Rust rust rust! Need feed back.

[Daishi_GD]

Here was my original thread regarding my worries http://www.classiczcars.com/forums/showthread.php?t=39876

Finally snagged a digital camera for some pictures.

I had always thought my car was pretty good for rust because it has a solid body. But once I found these a few months its had me worried sick day in and day out.

Hope the pictures speak for themselves because I'm not sure how I'd explain it.

That's the the inside of my front wheel well. Also is that little plate I found on the frame (right under the driver side)someones hack job band-aid? Not sure what that is...

I know everything is fixable but how gone is too far gone?

Edited December 23, 2010 by Daishi_GD

[Daishi_GD]

You can see my front bumper shock on the bottom left.

I dared to touch that rust and it turned to dust.

I just don't know what type of trouble I'm getting into and was looking for some thoughts and advice from people that have knowledge about how to handle something like this.

All comments welcome. Thanks again

-M@

[Daishi_GD]

Two more things I thought worth showing.

[cozye]

doesn't look that bad to me. I'd grind off the rust or wire wheel, and if its not all the way through the metal treat with POR15 or some other rust treatment. Then undercoat over the top of it. If you do have some holes, then just patch them with metal and paint. You aren't going to find a 33 year old car without some rust on it. For the plate, I can't tell from the pic, but it looks like someone may have replaced the floor board. If so, just make sure they did a decent job, and its sealed or welded all the way around and all surfaces treated/painted.

[KAL7467]

no worries man...i have seen way worse rust than that taken care of. if you can do the work your self(grinding welding painting) you can save a decent amount of cash...I have heard great things about por 15 and plan to coat the entire inside of my car with it after i wirebrush all the surface rust...enjoy your holiday and dont worry so much...if you want to feel better about yourself I will send you a pic of the underside of my passenger door...

[esmit208]

Daishi

Mos Def not a quick fix but it can be fixed. If you are serious about it try to get it sandblasted or do it yourself. You will need the space and time though. I do agree that it looks like someone replaced at least one floorboard. The advantage of sandblasting is that it his all the pits and crevices. If you pay someone to do it you have to hope that they are not in a hurry. If you do it yourself you can control the operation. The only way to get it right one time and one time only is to DO IT YOURSELF!! I am currently working on a 1972 and after burning through a compressor and many abrasive discs I took my friends advice and got a larger capacity compressor and a sandblast tank. The time factor is cut into less than half and you are in control. If you are not a welder you may have to contract that out. The important thing is to not end up with another bandage. If you plan to keep it a proper repair is the best thing

[Daishi_GD]

Not sure why but all the rust seems to be on the driver side... Passenger side everything seems very solid.

I've been trying to learn more about this car and what parts would fix what.

Frame Rail & Floorboard are two things that come up often enough. But I'm don't know if I need those items? :stupid:

Would picking up either of those go towards and/or fix the rust in the wheel well? Or is it a custom cut&weld to fix?

That to me was my biggest concern.

Some more pictures of the only rust spots on the body that can be seen on the exterior.

Thanks for the input so far. Feeling a bit less stressed... I really do want to put all my time(blood sweat and tears) into the car.

Edited December 24, 2010 by Daishi_GD

[cozye]

If you are going to do your own bodywork on a Z, you might as well pick yourself up a mig welder and learn how to use it. It will pay for itself in a day.

Looks like your car had some previous rust repaired and painted over, and some of those rust repairs are coming back through. The only way to complete eradicate it is to cut it or grind it out. IF it's just surface stuff, you will have to grind it or wire wheel it until you get to clean metal then treat and fill. You will have to decide at some point whether you are just going to live with it, or take on the big project and do it all. I don't think it will be one of those things you can just touch up, however you can do it a little at a time as long as you keep bare metal covered with primer and keep it out of the rain. I think once you start grinding into those areas that are popping up, you will find it's more than it appears.

I still don't think you have any huge problems though.

[ajmcforester]

You never can tell until you tackle it how bad it is, but you need to tackle it yesterday. The longer you hold off the more damage. It don't look all that bad now, but in a year it could be trouble. Remember to get the two sides of all panels, so many times they get the rust on the front and several years later the rust on the back comes through. It is important to do a good job you want it to last ideally you never want to do it again.