Sill Repairs
Inner and outer sill replacement. One of the most common NCT failures - fixed properly with new metal.
Why Sills Matter
Car sills aren't just cosmetic trim along the bottom of your doors. They're structural - part of the vehicle's crash protection and load-bearing framework. When sills rust through, the car loses rigidity, doors sag, and jacking becomes dangerous.
In Ireland's damp climate, sill rust is one of the most common structural problems we see. Road salt, standing water, and blocked drainage channels all accelerate the corrosion.
Sill Repair Services
- Outer sill panel replacement
- Inner sill structural repair
- Full sill replacement (inner and outer)
- Jacking point repair and reinforcement
- A-pillar and B-pillar base repair
- Door step repair
- Pre-NCT sill preparation
- Rust treatment and prevention after repair
Outer Sill vs. Inner Sill
An outer sill repair replaces the visible panel that runs below your doors. It's the most common repair and often what triggers an NCT fail when the tester pushes a screwdriver through the rusted metal.
An inner sill repair is more involved. The inner sill is the structural member behind the outer panel. If it's gone, the outer panel alone won't pass - and the car isn't safe to jack. We check both as standard and will tell you exactly what's needed.
Sills and the NCT
Rusty sills are one of the top reasons Irish cars fail the NCT. The tester checks for corrosion that has weakened the structural integrity, particularly around jacking points. If you've got bubbling paint, soft spots, or visible holes in the sills, get them sorted before your test.
We handle sill repairs for NCT preparation. We inspect the affected structure and discuss the repair needed. The test centre makes the final roadworthiness decision.
Warning Signs
Look out for bubbling or flaking paint along the bottom of your doors, soft or spongy metal when pressed, visible rust holes, or a door that's started to drop slightly. Any of these mean the sills need attention sooner rather than later.
Worried about your sills? Call us on 083 807 7144 or send photos on WhatsApp and we'll tell you straight what you're dealing with.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are rusty sills a common NCT fail?
Yes. Sill corrosion is one of the most common structural NCT fails in Ireland, especially on cars over about ten years old. The tester presses on the sill. If it is soft, holed, or has been bodged with filler, it fails.
Can you repair just the outer sill, or does the inner sill need doing too?
It depends what is underneath. The outer sill is the visible part; the inner sill is the load-bearing structure. We will not know the full extent until we cut into it, but we will tell you honestly before going any further.
Is a filler or fibreglass sill repair good enough for the NCT?
No. Sills are structural, and the NCT does not accept filler over structural rot. The repair has to be new steel, welded in. A cover-up may look fine but it will not pass a proper inspection and it is not safe.
How much does a sill repair cost?
It varies with how far the rot has spread and whether the inner sill is involved. We give you a firm price after looking at it. Send photos on WhatsApp or bring the car in.
How long does a sill repair take?
A single-side repair with limited inner sill work is often a day. Both sides, or extensive inner sill involvement, runs to two days. We give you a realistic timeline up front.
Will you take on an older car other garages have turned away?
Yes. We regularly work on older and higher-mileage Irish cars that need proper metalwork. If the rot is repairable we will tell you, and if it is not economic to fix we will tell you that too.
Repair Advice Before You Book
- Classic Car Restoration Welding in Ireland
- Our Sill Repair Service in the A91 Area
- Dundalk Sill Repairs Before Your NCT Test
- Book a Sill Inspection in Omeath - Outer vs Inner Sill
- Get a Quote for Sill Repairs in Co. Louth
- Sill Specialists for Older Irish Vehicles in Co. Louth
- Sill Repair Before It Gets Structural - Warning Signs
- What Are Car Sills? Sill Repair Specialists in Dundalk
See the Repair Work
Find Out What Your Vehicle Needs
Our workshop is in Ardaghy, Omeath, about 20 minutes from Dundalk. Call before travelling to discuss the repair and availability.
1. Send the details
WhatsApp the make, model, year, your town and any NCT failure wording. Include a wide photo and close-ups of the damaged area. Only take photos where it is safe to do so.
2. Get an initial assessment
Photos help us discuss the likely work and whether a workshop inspection is needed. Hidden corrosion can change the scope.
3. Agree the repair
A vehicle inspection confirms the work and price before you decide to proceed. Let us know your test or retest date when you contact us.
Need Your Chassis or Underbody Checked?
Send photos and your vehicle details on WhatsApp for an initial assessment. A workshop inspection confirms the repair scope and price before you decide.