Where do 65 Skylarks rust?

Discussion in 'The Bench' started by mygrain, Dec 13, 2002.

  1. mygrain

    mygrain quivering member

    I am going to look at a 1965 Skylark tommorrow afternoon. The guy claims there is no rust and the car has been garage kept. Where do I look to make sure there is nothing to be scared of?
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    Last edited: Sep 17, 2011
  2. dave64

    dave64 Well-Known Member

    Check the lower corners of the rear window, then into the trunk. In the trunk area look on the sides of the trunk floor around the rear of the wheelhouse and into the wells behind the wheel house and going back to the rear bumper area on each side. Good idea to crawl underneath and have a look at both body mount supports just to the inside of the wheelhouse. I also found some rust on the floorboards below the vents on the left and right side kick panels. You have to pull the carpet up to see that area.

    There may be other areas depending on how well the car was looked after in the past but that is pretty much where I found it on my 64.

    About the only sheet metal repair panels I've been able to locate for the 64 or 65 is the trunk floor and body mounts. These cars so far seem to be largely forgotten by the aftermarket so be prepared to do lots of fabrication if the car you're looking at is rusty.
     
  3. mygrain

    mygrain quivering member

    I spoke with the owner today on the phone. he said the carpet is already up (was dry rotted/ripped) and the floor is rust free. He also mentioned the trunk being in good shape.
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    Last edited: Sep 17, 2011
  4. DugsSin

    DugsSin Well-Known Member

    I certainly wish you well looking at the '65 but it's truly amazing what some people will call no rust or "surface" rust. Yea the whole surface has been rotted away by rust!:Dou: Seeing your in Pa you know how likely it is to find a car of this age that has no salt damage. Which Skylark are you looking at, hardtop,convertible, GranSport? Great cars for the cruise nite thing you won't find many around.
    Dave who offers those body mounts mine are OK but in the future they might need replacing.
     
  5. dave64

    dave64 Well-Known Member

    How many times have I gone to look at a car and the owner says "no rust"? No rust above the door handles maybe.

    Year One has "body mount repair panels" which include the trunk floor about 11" from the wheel well. The body mount brace is welded on and includes the body mount nut. Price in the 2001 catalog is 69.95 each. I've seen the mount by itself from I think Goodmark for around 20.00. It appears to be the same as the Chevelle etc.

    I ordered from Year One and have installed the left side so far and am very happy with quality,fit and service. I ordered on a Thursday night and the were delivered to my door the following Wednesday, all the way up here in Canada. Of course by the time they arrived the total bill was about 300.00 Canadian. Exchange on the dollar,taxes,duties, really make importing parts expensive here. You guys south of the border are really lucky that way!
     
  6. YellowLark

    YellowLark Well-Known Member

    In addition to what's mentioned above, these cars also tend to rust at the base of the rear window and the entire rear window deck.

    Also, the rear lower edge of the front fenders. The battery tray and adjoining inner fender is another area to check.

    If the car is from PA, or any northeastern state, rust is almost certain. My own "always garaged, never abused" car was a rusted hulk after 30 years in CT.
     
  7. Mark Ascher

    Mark Ascher 65GS.com

    Other areas in addition to those mentioned are:
    Rear wheel openings around the lip, and behind the rear wheel all the way to the rear bumper
    Check the frame behind the front wheel openings, I've found this to be real weak spot in cars from the northern climes.

    Most don't take the time to repair these cars correctly as no panels are available, so a lot of this should be obvious.

    Mark
     
  8. GSXMEN

    GSXMEN Got Jesus?

    Being in the north, take a good look underneath the car! Also, take a close look at the bottom of the quarters and the bottom of the fenders - look for any signs of blistering. When you open the doors, look on the inside of the fender for any accumulation of leaves and dirt.

    The bottom of the trunk lid, the front core support and inner fenders are usually the first 'casualties' in the north!

    I believe PA has requirements for their inspection process for there to be no visible rust spots! Be prepared to look and feel for bondo, etc.:eek2:
     
  9. staged67gspwr

    staged67gspwr "The Black Widow"

    They also sell the trunk deck or filler panel repro,its the piece between the trunk and the rear window,i replaced mine cause the lower part of my rear window was rusty.


    Thanks
     

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