Where are the "sills" on a car?

Byatt

sorry for what might be a silly question, but what I am I looking for please?

AlexLK

If this is not a wind up, here's an image of what you're looking for:

IamNotAllowedToUseMyName

Byatt wrote: »

sorry for what might be a silly question, but what I am I looking for please?

The csills are the bit underneath the doors at the side of the car. They are important because they are designed to be a strong part of the structure of the car. If you've had an MOT failure because of rust, then they are saying your car might be unsafe, as opposed to a bit of rust on a door panel which is just cosmetic.

Byatt

No, not a windup, I did say sorry...:D

It's not failed an MOT, just I want to pre-empt any potential problems, and as I know nothing about cars, need to know the basics.

How do I get to the sills?? Seeing as the pic shows the doors off! :cool:

SailorSam

You don't get to the cills, they're just there.
Look at the bit of the body that's underneath your doors.
If they're rusted you'll need to weld new ones on A little rust you can weld a patch on perhaps.

topdaddy_2

What do you intend to do to them once you find them?

forgotmyname

Thats the outer sill. The inner one connects to that and the floor.

The problem with rust in the sills and floor area is a tiny hole may be huge by the time you clean it bar to good metal.

I did a fiesta some years back. Guy said it failed on a little hole in the passenger floor. I stuck a wire brush in the drill and the floor fell out. The hole was big enough to stick your head through with ease.

Byatt

I have read that spraying wax (?) can help reduce/stop corrosion. They are fine right now.

edit: I won't be doing any welding or anything that requires tools.

Iceweasel

Byatt wrote: »

I have read that spraying wax (?) can help reduce/stop corrosion. They are fine right now.

That's very true.

Google - waxoyl - you can usually spray it in through an access hole in the sills - there are often rubber bungs fitted to fill holes that are there to allow paint to drain out in the painting process in the factory.

Speak to an MOT tester regards your particular model and any weaknesses it my have.

SailorSam

Rather than spray wax, to reduce any corrosion if you've got a power washer give it a good clean every couple of months.

forgotmyname

The problem is the wax can also trap moisture between the wax and the metalwork.

What car do you have? Are the sills rusting through?