and having never welded or fabricated before I find that my solutions are improving all the time. Yours looked great! Thanks for the vid.
Great repair Eric! I was thinking you might need a thicker plate around the bolt, but you boxed it in nicely. As an amateur fabricator myself, it looks good enough to me. I was especially impressed with your trick of bolting everything together to get a proper fitment. That was smart thinking. Some tips I learned from Mustie1's videos, is to now spray oil up into the newly fabbed piece, now that it's done. This helps prevent future rust. He uses bar and chain oil. I have used fluidfilm for this myself, inside doors I fixed. I use pop and beer boxes for making my templates. They're always around and they come in different thicknesses. 👍
Eric, love both your comedic and master mechanic talents- awesome video, learned so many new tricks that I plan to apply on some of my upcoming projects! Keep up the great work!
Thanks for share all this information Eric, i respect you a lot and admire how much love and effort you put on your work, greetings from Guadalajara, Mexico!
Superb video Eric! I'm going to be doing a similar unibody repair on my 2010 Ford Escape. This gave me some great insight on the plan. By the way, I've been watching since you started years ago and your technique and quality is as great as always! Thank you!
I really like that repair Eric! Also that inside the frame coating will make it last. It should be even stronger than when new! Great job 👏
I think you did a superb job Eric and having a two post lift certainly doesn't hurt! 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
This turned out really well!! Great job Eric!!!
That's an impressive job of fabricating Eric. Thanks you for letting us watch.
Few things are as satisfying as doing your fabrication-type repairs. Being relatively new to welding myself, I've done some of this and boy does it feel good to look at what you've done and know that it's a good repair.
Wow, nice custom work! Loved seeing your process, and hearing you explain your rationale. Good stuff!
I don't subscribe to many KZheadrs. But it's people like you that makes knowledge power
Really cool video. I’m working on a 2007 WRX to repair with my 14yo son. Learning to weld, what materials, techniques. Super appreciative, great job!
Looks great. I particularly like the tapping down of the curved outer covering. Good sound too. I sometimes drill holes before/after to facilitate the application of paint and rust protectant posteriori.
I've mention this guy's KZhead channel to others who are doing body repair. Fitzee's Fabrications has outstanding instructional videos when it comes to body and frame rebuilds. Cheers!
I'm glad you shared this before I scrapped my Jeep, might be able to squeeze another year out of it now.
You've actually helped me out of bad funk ive been in showing it's okay to make mistakes and that it's all fun and learning thankyou tons!!!!!
Thank you for another therapy session
I'm impressed, beyond words! Thanks for this astonishing post, I'll be watching more!!!
Its always satisfying when you make something like that, I love fixing rust
That was Awesome Eric!!! Great job and what a money saver! Thanks for the great videos. As always.
Been google'ing arround for about a 2 weeks looking for a decent overview of what something like this would entail. Thanks for showing us this dude! very helpfull! 👌
Nice work Eric, always satisfying doing this type of repair. Cheers from the UK.
I use cereal boxes for making my templates in metal fabrication. stiff enough to hold it's shape, but can still be cut with scissors. Besides, everyone has cereal boxes, and you don't need to go to Staples for manilla folders!...lol. Great video Eric!
Old oil and air filter boxes work good too
CAD. Cardboard Aided Design.
milk cartons, for those that get it in cartons anyway. lol
I use a cereal box when spraying my motorbike chain. Cut a side off so you get an L shape at the fold, then protect the tyre with it.
The thought a nd thinking and doing process in making the rusted out replacement part was like open heart surgery for body work. Very well done. Great problem solving skill!
Watching your videos all these years have slowly made me distrust technicians, seeing you go way out of your way to fix the super small details that would turn into big problems down the road. There’s no way for me to make sure my mechanic is catching those type of things for me while he’s working. I highly admire your work ethic and I wish there were more like you.
Thank you. I actually made a video on that topic last week. kzhead.info/sun/lbammq2orXWdqqM/bejne.html
Your videos have been my favorite for over 10 years
Amazing techniques, and workmanship Eric! You dah man!
OMG. I'm a little ashamed that I haven't watched your videos in 2-3 years (other than your video about being kicked out of your present shop moving to a new shop) What a great masterclass in fabrication. Thank you. Kind Regards, Craig
What an advanced understanding of metal and of the complex machines that cars are
Real smart work Eric, i'm really impressed, thanks a million for sharing
Eric the car guy and Eric O.....two of the best mechanics!
Nicely done 👍. I learned something new today, thank you.
Great job Eric. It was insightful to watch your process after I myself recently refurbished holes in the frame of my 1988 Subaru Leone. Probably fewer of them still on the road than Honda Pilots and the rest of this vehicle is virtually immaculate so I was motivated to repair this class is rather than junk it.
That's exactly why this is such a valuable crash course tutorial: the econocars of my youth are now quite rarely found as most of them were driven to "the farm"; healthy powertrains carrying rusted out shells
Nice job Eric, very impressed!
That is a nice, well thought out and implemented solution to a very cancerous bit of structural frame rot. Well done!
Thank you!
That's a repair to be proud of my friend. 👍
This is a man with many talents!
Awesome job brother looks like a professional repair IMO
This video was really calming and fastening and educational I like the idea of fixing these useful yet disposable unibody cars
I just got done replacing bushings in my rear sub-frame. Oh, man, every time I watch one of your videos where your under a car I count myself lucky to be a California kid who doesn't have that level of rust to deal with :) But I really enjoy seeing you defeat that rust!!! WAY TO GO!
Yes, our vehicles rust out before they're worn out in the rust belt!
I couldn't believe some of the cars in California - 30yrs+ old car and no spot of rust. I envy my sis.
@@pliedtka I work as a lube tech for a local place here in the Bay Area, 30+ year old cars VERY RARELY have rust on them here.
Cavity wax in the end to fill those gaps. Awesome job. I need to break out my new welder and do some repairs. Thanks for the video.
That was awesome. Great video, Eric 😀
Wonderful Work Eric & very nicely done. It was worth watching.
Excellent craftsmanship ,a lot of thought ,executed in a professional way ...😀😀😀.
Eric, you never disappoint, excellent vid
Thank you Eric I love watching your wonderful videos great job I am from South Africa
i just finished watching rust bros on netflix ... great show. nice job on the repair !
"Oooops!! ....sssssshhh... Well, I don't recommend that!" 😂🤣😂🤣😂🤣 Brilliant content Eric, regards from Galway, Ireland 😉👍💚
Love your videos, Eric. I started watching you when I first started out as an apprentice in 2014. Sent you an email around that time. Never even considered you would respond, but you did. I've learned alot from you. Thanks for everything you do.
Thank you for your continued viewership. I hope you're enjoying your career. Thanks again and good luck.
man, how much patience you have.. kudos.. my chrysler town and country is 1997 greetings from Croatia !!
Great job Eric! I have to do this on my 06 Sienna, so the timing was perfect!👍
Damn Erik. Honestly props man. It takes balls to start cutting out pieces of the frame (sub frame).
Excellent presentation Eric. Also, your strategy as to how you approached this difficult repair is right on par with a similar repair I am presently working on. In my case, the unibody rusted out at the two front points where the undercarriage bolts into it. I did practically the same as you did with cutting out the damage, making a template, fabricating new pieces, using the undercarriage as a jig. My two fabricated parts are ready to be welded into the body. Since I never welded on a car body before, I am a bit anxious and and practicing with 16 gauge mild steel scrap first so I don't end up blowing holes through the body. I think I am ready to go at it now so hopefully, I can get my 2006 Saturn Vue back on the road.
good video great work Eric, thank for sharing
Thanks for making and posting your repair.. I hope other rust belt Pilot, MDX and Ridgeline owners will inspect theirs. Keeping the long threaded boss and joint design close to original is also wise. Better bolt stretch and load paths into the cross member, as you said. You make it look easy! The Honda body repair manual says to replace the whole crossmember, .. If Honda would sell the crossmember at a reasonable price, more people would follow their recommendation. I believe it's over $600 just for the part. I would recommend poking the passenger side rear mount area too, as they seem to rust from the inside out (maybe you already did it) .. Thanks again Eric . it's fun to watch you work, and learn from your experience.
Awesome I like that 👍🏻 Your welding skills have improved nicely 🙂
I've done repairs like that before. I had to do that same repair on my truck till i could find another one and the repair is still solid
I like how more lively you sound in your newer videos vs your old ones. Just came here after watching your civic engine swap series.
Great video as usual. I always learn a lot watching your videos!! Definitely helped with my own videos.
That’s a lot of pieces, but it works. I’ve been using that internal frame coating for years, great stuff
Nice work Eric. Your welds are starting to look really good.
I must say I enjoyed that , and all from the comfort of my couch! 👍😎
nicely done eric
Perfect job !
Those magnets are cool as hell! I've never seen those before.
Some of your best work right here.
Nice work Doctor Eric !!!
Thank God we have Ericthecarguy bc I'm exactly what I'm fixing on my ek hatch atm. Again, thank you Eric!
Good luck!
Great work.. right about Honda and rust subframe and frame
Nice work!! Thanks from the UK for the video Eric.
This video inspires and motivates me to spray more AD3000 rust proofer on my '05 Pilot
I used to finish off my under- side patches with thick layers of paint then warm bitumen glue applied with a paint scraper. Durable and makes the welding look a bit neater :-)
That was super impressive, good job 👌
Very nicely done, Eric.
Good solid work! I thought you might have tried to recreate the dome to make it look more oem but this still works. 👍