Hi all! Just saying hello. I'm looking for my first "muscle" car project. I'm looking at a 71 Skylark Custom at the moment. Any key points to inspect on the 70-72 skylarks? I know to watch out for rear window rot, but are there any outward visiable signs, other than leaking into the trunk? Any frame areas to be concerned with? Thanks and Cheers! Mark
Bottom of fenders and quarters and behind the rocker panel molding. Another big issue is the lip of the inner fenders on the front and the radiator core support where they meet, especially under the battery box.
Welcome Mark....:TU: Always take the lower rear seat out of the car when inspecting it, when the rear window is found to be leaking, there's always damage to the floor under the seat. Water collects in the floorpan and rust is eating it's way through.
Thanks much guys!! I'll be looking at the car on Saturday and am making a list of things to check. Appreciate the replies!!! Cheers!! Mark
Top edges of the roof. Where the clip attach to the body and hold the stainless steel trim molding. Front and rear. Also under the cowl stainless trim (under the wipers). This is a common rust area that is hidden.
If the car had a vinyl roof --a terrible idea as it relates to durability--assume their is rot not only around the window but also where the rear pillar attaches to the quarter. Feel for the bumps hidden under the surface near the bottom.
Thanks TXGS, is there an outwardly visible way to see this damage? I have a blurry picture of the car, and it looks like the grill is missing. Will this be expensive to replace?? Thanks!
Follow Jim lores advice if it is a vinyl top car, only other option is to remove trim and visually look. and carry a pick to look for soft areas. I have look at two cars recently that had rot on front and rear upper roof areas one was a 70 GS350 and other was 70 gs455 Area to expect damage and check core support - (radiator support under battery) inner fender well (passanger side by battery) Lower front fenders rear inner fender wells. Trunk pan rear window lower corners if vinyl top check upper areas under moldings cowl under stainless trim. I am sure there are a few more areas I have forgot to mention. :TU:
Awesome TXGS! The car doesn't have vinyl so that shouldn't be an issue. I'll know more about the car when I look at it Sat. morning. Would rust in the trunk be caused, more than likely, by the problem with the window corners rotting and allowing water to drip in? I really appreciate the info!!
Alot of times that is the case, it could be worse if the original trunk mat is still in place this traps moister under it and because it cannot evaporate it will cause rust as well.
Will do, and thanks! Getting ready to head out, got my toolbox, digital camera, flashlight and an artic parka..(with imitation fur around the collar):grin: Looks like it won't be above freezing today... Mark
Well, I'm bummed. This 1970 Skylark wanna be GSX clone had everything you folks mentioned wrong with it, and then some. The interior was in very good condition (dash, seats, floors, panels, roof liner). The engine (350) started and ran flawlessly, although I didn't take it for a ride. The entire car needed a repaint. Even though he was asking $2500 I don't have the experience or "connections" for getting that much work done and keeping the car within a realistic dollar value. The search continues!! Thanks again everyone! Mark
