Hey guys, Im looking into picking up a roller for a budget street build. I was wondering if there is a buyers guide floating around anywhere or some tips and tricks to make sure Im getting a solid car, and not a rusty mess. I have enough experience to know how to do minor rust repair/welding and filling where needed, I just dont want to miss something thats normally overlooked and wind up with a rust disaster. I know the Z-28 has skirts, is there any way to check how solid the rockers are without removing them? Thanks in advance! Oh, Ill be looking for an 88-92 Z-28 roller if that makes a difference.

 

--Check the inside of the spare tire well--should be a clean drain hole
--T-top bar can often have rot in it in an otherwise spotless, low mileage car that's been garaged its entire life
--Floor boards, particularly the driver's side right along the left edge of the interior, just inside the door
--Strut towers in the front wheel wells
--Probably not much of a concern since you're looking for a roller, but a beat car can often have cracked paint at the bottom back edge of the doors, and the top of the B-pillar just behind the top, back edge of the side windows
--Rockers as far as I know would have to be removed, but from what I've seen, even on rotted cars the rockers seem to somehow escape relatively unscathed so I wouldn't worry too much about those, especially if the rest of the car is clean.

Also FYI, 90-92 cars are speed density, pre-'90 are MAF. Generally MAF cars are easier to work with, except where thirdgens are concerned. The speed density is the better system, but both are probably ok.

 

Thanks for the great info, definitely helps. I actually have another thread concerning fuel and air delivery for the engine I want to build as I plan on beefing up the entire drivetrain.

 

After having bought 6 of these cars, I am starting to think that taking a jack with you when you go to look at one is a good idea - You'll be able to get a WAY better look at the underside.

A couple other areas to check: Inside the rear fender wheels; For some reason, my 91 Z28 has a golf ball sized hole on either wheel well. I've not seen it on any others that I've owned, but just letting you know....

If you're looking for a roller, you might try to find one that someone already took the carpet out of. I bought my 91 Z28 this way; I knew where all of the problem areas were before I bought it. (well, most anyway).

I think the single best advice I can really give is to know when to walk away... There are WAY too many of these cars still around to buy a rusty or abused vehicle and try to fix it. Unless the price is astronomically low and you've got the time, money and know how to fix the issues, WALK AWAY.