Good morning, this is my first post, just joined your forum today. I am about to look at and possibly purchase a 1990 IROC Z convertible with 134k miles. From my preliminary research it looks like rust may be an issue with 3rd gen cars. What are the areas on this car to pay particular attention to regarding rust and what is the best way to uncover the problem areas?

The current owner says there is no rust to the best of his knowledge. This is a craigslist car so you never know.

I posted in the "body" forum to hopefully get good feedback regarding rust but if there are other issues regarding the convertible top, which was replaced in 2010, or mechanically with other systems on the 3rd gens please share your insight if you don't mind.

I currently own a 5th gen SS but miss my 1970 Camaro a lot so this is my chance to get back into an older Camaro. My intention is to drive the car not restore it and turn it into a garage queen.

Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Areas to pay attention to are the front, back, top and bottom.
In all seriousness, the floorboards and rockers. Get underneath and check. Especially if it's a t-top car.
If t-top car, take em off and look around the mounting area/that general area. Might have to pull back the headliner. They leak and will pool water up, slowly eat away over the years, then drip down onto the seats, floorboards..etc.. The trunk pan as well. Never had an issue here. Bottoms of the doors are a biggie..
Basically, same areas you'd look in in all older cars.

 

You can usually probe a seller about the cars history.
Does the car have a valid current inspection sticker?
Was the car garage kept?
Was the car used year round?.
No to garage? - probably has some kind of rust.
Car used year round? - Then it was driven on salted roads. - big chance of rot.

Expired inspection sticker? - be very cautious.
Bubbled paint? - rot.

Keep in mind it's not out of the ordinary for 20+ year old cars to have rust. But you need to know if the rot is extensive.

It's not a bad idea to toss a garage 30 bucks for a visual inspection.

 

Yeah just like they said if possible check inside and out and ill add the battery tray is bad area also

 

The rear wheel area in the inner wheel wells, where the metal is sandwiched together at the area where inner wheel house meets the upper trunk floor....this area can be a rust area concealed by the tire and undercoating. Three to four panels are welded together in this area, it is not sealed and rust begins underneath at the spotwelds.

 

If you have the ability to weld in the replacement metal, or have a connection that isn't going to charge you shop prices, then it is definitely a worthwhile endevor.
If you have to pay shop rate to get it repaired, then you might be better served selling it to someone who can handle that, and find a better car for your project.

 

i've looked at many t top cars in the last several months and most had pin holes in the floor pan visible from the underside of the car. The battery trays are also common rust spots. Also pay attention to signs of impact.