Rust free observation

[ProTourGSX]

Am I the only one to notice, or find it odd, when listening to guys explain about doing complete (extensive metalwork/bodywork) automotive restorations, how they always seem to say "..., and it's an All Original car, even though we had to replace both 1/4 panels, both doors, the trunk floor, the fenders, the roof, the hood, etc.... but it started out pretty much RUST FREE..."?!

Listen closely to the Barn Find/Rust Free/Solid explanation, about this '70 Chevelle SS:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature...&v=fA5T9iznJMY

Cool car, interesting story, I just find it amusing, to replace nearly the whole vehicle, and then explain how it's "Rust Free" to start with.
Am I wrong, or do these go together in the same sentence? I hear a LOT of these stories/explanations, and after looking at pictures of the restoration processes, I just wonder if everyone else is looking at the same thing that I am.

"Yeah, the only original part left on the car is the passenger side doorhandle, but we replaced the rest of the car around it, so NOW, it's SOLID & RUST FREE!"

I guess I'm glad to say that my car was once "all original", too, in 1970, and since having the 3 previous owners who abused it, and left it to rot, as I bought it, and have the parts, knowledge, and resources to rebuild/restore it, to be street legal, to appreciate & enjoy, and share it's history with others at local car events, that I'm also starting with a RUST FREE car (since there is not much sheet metal left on it)!



How many of you have RUST FREE cars?! LOL

[19,69camaro]

I do. I bought a ****ty car and got the rust for free!

Do I regret it... not really. Now I dont feel half as bad about replacing all the sheetmetal that I would have most likely ended up doing anyways. There was pretty much no chance I could find a legit rust free musclecar in the Northeast.

[gak68]

All old cars are going to have some sort of body rust; it is inevitable. But these cars are usually being restored into show cars, so if there are some pinholes on the rear quarter they are not going to just tack weld them up, they want to be positive the rust is all gone and not pop up on their 20,000 paint job a year later, so they cut out the whole quarter.

[ProTourGSX]

All old cars are going to have some sort of body rust; it is inevitable. But these cars are usually being restored into show cars, so if there are some pinholes on the rear quarter they are not going to just tack weld them up, they want to be positive the rust is all gone and not pop up on their 20,000 paint job a year later, so they cut out the whole quarter.

I know, gak68, I understand; I just find it a bit amusing how terminology gets misused among automotive hobbies/repair/sports/etc.

Like taking an all original car, then replacing the engine, installing a custom interior, aftermarket wheels, and repainting the car a different color, but still calling it "all original".

Rust free & all original, on rusted out, non-original cars is kind of like an oxymoron, in my opinion.

Not bashing anyone, just an observation, that's all.

[FirebirdSteve]

I agree! Original is original!

like this...

[lineberrcasey]

what an idiot in the video with the exception of tires,a little primer and valve covers with headers this a REAL #matching car because technically if you rebuild a motor it not original at all plus its all original metal rust and all

[Black93GT]

mine "had all the body work done" and was "ready for paint".... and I've had to cut and tear it down further since this pic. Lots of hidden rust and damage.

[lineberrcasey]

mine "had all the body work done" and was "ready for paint".... and I've had to cut and tear it down further since this pic. Lots of hidden rust and damage.

sorry about that that is really bad i hope you can get it all back together then you can literally say you built it from the ground up lol

[TheJDMan]

Well believe it or don't, but Dust Off is truely a rust free car. ALL of the body panels are original to the car and NONE of them have even a hint of rust. I know this for a fact because I am the second owner and I purchased the car 40 years ago from the original owner in Phoenix. Back then it was just a 5 year old used car with faded paint, 2bbl 327, three speed and 10 bolt open rear. I drove the car on the street till 76 at which time I started drag racing it. From 76 on, the car has ALWAYS been garaged and I can honestly only think of a half dozen times the car has ever been caught in a rain shower. So rust free cars do exist.

[vintageracer]

All the above is why you buy a good car on the West Coast and pay shipping to the East Coast.

Paying shipping is a LOT cheaper and a LOT easier than most any type of rust/sheetmetal repair.

I can get a GOOD car shipped from Los Angeles to Nashville for $725.00. That about the same price that most sheet metal men want to install 1 quarter panel, 1 outer wheel housing and the trunk drop-off.

It makes NO sense to start with a rusty car. A FREE rusty car is NOT a good deal.

IF you EVER need to again be reminded of these FACTS just search and RE-READ the $5000 Budget Mustang Build on this site!!!!

[INTMD8]

All the above is why you buy a good car on the West Coast

Exactly. I will only buy cars with original rust free, yes actually rust free! metal. Not only are they easier to work with but there will be no surprises down the road.

My 57 Cadillac lived it's entire life in California and it shows. No sign of rust anywhere. Still the original red oxide on the floors. Just the way I like it

I have noticed the same though. "Original rust-free survivor, new 1/4's, doors, fenders and one repaint!"

HUH???