Checking for RUST !!!

[rocco1504]

Hi everybody
I'm wanting to put my '88 GTX back on the road, but it's going to need a fair amount spent to do so, and the idea is to make it a Project in Progress/ use it whilst restoring it.
The thing is I don't want to be throwing good money after bad, SO, I was wondering if there's any way of checking what the Rust situation is under the Bodykit, without having to remove it first, I.E. can it be eased out of the way to check sills, Arches etc ?.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated

[markh]

Easiest way is just to carefully feel around the wheel arches and front wings to feel for corrosion. A more thorough way is to remove all the screws around the lower edges of the side skirts and arch trims, ease them back and using a torch, check the general condition of the body underneath.
Doing it this way, you wont need to disturb the body kit adhesive, and once youve checked, you just refit the screws and everythings back as it was. The body kits do tend to hide alot of corrosion on earlier models.

A front wing with the plastic arch removed.





Behind the rear arch trim.

[rocco1504]

Hi Mark
I don't know wether I should say Thanks for the advice or Not, That's Scary stuff, sort of a Nightmare on Scirocco Street.
But seriously, many thanks for the tips, i'm sure there's others on here who'd find this useful.
Cheers
Paul

[markh]

No problem Paul, fingers crossed yours is ok. I might try and put something together for the FAQ section about rust trouble spots.

[KindredSpirit]

Oooh thats all scary!
'86 GTX has been Waxoyled from new ,but the ol' rear wheel arches are not looking too good - rest of car not too bad apart from clear lacquer peeling on the roof. (Daren't take the trim off )
Anyone know where i can source the wheelarch kits?
We have a VW specialist in our area, have to have a word.

[markh]

There is a company in Germany that supplies wheel arch repair panels, maybe someone has the link for it. Pretty certain you cant get them over here.