"Rufus T. Firefly" wrote:
> The rear frame rusting on the G Body cars from 1978 to 1988 is
> common. They
> are also prone to rusting of the radiator core support and the
> door bottoms.
> Another area on the El Camino of those years to inspect
> closely is under the
> rear window. Dirt and debris gets trapped under the lower
> window moulding
> and stays damp causing the problem. The lower rear quarter
> panels between
> the door and the wheel opening are another place that
> frequently rust
> through so check there as well.
> Paint blisters or small lumps in the paint in any of those
> body areas is a
> sure clue that the rusting has started.
>
> If all that is wrong with that car ( truck ) is the rear of
> the frame behind
> the wheel arch and axle it might be worth having it repaired.
> The rear
> bumper needs to be from a 78 to 87 El Camino or any G Body
> station wagon of
> the same years ( Malibu, Buick Regal, Olds Cutlass, or Pontiac
> ). A sedan
> bumper doesn't have tail lights in it.
> New bumpers no longer exist from GM so its off to the bone
> yard or swap meet
> to locate one.
>
> --
> Mike....................................................
> "Opportunities are spawned from crisis"
>
>
> "MichaelMars" wrote in message
>
> I won't waste your time with the story.
> I bought a 82 el-camino that had been sitting in a barn in
> down state
> Illinois for a long, Long time.
> I was told that the rear section of frame was severly
> rusted.AS well
> as the rear bumper.
> is this s common problem with this car?
> The car is in tact and all original conditional, as it was
> owned by an
> old man of 91 who recently passed away.
> Any information would be helpful.
> Thanks, Mike
THANK YOU.
This is useful information.
I drove down state, had the car pulled out of the barn on a flat bed.
taken to my dads place 18 miles away.
I worked on the car two days before i had to return home.
I did everything! but i did not check the frame in back.
The doors are not rusted. nor is any part of the front end.
All though i did not remove it. the spare tire appears to be in new
condition. I will check the compartment when i go back down to pick it
up.
There is rust hole in front of the passenger side rear wheel.
It was said that the car sat in the barn for 6 or 7 years.
The first task was to drain out the gas tank. judgeing by the stench,
this could be true. The tires were almost flat. There was a long screw
driver stuck down the quadrajet. I found (mud) wasp nests in the
barrels & manifold. After everything was replaced & changed, The car
fired up with a few squirts of gas. The first attempt to drive it...
The brake line burst.
also the air tubes in the manifold fell apart.
and was leaking exhust. I left the car and had a local guy do it up
for me.
Was notified today that the car is finished. This guy also found a
rear bumper and installed it for me. thats when he found the rusted
frame.
Once all the hay & chicken shit was washed off, the old girl looked
pretty good... Than you for your reply. you have been most helpful.
Mike In Illinois
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