I have an 86 with a 2.8 i want to do all the upgrades that i see floating around here, however, i took the car to the mechanic the other day and when it was lifted i found out that about 40% of the underbody has rusted out. Third gens are hard to come buy up here, and i was wondering from the general body if you would spend the money to fix the carriage or perform a funeral. I know i can get thru to next summer, but not anymore than that safely. Thank for your input

 

If it really is "40%" then no, I would just either drive the car until it dies, and then find something else, probably more modern/newer, or find another car now.

I have repaired a truck body that would probably equal about 40% rusted, and when I was finished replacing all those panels, there was only about 20% of the original panels left, that included, most of the roof, the hood and the tail gate, EVERYTHING else exterior body panel wise was replaced, and IMO it was not worth it, because in the end I still have a rust pile underneath all that new skin, even though most or all of the rusted panels were cut away. Next time I would find another vehicle.

This also depends on if the rust is just surface or if it goes deeper than that.

 

and also if your gonna spend that kind of money and time, your def better off buying something newer and nicer.

 

Or if you must have a 3rd gen, get a AZ/CA car (they have virtually NO rust) at a reasonable price and ship it too you or plan a road trip!

 

Buying a no salt area car is kinda what i have been thinking of doing, and just to add to insult to injury most of the brake/fuel lines are showing rust, as well as hardware for breaks and other items

 

Depends. Some people don't get too attached to their rides. Others, however, do. I personally wouldn't let her go out like that, but that's just me. I don't see dead ends and problems, I see opportunity and solutions (provided the frame is not damaged, of course). I knowa a few guys that have purposely cut out the stock floor boards, and installed fabricated ones in their place to allow for true dual exhaust, and two aftermarket mufflers to be "tucked" up and in. There's always a remedy....

 

The Camaro I am working on is rusted pretty bad on the underside. I am going to sandblast it and grid. I am going to cut out the really bad spots and weld in new.

 

I know where a 91 will be forsale soon. But shipping a car cost tons. Any car futher south then kansas city will doubtfully have rust.

I would not bother to repair the car, I would save the money and find something new.