I will be looking at a '71 tomorrow that has a vinyl top. The owner says that there are 4 or 5 bumps under the vinyl that he suspects are rust from water leaking in, although he said that there were no cracks or splits in the material. Sounds like a risky proposition. Any way to check out the condition under the vinyl without ripping it off? Or is this a buyer beware situation?

"Bumps" under a vinyl top are a no-question indication of full blown exfoliation rust. No confusing this with any "surface rust" condition. The cancer owns the metal of that roof. It's inside the structure of the steel and opening it up like a ripe, puss-filled boil.

(Hows that for imagery?)

Mostly a buyer beware:disappoin

If the lumps are near a body seam of the chassis, outer trim on the vinyl roof, or if there are any cracks(or a lot of heat checking) in the vinyl, you can be pretty sure it's rust. Situation could be not so bad, or not too good...but you'd have to strip the vinyl off to find out for sure.

I get the picture. Nice imagry, Victor :sick:

It would do that thing a world of good to get that vinyl off :classic:

Here is a picture of the '71 I looked at in Portland today (the one with the vinyl top). Anyone know this car? HLS30-24871 not registered on Zhome. Mfg. date 3/71. 146,000 miles. Rust hole in left rocker panel and bubbles on the right side. 5 speed. Numbers match although I could not make out the number on the block. Spare tire well and under batt tray look clean. Floor pans and frame rails look good also although I could not get under the car. Needs weatherstripping around the doors, wet floor mat on right side. Needs floor mats all around and upholstery. Dash is near perfect. No large cracks and did not see any small ones, which might be there. New tires. $2,500.00. Next picture shows bubbles under the vinyl top on the leftside; fewer bubbles on the right. Clean engine compartment. Round tops. I have more photos and a phone number if you want to PM me.

Bumps under vinyl top

that's rust alright...

It's also rust in one of the worst possible places on the roof:disappoin

Have you give having a convertible some thought????

Eyecatching:cheeky:

Now not saying you should buy this car and no I'm not the owner :classic: . The rest of the car looks great from the photo's. Sure rust in the roof is not great and repair can warp the roof if not done correctly.

I think what it comes down to is what the owner intends to do with the car? My Z has rust in the doors it's pretty bad in some parts but it's not gonna stop me from enjoying it or fixing it up.

I think you could use this as a bargaining point for the car. If the rest of the car is structurally sound then I wouldn't worry about a few holes in the roof.

Be more worried about the chassis, you wanna check the car hasn't been in a big accident.

That's my 2 cents.