Question about C3 Rust Problems
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 320
Likes: 0
From: Bedford Va.
Question about C3 Rust Problems
Can someone describe how best to determine if there are rust problems in the windshield post, birdcage area on a C3 that has not been dissasembled. In other words, if I am looking at a car for sale and want to inspect it without taking it apart in any way. I understand that the problem area to look for on the frame is on what is called the kickups which are in front of the rear wheels.
Any input will be appreciated.
John
Any input will be appreciated.
John
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2000
Posts: 3,547
Likes: 12
From: Carbondale Pa.
If you look at where the trim tag is located inside the drivers door opening, if there is any rust there further disassembly will be required, usually the kick panel and the body mount access plate in front of the rear wheel house are good places to start, unless there is rust flakes falling from the windshield header. Good Luck,,,Peace,,, Moosie 
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
If you remove the front panels under the dash where the air vents or speakers are located and you see a lot of rust flakes in the area where the body mount is located, the rust probably fell down from the windshield frame area. If you remove the inner trim panel on the windshield frame you might get a better idea of rust problems.
The kickup area of the frame is notorious for rust but it is very hard to fully inspect the area with the body on the frame.
Rick B.
The kickup area of the frame is notorious for rust but it is very hard to fully inspect the area with the body on the frame.
Rick B.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 6,266
Likes: 156
From: Galloway Twp. NJ
Cruise-In VII Veteran
look at this.....
none of this could be seen with the windshield in or the car assembled.
the only thing I did see was the rust between the firewall and the windshield frame (area above the left windshield wiper mount.), and in the area above the trim tag.
none of this could be seen with the windshield in or the car assembled.
the only thing I did see was the rust between the firewall and the windshield frame (area above the left windshield wiper mount.), and in the area above the trim tag.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by Tom68
If the carpets look to have been wet numerous times that's a sure sign...
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
There are access holes in bottom of the frame underneath the doors that are big enough to stick a finger in. You can feel around for large pieces of scale have accumulated in the frame. You can also stick a big screwdriver in the holes and poke around to see if you poke through anywhere. You really should remove the panels in front of the rear wheels to look in the body mount hole also. This requires removing the rear wheel but it will also give you a better look at the crossmember, trailing arms and trailing arm pockets.
If the seller objects to any of these inspections walk away quickly.
Rick B.
If the seller objects to any of these inspections walk away quickly.
Rick B.
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