Re: IML: Vinyl roof warning.

["Frederick Joslin" <fljoslin@xxxxxxxx>]

Depending on how bad the rust is, it shouldn't actually be all that costly.  Most of the effort in bodywork goes into sanding and smoothing so that it will look good once it's painted -- since this area of rust will be hidden under the vinyl top, making it look perfect is not an issue

I agree with this statement.

I was working on the roof of my 69 LeBaron this afternoon removing and treating the rust using a wire brush in a 4 1/2" angle grinder and a carbide burr in a die grinder. I did not really want to put another vinyl top on, but think that I will have to now. My goal is to get all of the rust out and then repair the damage in such a way as to be structurally sound. The cosmetics of the repair do not really matter if a vinyl roof is going back on.

I have not done anything about the rust across the rear deck under the fiberglass window insert yet, other than put a rust stopping paint from Eastwood on it. What I really need to do is cut a panel out about 6" wide by the width of the rear deck. This would allow me to get inside and see exactly what is going on inside and take care of .

Question: I could probably leave this cut out open because it is completely covered by the window insert. I could also cover it with a panel of aluminium or steel probably just using an appropriate adhesive. Does anyone see a problem using aluminium to cover such a cut out? I think this is what I would prefer to do because of ease of working and corrosion resistance? I know that this sounds rinky dink, but I see not need to do a proper welded in steel repair for something that is not visible.

Thanks

----- Original Message -----
From: "Elijah Scott"
To: mailing-list@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: Re: IML: Vinyl roof warning.
Date: Sat, 18 Mar 2006 05:37:50 -0800 (PST)

jsadowski <jsadowski@xxxxxxx> wrote:

I have a 69 LeBaron also & those areas of rust are a little more obvious on my car. I have a new top, but fear this will be a costly job to have done correctly.

Depending on how bad the rust is, it shouldn't actually be all that costly.  Most of the effort in bodywork goes into sanding and smoothing so that it will look good once it's painted -- since this area of rust will be hidden under the vinyl top, making it look perfect is not an issue.

The important think is to KILL the rust, and then make sure the area is sealed so it won't rust again.

Do make sure the job is done correctly.  I paid a shop to fix some areas of rust when I had the vinyl top replaced on my '71 Imperial in 1997.  I took them on their word that they would do the job right.&nb sp; When Kerry Pinkerton and I painted this car in 2000, we found that they had done the sorriest job imaginable -- see http://www.imperialclub.com/Repair/Body/BodyandPaint/Part3.htm for details and pictures.

If you have the time and interest, and maybe a friend to help, I would suggest removing the vinyl top and fixing the rust yourself.  Since the repair does not have to be cosmetically perfect, this is a good place to practice and learn bodywork.  And that way you'll KNOW the job was done right.

Good luck!

Elijah

Imperial Power Window Switch Repair

Books About Imperials -- History & Repair

M y Collection of Imperials

1965 Imperial LeBaron
1967 Chrysler Newport Custom Sedan
1970 Imperial LeBaron
1971 Imperial LeBaron

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