Rust Evaluation, Need input
#1
Rust Evaluation, Need input
Hey guys, I started looking around under my carpet and found some not so good stuff (Pics below).
Can any of you auto body guys chime in and let me know just how bad it looks and what i'm in for here. The worst part is the car is gorgeous on the outside but the underside...not so much.
T Top
T top again
Driver Floor
Pass Floor
This is the car the above pics are from
Can any of you auto body guys chime in and let me know just how bad it looks and what i'm in for here. The worst part is the car is gorgeous on the outside but the underside...not so much.
T Top
T top again
Driver Floor
Pass Floor
This is the car the above pics are from
#2
Member
iTrader: (35)
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Gunnison Co
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
Car: 87 Iroc vert, t-top
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
Bad news- big time.
How about a rolling shell, and transferring everything over? I've got a clean rust free body, and I live about an hour away from you. Only thing is it's not a ttop car.
If you have someone professionally repair that car the right way, you're looking at probably 3k. My husband is in the auto body tech field.
How about a rolling shell, and transferring everything over? I've got a clean rust free body, and I live about an hour away from you. Only thing is it's not a ttop car.
If you have someone professionally repair that car the right way, you're looking at probably 3k. My husband is in the auto body tech field.
#3
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Newport Beach, Ca.
Posts: 666
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1988 Iroc
Engine: 383 TPI
Transmission: 700r4
Axle/Gears: BW 9 bolt 3.27
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
Nice offer, if it was me I would go for the roller in a heartbeat and avoid the body rot issues.
#4
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Ireland
Posts: 616
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 82 Pontiac Firebird s/e
Engine: 2.8 V6
Transmission: TH200C
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
If the floor is that bad then most likely rot in other areas also. What is the hatch like where the spare wheel is. Is it rotten there also. With that type of repair you are talking about a lot of labour hours. New shell looks the best option.
#5
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: MN
Posts: 2,069
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 85 SC, 86 Berlinetta
Engine: V6, V8
Transmission: 700r4, 700r4
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
I passed up on a T-top car because the head liner was trashed and I couldn't get a look inside. I bet that one is really bad underneath. Sometimes you can pull back the rubber to get an idea of how bad the rust is under there. Ground effects can also hide a lot of rust issues too.
But yeah, I would grab that roller and swap it over.
But yeah, I would grab that roller and swap it over.
#7
Member
iTrader: (35)
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Gunnison Co
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
Car: 87 Iroc vert, t-top
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
It's ultimately going to be up to you. The car we have is white, and it's straight- very few dings, etc. My hubby does paint on the side, and he tends to work with people on price, depending whether or not they want to help get the car ready, etc.
Trending Topics
#10
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Detroit Michigan
Posts: 26
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 1989 firebird
Engine: 305 5.0 liter tbi
Transmission: automatic 700r4 granny tranny
Axle/Gears: not even posi :(
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
Dude. Log onto npd.com look for floor pans for your car. Cut out yours and weld yours in. If you can't do it yourself, deffinately get it done at a shop. Dont trash it because of some floor rot. Every car does it.
#13
Supreme Member
Join Date: Mar 2000
Location: St. Louis, MO
Posts: 2,028
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 85' Firebird (Project), 92' RS
Engine: 2.8L, LS1
Transmission: 700R4, 4L60E
Axle/Gears: 3.42 Open , 10 Bolt (ukn)
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
We've had members on here fix worse than that. If you're paying someone to do the work, you're looking at money...if you're willing to tackle some of it yourself, it just takes time. To do it right would be way above my skill grade...if it's a car that you drive every now and again, and the rust is hidden in a place where you won't see it, and you're not trying to sell it a Mecum, you could probably do the fix yourself for the cost of the welder, a few beers, and a little sheet metal.
My 300k mile body looks ROUGH! I was expecting to take up the carpet and find out that the floor was essentially gone...but low and behold, after removing the carpet the rot I found was minor in comparison to yours (a couple pin holds). I welded in some patch panels and painted things black, and called it a day. I did have some more invasive rust on one front strut tower (rear towers looked new) and I had to cut and weld one of them, but for what I'm going to use the car for it's still excellent. Little primer, little paint, and the washer coolant bottle will cover the rest When it comes to fixing the rust on the body, i might hire it out...since my skill with a welder (and my equipment) isn't up to snuff...but for the hidden junk. I'll jump on it.
My 300k mile body looks ROUGH! I was expecting to take up the carpet and find out that the floor was essentially gone...but low and behold, after removing the carpet the rot I found was minor in comparison to yours (a couple pin holds). I welded in some patch panels and painted things black, and called it a day. I did have some more invasive rust on one front strut tower (rear towers looked new) and I had to cut and weld one of them, but for what I'm going to use the car for it's still excellent. Little primer, little paint, and the washer coolant bottle will cover the rest When it comes to fixing the rust on the body, i might hire it out...since my skill with a welder (and my equipment) isn't up to snuff...but for the hidden junk. I'll jump on it.
#14
Member
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
You may be better off putting the car up for sale as a in need of restoration type deal.
If money is not an object then you can pay someone to restore the floors for you. But first, you have to have an idea of how extensive the damage is. For example, if the rust extends into the wheel wells, strut towers, frame rails, into the rear the car is pretty much done for.
If the rust is caught early enough it can be patched or the pans replaced. I did my floorpans a few years ago and it's a job some people start and never finish. It's not for the faint of heart and requires lots of labor and time.
When it comes to rust, it is always much, much worse than it initially appears.
If money is not an object then you can pay someone to restore the floors for you. But first, you have to have an idea of how extensive the damage is. For example, if the rust extends into the wheel wells, strut towers, frame rails, into the rear the car is pretty much done for.
If the rust is caught early enough it can be patched or the pans replaced. I did my floorpans a few years ago and it's a job some people start and never finish. It's not for the faint of heart and requires lots of labor and time.
When it comes to rust, it is always much, much worse than it initially appears.
#16
Member
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Oklahoma
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: genesis, equus, f250, camaro, other
Engine: 5.7
Transmission: t5
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
Ouch. Id likely look for a straight body. Sorry to see that, it looks nice.
#17
Member
iTrader: (35)
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Gunnison Co
Posts: 225
Likes: 0
Received 6 Likes
on
6 Posts
Car: 87 Iroc vert, t-top
Engine: 305
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
I was fortunate enough to find a third gen convertible, hardtop, and t-top car 99% rust free. And the 57 Bel Air hubby is restoring now only has rust in the rockers, and in a couple floor braces.
My 01 Suburban has no rust- I flew to Colorado and drove it back so I could get a rust free one.
Honestly, it's more in the way you preserve it that keeps it from getting rusted out. My 2 cents.
#18
Member
#21
Senior Member
iTrader: (2)
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: LONG ISLAND, NY
Posts: 548
Likes: 0
Received 11 Likes
on
10 Posts
Car: 1991 camaro rs convertible
Engine: Built ls1
Transmission: T56
Axle/Gears: 3:42
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
Like everyone else was saying, chances are there is more rust hidden elsewhere. The car is beautiful on the outside, so it would def be worth it to fix the rust issues and perhaps undercoat the undercarriage and anywhere else that may have moisture issues. If you are inclined to do it yourself, pick up a mig welder and learn how to use it and fix the rust. I have been repairing rust issues all over mine, and after replacing the ds quarter, the car will be rust free and coated to prevent future rust.
#22
Supreme Member
iTrader: (15)
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
Drive what you have and enjoy it while you take your time buying a good roller and repainting it. A true roller in good shape will be relatively easy and cheap to paint. Pay someone a few hundred to media blast it inside and out primer and bondo it yourself and then tow it to the paint shop for color and clear. If you are brave you can buff it yourself as there are enough quickly decaying polishes to help prevent you from burning through if you are careful.
Last edited by Tibo; 07-31-2014 at 08:18 PM.
#23
Senior Member
iTrader: (1)
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Pittsburgh
Posts: 550
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 91 G92 Z28
Engine: 305 TPI
Transmission: T5
Axle/Gears: 342
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
I'm in PA too. Rarely do you see a Pennsylvania car without a good deal of rot. I'm with the "find a roller" crowd on this. Find a non-rust-belt body or entire car. Sun damaged paint and interiors are a lot easier to deal with than all of that rust.
#24
Junior Member
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Warminster, pa
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: 92 camaro rs
Engine: 305 t.b.i.
Transmission: 700r4
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
I always wondered flipping through the pages of car craft, hot rod, etc. and seeing the old camaros, novas, etc. they never show you the under carriage...wonder if they were rust buckets and just did some patching to the floor and made the outside body very nice.
I would keep looking around at your car for anymore rust damage and if that is all you find patch it and cover it.
I would keep looking around at your car for anymore rust damage and if that is all you find patch it and cover it.
#25
Supreme Member
iTrader: (15)
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
Look at the southern US craigslist ads or ads on this website where the car is in rust free and running. Fly down or drive with a friend, pick it up, drive it back and part one of the cars out. You would be surprised how much you can make back. I paid 700 for a non-running camaro took all of the parts I wanted, sold a few and sold the body to the scrap yard and I came out even.
Last edited by Tibo; 08-01-2014 at 10:02 PM.
#26
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
I decided to fix what I have. I pulled the interior and surprisingly the body is pretty good, except for the pictures above. Local body shop will be doing all patch/repair work.
Parts ordered:
All new weatherstripping
New carpet
New center t top support bar
Also ordered new console lid, shifter plate, and fatmat sound deadener while I have the whole interior out. Figured I would do it right.
I will post progress pictures. No rush here though, I plan on having it done by March.
Parts ordered:
All new weatherstripping
New carpet
New center t top support bar
Also ordered new console lid, shifter plate, and fatmat sound deadener while I have the whole interior out. Figured I would do it right.
I will post progress pictures. No rush here though, I plan on having it done by March.
#27
Supreme Member
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
I decided to fix what I have. I pulled the interior and surprisingly the body is pretty good, except for the pictures above. Local body shop will be doing all patch/repair work.
Parts ordered:
All new weatherstripping
New carpet
New center t top support bar
Also ordered new console lid, shifter plate, and fatmat sound deadener while I have the whole interior out. Figured I would do it right.
I will post progress pictures. No rush here though, I plan on having it done by March.
Parts ordered:
All new weatherstripping
New carpet
New center t top support bar
Also ordered new console lid, shifter plate, and fatmat sound deadener while I have the whole interior out. Figured I would do it right.
I will post progress pictures. No rush here though, I plan on having it done by March.
#28
Supreme Member
iTrader: (15)
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
Whatever their quote is add a few hundred if not a thousand. You're repairing the car only because of sentimental value and in a few years you will probably wwant to reshoot color and clear. From my experience repainting a roller is ththfaster and easier choice. And cheaper long term.
#29
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
Whatever their quote is add a few hundred if not a thousand. You're repairing the car only because of sentimental value and in a few years you will probably wwant to reshoot color and clear. From my experience repainting a roller is ththfaster and easier choice. And cheaper long term.
Also, why would I want to reshoot color and clear? It was done 2 years ago...
As it sits now:
Last edited by irishhockey34; 10-23-2014 at 11:40 AM.
#30
Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Morgantown PA
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 89 GTA
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
Classic Industries has almost EVERYTHING you need to get you girl back on the road again with no rust!
http://www.classicindustries.com/sho...s/body-panels/
Most parts are all OER! Original Equipment Replacement officially licensed by GM! You can't get any better than that! Take out the carpet and head liner and sand/prime what you can and cut out the rot! There is no saving once it starts to rot. $3000 is cheap for a body restoration if you ask me. Heck a engine rebuild will usually cost as much so why skimp on the body? And if you had this fine lady since you were 15 why toss such a cool memory away simple because a little body rust is snaking its way in?
A live in PA too and I just picked up an 89 GTA Trans Am that was originally purchased in New Jersey! (Car Fax history report) And believe it or not but she is practically rust free! Keep that sweet car rolling forever bud!
http://www.classicindustries.com/sho...s/body-panels/
Most parts are all OER! Original Equipment Replacement officially licensed by GM! You can't get any better than that! Take out the carpet and head liner and sand/prime what you can and cut out the rot! There is no saving once it starts to rot. $3000 is cheap for a body restoration if you ask me. Heck a engine rebuild will usually cost as much so why skimp on the body? And if you had this fine lady since you were 15 why toss such a cool memory away simple because a little body rust is snaking its way in?
A live in PA too and I just picked up an 89 GTA Trans Am that was originally purchased in New Jersey! (Car Fax history report) And believe it or not but she is practically rust free! Keep that sweet car rolling forever bud!
#31
Supreme Member
iTrader: (15)
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
I think you will fi.d rust in the rear wheel wells or on the underside behind the rear wheels. It's utterly commonplace in Illinois to have rust there also. If it gets into the seam between the rear wheels and the body it has to be cut out. Good luck.
#32
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
OER stuff is questionable at best. I have seen some of their stuff and it is poor quality. The name is a deceptive attempt to lead people to believe it is original equipment but it is aftermarket stuff, probably made overseas. They just pay GM to have that 'license'.
Classic Industries has almost EVERYTHING you need to get you girl back on the road again with no rust!
http://www.classicindustries.com/sho...s/body-panels/
Most parts are all OER! Original Equipment Replacement officially licensed by GM! You can't get any better than that! Take out the carpet and head liner and sand/prime what you can and cut out the rot! There is no saving once it starts to rot. $3000 is cheap for a body restoration if you ask me. Heck a engine rebuild will usually cost as much so why skimp on the body? And if you had this fine lady since you were 15 why toss such a cool memory away simple because a little body rust is snaking its way in?
A live in PA too and I just picked up an 89 GTA Trans Am that was originally purchased in New Jersey! (Car Fax history report) And believe it or not but she is practically rust free! Keep that sweet car rolling forever bud!
http://www.classicindustries.com/sho...s/body-panels/
Most parts are all OER! Original Equipment Replacement officially licensed by GM! You can't get any better than that! Take out the carpet and head liner and sand/prime what you can and cut out the rot! There is no saving once it starts to rot. $3000 is cheap for a body restoration if you ask me. Heck a engine rebuild will usually cost as much so why skimp on the body? And if you had this fine lady since you were 15 why toss such a cool memory away simple because a little body rust is snaking its way in?
A live in PA too and I just picked up an 89 GTA Trans Am that was originally purchased in New Jersey! (Car Fax history report) And believe it or not but she is practically rust free! Keep that sweet car rolling forever bud!
#33
Banned
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Central Florida
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 0
Received 1 Like
on
1 Post
Car: 89 Camaro RS running MS2X
Engine: .48/.60AR T3/T4 2.8L V6
Transmission: Rebuilt 700R4 2500 stall
Axle/Gears: Next to break...
+1. OER is crap. Had a couple things that fell apart/rotted within a year and a half.
#34
Member
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Morgantown PA
Posts: 267
Likes: 0
Received 2 Likes
on
2 Posts
Car: 89 GTA
Engine: 5.7 TPI
Transmission: 700R4
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
When you cannot get the part unless you go to a place like Classic is the only choice unless you want to dig around in a junkyard and hope to find a 25 year old part that's still usable.
#37
COTM Editor
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
Good for you, you only have one first car, and if it means something to you and have the means to do it, it will be an enjoyable project
there is no issue in repairing / rebuilding what you have, the link below is my first car rebuild project, i am lucky i found it and when i did i was committed to getting it back to its glory days ... plus these make great father / son projects
https://www.thirdgen.org/forums/ltx-...inal-88-a.html
#38
Member
#39
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
Hey guys, body shop is about 1/2 way done the work to my rust issues. Here is where I stand now.
Body shop is pretty much at a stand still because they weren't able to save the J-channel for the weatherstripping. I believe these are spot welded on? Which begs the question: does anyone have a ttop car with good j-channels they're willing to sell??? Or have any other suggestions?
Body shop is pretty much at a stand still because they weren't able to save the J-channel for the weatherstripping. I believe these are spot welded on? Which begs the question: does anyone have a ttop car with good j-channels they're willing to sell??? Or have any other suggestions?
#40
Member
Join Date: Oct 2011
Location: South Bend,IN
Posts: 134
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Car: '97 TA WS6 vert & '88 Formula 350
Engine: LT1 & 383 HSR
Transmission: T-56 & T-56
Axle/Gears: 3.42 & 3.27
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
You did what I would have (Except I am a body guy and would do it myself). I am all about trying to fix these older cars.You should have seen what I had to deal with on the '68 GTO I had, trunk pans, firewall, cowl panel, radiator support, and rear upper body panel. Looks like they did a pretty decent job too. I would look into getting the undercarriage sprayed also.
#43
Member
iTrader: (10)
Join Date: May 2013
Location: Aliquippa, PA
Posts: 378
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
1 Post
Car: '87 Trans Am
Engine: 5.0L-V8
Transmission: 700R4
Axle/Gears: 3.23 - Posi -10 Bolt
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
I really can't believe how many people told you to swap to a roller, I have seen countless threads with worse rust (mine included) that people told me just cut it out and pop a floor pan in... I am glad you decided to fix it. GL.
#44
Supreme Member
iTrader: (15)
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
That's because at this point in the life of a Thirdgen the prices have hit rock bottom or are just beginning to appreciate. With that being said, depending on the extent of the rust damage it may very well be that it would be cheaper to buy a roller or cheap car to part out than it would be to invest the time and money to repair major rust or structural rust. Roller bodies in my area are $600-1200 depending on what is included and general condition. So for me replacing or repairing anything more than the floor boards is an economic loss. And to me cars have no more sentiment than a nice firearm.
#45
Member
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
Buy a roller/sell is typically the generic response to rust. But hell, I know what you are saying. I think there was one guy that literally cut his car in half and welded on another half just to save it.
#47
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: knoxville tn
Posts: 2,036
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 86 IROC
Engine: 5.0 TPI
Transmission: 700-R-4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 open
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
Yes, I am repairing because of sentimental value. How many people can say they have their first car sitting in the garage? I plan to keep it forever. No, it may not be cheaper, but some things are worth paying extra for.
Also, why would I want to reshoot color and clear? It was done 2 years ago...
As it sits now:
Also, why would I want to reshoot color and clear? It was done 2 years ago...
As it sits now:
#49
Supreme Member
iTrader: (4)
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: MN
Posts: 2,069
Likes: 0
Received 3 Likes
on
3 Posts
Car: 85 SC, 86 Berlinetta
Engine: V6, V8
Transmission: 700r4, 700r4
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
Yes, I am repairing because of sentimental value. How many people can say they have their first car sitting in the garage? I plan to keep it forever. No, it may not be cheaper, but some things are worth paying extra for.
Also, why would I want to reshoot color and clear? It was done 2 years ago...
Also, why would I want to reshoot color and clear? It was done 2 years ago...
#50
Supreme Member
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: knoxville tn
Posts: 2,036
Likes: 0
Received 5 Likes
on
5 Posts
Car: 86 IROC
Engine: 5.0 TPI
Transmission: 700-R-4
Axle/Gears: 2.73 open
Re: Rust Evaluation, Need input
I am and always will be a fan of urethane enamel paint. tough as nails.
Last edited by rusty vango; 01-15-2015 at 12:31 PM. Reason: oops