Roof Rust and Lead repairs
#1
Roof Rust and Lead repairs
All,
as you may know, I am looking to buy my first cutlass. I have a wanted ad up and a fellow just replied with his car. He claims it is straight and rust free for the most part except for the passenger side roof line where it seems like an old repair using lead. He sent me a picture which I have attached. the car otherwise seems to be in good condition. What are your guys thoughts on this rust issue? Is this common/easily repairable? I would repaint this car as it is, but I want to avoid major costly rust repairs. I would rather pay more for a cleaner car if this is a big issue.
as you may know, I am looking to buy my first cutlass. I have a wanted ad up and a fellow just replied with his car. He claims it is straight and rust free for the most part except for the passenger side roof line where it seems like an old repair using lead. He sent me a picture which I have attached. the car otherwise seems to be in good condition. What are your guys thoughts on this rust issue? Is this common/easily repairable? I would repaint this car as it is, but I want to avoid major costly rust repairs. I would rather pay more for a cleaner car if this is a big issue.
Last edited by sjay1989; August 14th, 2019 at 08:47 AM.
#2
First, that out of focus, extreme close up isn't really helpful. Where, exactly is that taken?
Second, unless it spent it's entire life in Arizona, EVERY SINGLE ONE of these cars has or had pinchweld rust at the windshield and back window. Repaints pretty much always mean that there has been rust repair. This requires a thorough inspection by someone who knows what to look for.
Third, while I can't be sure, it appears that the first photo is showing the roof above the side drip rail. If that's true, then the roof seam to the drip rail is spot welded from the factory with seam sealer in the drip rail cavity. The bubbles don't bode well, but they could be poor prep prior to paint. No way to tell from that photo.
Second, unless it spent it's entire life in Arizona, EVERY SINGLE ONE of these cars has or had pinchweld rust at the windshield and back window. Repaints pretty much always mean that there has been rust repair. This requires a thorough inspection by someone who knows what to look for.
Third, while I can't be sure, it appears that the first photo is showing the roof above the side drip rail. If that's true, then the roof seam to the drip rail is spot welded from the factory with seam sealer in the drip rail cavity. The bubbles don't bode well, but they could be poor prep prior to paint. No way to tell from that photo.
#3
I will try to get more pictures. The owner is older and not very tech savvy. His message along with that picture was as follows:
"in one picture it shows the passenger side roof line that looks like paint over rust what it is an old lead repair must be old the way it used to be done"
So I believe the picture may be of the area above the passenger drip rail.
"in one picture it shows the passenger side roof line that looks like paint over rust what it is an old lead repair must be old the way it used to be done"
So I believe the picture may be of the area above the passenger drip rail.
#4
I will try to get more pictures. The owner is older and not very tech savvy. His message along with that picture was as follows:
"in one picture it shows the passenger side roof line that looks like paint over rust what it is an old lead repair must be old the way it used to be done"
So I believe the picture may be of the area above the passenger drip rail.
"in one picture it shows the passenger side roof line that looks like paint over rust what it is an old lead repair must be old the way it used to be done"
So I believe the picture may be of the area above the passenger drip rail.
#6
I think you are right. It is near the back window. Is it a common rust area? Maybe it had a vinyl top previously? I am not a body guy by any means and it would be hard to take anyone knowledgeable with me. Should I consider this car?
#7
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