How many RX3 owners have noticed a B-Pillar crack like mine? Just want to see if this is a common problem. I suppose it needs to be welded up, but how to do it without increasing stress?

 

I don't get around the old schools, but I have seen similiar cracknig on 1st gens. I believe the main cause is how one opens/closes the door. If they use window frame, it will cause the same stress carcks that you have. Welding is the only long term solution, recommend it be done with a tig instead of a mig or stick welder. Brazing may work best, if you can find someone who can do it well.

 

Yeah, I got it too!

 

that can be welded.

 

u sure that's not some sort of rust repair done with body filler(bondo)?

 

Cracked all the way through. It's easy to tell in person especially if you push on it. The gap opens up. Crack is at the base of the rear window frame behind the door. I can try to take better pics if you want.

 

The hardest part of something like this is getting the joint clean enough to weld. The rust, bondo and old paint really make the welding difficult. Grit blasting is the best way, but requires masking to keep it out of the car. Get it very clean, have it TIG welded, then form a couple of pieces that lay over the joint, at least .040, even 1/16 inch, with about 1 inch overlap and weld these over the joint. If you just weld it back together, it will most likely crack again.

I agree it appears to have been repaired before.