USMC3782

I tried to include the pic on top, but it's at the bottom ----->


I just bought a 88 Formula, and lo and behold, rust in the t tops is worse than I thought. I have fabricated fenders from metal before on my blazer, but they were not load bearing and I am not sure if cutting the roof would be a good idea, since I dont have a shop to work in.
Heres the dilemma. I think I am going to try to get this car to pass emissions and sell it, but I dont want to just pass on my problems to the next guy, isnt the right thing to do.
THe back of the pass side t top is rotten. I dont have a pic yet but can take some today. also a small pinhole in the front of it.
I can por-15 it, but I would like to do it right. I have never welded on a roof before, and I really didnt care when I did the blazer.
I am only looking to get 2500 after fixing the rust and tuneup (including a new 3" cat)
Would it be worth it to cut or should I sand and grind, then use POR?
I dont want to pass my headache, but looking to get a diffrent model thirdgen that I can invest more into the driveline and suspension.
Sorry for the long post, thanks for reading
Mike

Red|ine

haha, you just zip cutted the roof off? instant convertible! good job

Keith_Indy

I've had great luck with POR-15 before. How badly rusted is the section you need to repair? Any pictures?

Used it on the rocker panels of a 4x4 that had rusted. Scrapped off the flakey rust, cleaned with a wire wheel and then coated it. It held up fine, no scratches (even after bashing the rockers against trees), no flaking.

Also used it on my wifes 72 Skylark, the rear window frame was a little rusty. Same prep, and we've not had any leaks since.

I'll also be using it to clean up the rust in my 'bird.

Feel the same way about passing problems to future buyers too. I always try to make sure any major problems are fixed before I sell a car. And always disclose what I've done, and what I know needs to be done.

How's CT these days? Grew up there on the shore (Bridgeport, Stratford, Milford, Hamden.) Was back for Thanksgiving, but didn't get a chance to do any site seeing or visit with friends.

Thanks for your service and sacrifice in Iraq as well.

Semper Fi

Nikole

USMC3782

I appreciate your vote of confidence. Planning on going back this winter maybe. Needs of the corps....
Anyways, the rear of the pass t top is bad. still not swiss cheese, but it is severly pockmarked on both sides. I was going to get a pic, but it was raining monday. I was thinking about the por15 and then possible glass over it to remake the seam in the metal.
I will of course take pics as i do it and show any buyer all my work.
I may be bale ot have my bro take some pics. I am stationed in MASS right now, and southern ct is a little far to drive back and forth in one day.
Keith- INdy: CT is very nice, starting to bloom. I missed last fall, so I am looking foward to the changing of seasons (after a nice long summer)
As a side note, i have other cars I can buy for about half of what I paid for the one I have. WOndering if it is worth it to keep the car after fixing it, or just cut losses and start over.
WIll still be doing the cat and tune up, cant sell it if i cant drive it.
Thanks ahain for all the support,'
Mike

dr1

well all i can say is good luck getting $2500 for a formula, regardless
not saying its not worth it really, but thats not there going price around here right now thats for sure
i got mine for $1500, and my neighbor has been trying to sell theres for $2500 since 2 years ago
but.... yeah, unless its really nice, dont expect to get that out of it, especially not if your the honest person you sound like :P
the bargainnews is filled with pretty decent birds for way under 2

USMC3782

Well, I guess unless it gets real bad, I will build this money pit to the best I can. Who cares about rust when you build a 383 stealth ram
DR1, do you know any good body shops in CT?

dr1

no sorry... im too cheap to pay anybody todo any work for me :P
thats why i have a ton of tools and a very ugly car, especially right now, its getting a wonderful maaco paintjob this summer probably