Need help assessing rust damage...
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 288
Likes: 0
From: Tigard OR
Need help assessing rust damage...
I'm considering purchasing a 72 coupe that checks out pretty good with a few exceptions.
There is visible rust that can be seen through the windshield on the left side window pillar just below the serial number. The rust is bad enough to have actually created a few small holes. There is also evidence of a previous attempt to seal the top of the windshield with silicone. I imagine that it is probably much worse than it looks and the window frame is probably in pretty bad shape. Is there any easy way to determine the extent of the damage or check the birdcage without opening everything up?
Also, the wheelbase differs by 1/2 inch from side to side. Is this an indication of a bent frame and or accident?
Thanks in advance for advice...
There is visible rust that can be seen through the windshield on the left side window pillar just below the serial number. The rust is bad enough to have actually created a few small holes. There is also evidence of a previous attempt to seal the top of the windshield with silicone. I imagine that it is probably much worse than it looks and the window frame is probably in pretty bad shape. Is there any easy way to determine the extent of the damage or check the birdcage without opening everything up?
Also, the wheelbase differs by 1/2 inch from side to side. Is this an indication of a bent frame and or accident?
Thanks in advance for advice...
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 12,705
Likes: 329
From: Scottsdale Arizona
I think that other, more hidden places are unlikely to be better than what you see. A good place to look further is behind the outer kick plates. this is where the birdcage attaches to the frame. If so equiped, just pull off the speaker covers and look behind. Water flows down hill and you should see, at the very least, rust marks from the rust water dripping down. In all likelihood, you'll see much worse than rust marks.
One local guy here is a proponent of grabbing the window frame and pulling on it. Probably a real good way of demonstrating that it's solid if you already know it is, but if you snap off the windsheild and frame, I doubt that the seller would be too impressed.
One local guy here is a proponent of grabbing the window frame and pulling on it. Probably a real good way of demonstrating that it's solid if you already know it is, but if you snap off the windsheild and frame, I doubt that the seller would be too impressed.
Drifting
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 1,546
Likes: 5
From: Sacramento California
Look for rust flakes on the floor around the kick panels, that will indicate that there is a real rust problem. The 1/2 inch wheelbase difference could be a number of things from frame to alignment. If this is a car you are thinking of buying, get it up on a hoist with someone who knows these cars, otherwise it could be an expensive lesson.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 9,993
Likes: 1,136
From: League City Tx
I'm considering purchasing a 72 coupe that checks out pretty good with a few exceptions.
There is visible rust that can be seen through the windshield on the left side window pillar just below the serial number. The rust is bad enough to have actually created a few small holes. There is also evidence of a previous attempt to seal the top of the windshield with silicone. I imagine that it is probably much worse than it looks and the window frame is probably in pretty bad shape. Is there any easy way to determine the extent of the damage or check the birdcage without opening everything up?
Also, the wheelbase differs by 1/2 inch from side to side. Is this an indication of a bent frame and or accident?
Thanks in advance for advice...
There is visible rust that can be seen through the windshield on the left side window pillar just below the serial number. The rust is bad enough to have actually created a few small holes. There is also evidence of a previous attempt to seal the top of the windshield with silicone. I imagine that it is probably much worse than it looks and the window frame is probably in pretty bad shape. Is there any easy way to determine the extent of the damage or check the birdcage without opening everything up?
Also, the wheelbase differs by 1/2 inch from side to side. Is this an indication of a bent frame and or accident?
Thanks in advance for advice...
Sting66cp, check my "amature interior resto" thread. There is pics on it of mine before I did my interior resto of my pillars with "some rust flakes" under the vin tag. Then there is pics of what I found when I stripped it all down. Although I had virtually no rust at the rocker panel where the bird cage meets and only a few flakes down there, the majority of my rust was in the lower corners of the windshield frame. I ASSURE you its worse then you think. For the most part, they all get it if they have spent any time outside.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Check out the windshield as much as you can, but also pull off the #3 body mount cover right in front of the rear wheels. Thats a big rust area. Also, get it up on a lift and slam the frame every 5 inches with a big hammer and see if sizable rust flakes fall. Go front to back and back around the other side.
If the frame is bad your in for a very bumpy journey, if the birdcage is bad it is repairable in peices.
Be VERY VERY thorough if your looking to purchase this. Any rust, and I mean any, deducts from the pricey. Stick to your guns and good luck.
If the frame is bad your in for a very bumpy journey, if the birdcage is bad it is repairable in peices.
Be VERY VERY thorough if your looking to purchase this. Any rust, and I mean any, deducts from the pricey. Stick to your guns and good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 2,625
Likes: 0
From: Cut n Shoot TX
Love the idea!!! OOOPPs, did I do that????
