Rust

[78tbird]

Hi,

I am restoring a 1978 Thunderbird. I bought it about a year ago, as a restoration project. When I bought it, I knew that the vinyl top needed to be replaced. I have recently removed the vinyl top and discovered that the roof under the vinyl is rusted. In short of finding another vehicle that has no rust on the roof, is there anything I can do, such as cutting the roof from another vehicle or buying some "rust converter" paint to repaint the roof and neutralize the rust back into metal? Currently, I have a tarp over the car to keep it out of the elements.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

[tbird6t4]

Re: Rust

Hi,

I am restoring a 1978 Thunderbird. I bought it about a year ago, as a restoration project. When I bought it, I knew that the vinyl top needed to be replaced. I have recently removed the vinyl top and discovered that the roof under the vinyl is rusted. In short of finding another vehicle that has no rust on the roof, is there anything I can do, such as cutting the roof from another vehicle or buying some "rust converter" paint to repaint the roof and neutralize the rust back into metal? Currently, I have a tarp over the car to keep it out of the elements.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.

Your best bet is use POR15 to convert the rust then repaint and re-vinal the roof. Either that or you have a convertible in the making.

Good luck!

Gord

[robbie199]

Re: Rust

Rust or Rot? All cars with vinyl roofs will show rust once removed. Also alot of the old adhesive. Surface rust can be sanded down and sealed for painting. Not a problem.

[snowbird]

Re: Rust

Also, don't leave a tarp on the roof too long as condensation will collect under the tarp and keep the roof wet.
martinb.

[78tbird]

Re: Rust

This is not surface rust. Parts of the roof have been eaten away. I have measured some of the holes in the roof and it looks like the metal underneath in some areas is about 1/32" thick. Correct me if I am wrong, but is the metal supposed to be thicker than that?

[78tbird]

Re: Rust

I just looked up POR15. It looks pretty good. Would Rust Bullet do the same thing? I have a Summit Racing near me that carries Rust Bullet. Not sure if they carry the POR15.

[Leroy]

Re: Rust

The only right way to do it is cut away the bad metal and weld in new, then use the other stuff over it and then have the new vinyl top put over it. Leroy

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[78tbird]

Re: Rust

What kind of a ballpark figure are we looking at by cutting away the bad metal and welding in new metal? I will try to post some pictures of the top. That may help in a decision as well.

[78tbird]

Re: Rust

Here is a link to the pictures, if anyone wants to take a look to see the roof. I tried to remove some of the rust from the rear of the car and the rear roof channels that connect to the trunk. I did not remove any of the rust from the front of the car. I may be able to salvage the front of the car with some POR15 or Rust Bullet to turn that rust back into useable metal. Let me know what the best decision is.

http://picasaweb.google.com/cdawley4/78Thunderbird#


If the link to the photo's doesn't work, please let me know as well.

Thanks.

[Treken]

Re: Rust

Hi Chris and welcome to this great site.

After looking at the pictures, it looks like almost all rust, you will have to replace the areas with new metal. If not experienced yourself, may want someone who is...

Unless you want to replace the Landau roof with a real convertible(that is what the Landau was ment to copy in the first place)

[78tbird]

Re: Rust

What type of sheet metal would I need to buy? What type of shop would be the best to do the work? I have thought about a collision center or a paint shop. Not sure about Auto Body shops around my area. How much would that cost (ballpark)?

[Rosebud]

Re: Rust

I would try to fine a shop that does restoration work on older cars

[tbird6t4]

Re: Rust

Wow, I don't think POR15 can help with that much rot! I concour you need to replace the metal and if you don't know how to do it then I would let the professionals handle that job or as I said earlier you could have a convertible on you hands. Take it to a body shop and get an estimate.

That is one of the biggest problems with vinal tops, water (moisture) gets under them and you can see the results.

A bigger job than you bargined for no doubt.

Good luck,

Gord

[Ski]

Re: Rust

IMO if you start at a local body shop they may be able to guide you in the right direction if they cannot do the work.

[snowbird]

Re: Rust

After seeing the pictures of your '78 Bird, IMHO , I would look for a very nice rust free '78, if that is the year you want and you would save an awful lot of money. they made over 350,000 of these units and many of them are practicaly being given away. Find a good rust free one and use yours for all the parts that you may need if any. Just the replacement of the metal / welding it in , etc. will cost more than the price of a repalcement Bird. Unless you have a lot of sentimental value in your Bird, that is the way I would go.
MartinB.