Nissan Terranos & Mistrals

Nissan Terrano & Mistral Rear Floor Rust.

Nissan Terrano & Mistral Rear Floor Rust

There is a problem with early Nissan Terranos and Nissan Mistrals in relation to floor rust around the area of the lower rear seatbelt anchorages. The extent of this problem is such that until now, upon the identification of any rust in this region by a WoF issuer or entry certifier, LTNZ has required the full replacement of the central floor section. Due to the reduction in value of these vehicles as they get older, LTNZ has recently asked LVVTA to design a low volume modification process under LVV Seatbelt Anchorage Standard 175-00(01) to resolve this problem. This has been achieved, and an alternative cost effective solution is now available for these vehicles under the Low Volume Vehicle Code.

Affected Terrano models, as advised by the Imported Motor Vehicle Dealers Association, are: -

N-WBYD21 1986-87
Q-WBYD21 1988-
E-WHYD21 1987-1993
S-VBYD21 1989-
N-VBYD21 1986-89
Y-LBYD21 1993-95
Y-WBYD21 1993-95
Q-WBYD21 1989-93

Affected Mistral models, as advised by the Imported Motor Vehicle Dealers Association, are: -

R20 5-door, all models.

See the LTNZ Web page for Infosheets (Number 1.35 Possible corrosion in Nissan Terranos and Mistrals).

LVVTA has, during 2004, with input from expert hot rod builders, LVV certifiers, and panel repairers, developed a modification known as the LVVTA Rear Floor Load-bar Seatbelt Anchorage Reinforcement System or LVV Seatbelt Anchorage Load-bar for short. This LVV Seatbelt Anchorage Load-bar is designed (after patch repairs, rust treatment and anti-corrosive paint application have been carried out to the floor and reinforcer) to attach to the underside of the vehicle by plug-welding to both the reinforcer and the floor section of the vehicle.

The load-bar is designed to spread, over a huge area of floor surface, any load that the seatbelt anchorages may be subjected to in an impact, and importantly, over a floor surface area that is unaffected by the vehicle's rust problem.

This modification is recognised by LTNZ as requiring LVV certification under the Compliance Rule 35001/1 and is legally able to be used as an alternative to the full floor replacement.

The following important points should be noted:

This procedure may be applied to all affected vehicles both at entry certification and in-service.
In order to maximise the quality of the job and minimise costs to the vehicle owner, the modification should be undertaken by someone whom the LVV Certifier can recommend to the vehicle owner. This should be a tradesman repairer experienced in modern vehicle repair, although an individual who does not meet this criteria can still carry out the modification provided that competence and welding skill can be demonstrated to the LVV Certifier
This modification can be LVV certified by any LVV Certifier holding Category LVV 1C -'Modified Production - Structures'. The list of LVV Certifiers authorised to carry out this work is available here as a PDF file(59K). Contact your nearest certifier for further information.
Only LVV Seatbelt Anchorage Load-bars supplied by LVVTA and marked with the LVV logo may be used for this modification and LVV certification process. These load-bars may be ordered from the LVV Certifier.
From the trials carried out most Terranos can be modified in accordance with this procedure for around the $600-$900 mark. This consists of time for the repairer (depending on the extent of rust), plus consumables, LVV certification $250-$300, and the Load-bar itself, which carries a recommended retail price of $74.00 (Terrano) and $170 (Mistral). These costs could increase where additional work or travel is involved.

If you have any problems with the above, please contact the LVVTA using our online enquiry form.

Low Volume Vehicle Technical Association, Inc