"I wouldn't sink even one more dollar into this car"

"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
06/28/2016 at 15:41 • Filed to: Rustmonster

I took the Roadmaster to four different local body shops to inquire about the possibility and cost of fixing the rust at the base of the driver’s side B-pillar.

Shop 1: $200 to cut it, patch it, and prime it.

Shop 2: $1500-2000 to cut out the whole base of the B-pillar, if they can find a donor.

Shop 3: “There’s a right time to get away from a car. This is that time. I wouldn’t spend even one more dollar on this car, sell it now while it’s still solid, because who knows what if it will be tomorrow.”

Shop 4: This is the shop that put a new quarter panel on my truck five years ago. While their paint work is “eh,” the repair itself has held up just fine, and they charged me a fraction of what other shops were going to charge. He asked me how long I wanted to keep the car. I said about a year. He answered, “Look, as much as I want your money, I don’t want it for this. The pillar is solid, the rocker is solid, the frame is solid. Drive it for a year, put your kid in it, then sell it. That rust won’t make one bit of difference.”

So after all that ... I haven’t freaking clue what I’m going to do. Oppoinions?

DISCUSSION (75)

crowmolly > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 15:44

Shop 1.

MontegoMan562 is a Capri RS Owner > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 15:44

Option 1 or option 3 sound the best to me.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 15:45

Take it back to the first place and get it done cheap and dirty and solid. I wouldn’t want to rallyX a car buckling there like that.

LongbowMkII > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 15:46

Looks like I'm getting some rust estimates soon :X

fourvalleys > crowmolly
06/28/2016 at 15:50

Sell it to me for dirt cheap, so I can take it to shop #1.

(Oh god please don’t sell it to me, I don’t have space and I already have one broken rallycross wagon...)

crowmolly > fourvalleys
06/28/2016 at 15:50

$200 to patch that rust doesn’t seem that bad to me.

Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 15:51

Option 1. Is that the only rust on the car? Doesn’t look that bad at all.

Rico > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 15:53

put your kid in it, then sell it

That’s the option I’d go with.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 15:54

I thought these were body-on-frame. Is that not right?

fintail > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 15:56

This makes me glad to live in the PNW.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Rico
06/28/2016 at 15:56

HUMAN TRAFFICKING WOOHOO.

The Dummy Gummy > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 16:01

Option: Old Yeller

Kinja'd!!!

asenna > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 16:04

If you only want to keep it a year then shop 4 is best advice. A yr is nothing. Save that money for another repair you may need down the road or for the replacement.

shop-teacher > Rico
06/28/2016 at 16:05

Ha! That was unfortunate wording. I like the kid, I’m keeping her.

Hellcat Everything > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 16:05

I would sell it, because if the rust is that bad on that spot you can clearly see, just imagine how bad the spots are that you DONT SEE.

So, shop 3.

shop-teacher > Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To
06/28/2016 at 16:06

No there’s plenty of other rust. That’s the only spot that concerns me safety wise.

shop-teacher > MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s
06/28/2016 at 16:07

They are full frame cars, my only concern is strength in a side impact.

shop-teacher > LongbowMkII
06/28/2016 at 16:07

Yes! You must save that SS!

shop-teacher > fintail
06/28/2016 at 16:08

Yep. That’s one of the benefits of paying all that money to live there, you don’t have to deal with this crap!

Nothing > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 16:09

I think my car is solid, however I want to get a professional opinion before I start dumping significant money into it. Given people tow things out of fields and rebuild them, I guess it depends on how much you really want to do it.

MasterMario - Keeper of the V8s > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 16:11

Go with option 1 if that’s the case. If done right it will be just as strong as it was new. Even driving it as-is I wouldn’t be worried about a side impact, most of the forces in that kind of impact are going to be transferred across the vehicle, not down the length of it. If the frame is still solid I wouldn’t really worry about the rust too much.

shop-teacher > Hellcat Everything
06/28/2016 at 16:11

I’ve spent a lot of time under the car, so I’m pretty familiar with what is and isn’t rusty. There’s PLENTY of other rust, but this is the only structurally concerning rust. I’m afraid shop 3's advice is probably the best nonetheless.

Rust and Dust - Oppositelock Forever > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 16:13

Then can I put my kid in it instead? I’ll sign whatever waivers are needed...

Seriously, I’d either go with shop 1 on the cheap, or drive it till the rocker falls off of it.

shop-teacher > Nothing
06/28/2016 at 16:14

Yep. I’ve known from the get-go this car wasn’t worth putting significant money into, but I only planned to keep it for a couple years anyways. I’ve put $600-700 in tires, shocks, and a radiator in the last few months. I’d like to get some time and miles out of that before I move onto the next one.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > Nothing
06/28/2016 at 16:14

If your car *isn’t* 100% and scares you, refer it here. The “really want to” is strong, as a Cougar is on my List. Capability isn’t too bad either, and rocker and floorboard repair on related platforms is something I’ve already gotten into.

PartyPooper2012 > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 16:15

Giveth this car to me?

shop-teacher > fourvalleys
06/28/2016 at 16:16

If I sell the thing, it will be fair fair market value. I need to extract every dollar I can get out of it ... So I can go blow it on something else stupid :)

shop-teacher > crowmolly
06/28/2016 at 16:17

I’m not confident it wouldn't end up in paint jail with that shop. I got an uneasy vibe from the guy.

shop-teacher > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
06/28/2016 at 16:19

It’s a full frame car, so that’s not a concern. My only concern is in a side impact. I thought about just making it my rally beater, but frankly it kinda sucked at the rallycross. The front suspension just could not control the wheels from bouncing around like crazy.

shop-teacher > The Dummy Gummy
06/28/2016 at 16:20

Nooooooo!!!!

Not gonna do it! Wouldn't be prudent.

shop-teacher > PartyPooper2012
06/28/2016 at 16:21

No! If I give it away, I won’t have any money to buy some other stupid car!

OversteerMyBagel > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 16:22

Totally agree with option 1 or option 4. Keep in mind that these cars are already pretty well bottomed out as far as value goes, and if it runs when you sell it, you will find a buyer less concerned about rust (and safety) than you are. If you’re looking to cheat another year out of it, get some rust reformer and some epoxy primer in a can, prep, spray reformed, and spray primer. Make a weekly ritual of checking it, and touch up as needed. If you don’t mind that it’s ugly, it’ll keep things from getting worse for a good long while.

If you’re looking to keep it longer, or if it’s looking like there’s a real chance of it buckling, get the plate welded in, and use the same process on the paint. Just be careful how well it’s done, as you’re patching a stressed area (Full weld, ideally butt welded, and not just a plate-over)

It might also be worth trimming back that plastic guard around the affected area. I’d bet dollars to donuts that it’s where some of the structural rust you’re looking at has originated.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 16:23

Yeah, I wasn’t expecting it to be anything other than shit at rallyX. Figured it would be amazing in an entirely different way.

RallyWrench > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 16:23

Yeah, after seeing those pictures I wouldn’t put my kids in it in that state. There is basically no more side impact protection on that side of the car, the B-pillar will cave.

Shop 1 sounds great on the face of it, but I’m worried what will become apparent once the trim is off and paint stripped back. I don’t know what labor rates are like where you are, but here, $200 buys less than three hours, which is probably less than than half of what this will take to make it safe, even if it’s half-assed. Shop 2 is quoting you to do it right. If anything, go with shop 1 because it won’t be worse than it is, but be prepared for a phone call that it’s worse than expected.

Rico > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 16:27

Lol I know but I laughed when I read it that way.

RallyWrench > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
06/28/2016 at 16:27

STAHP. This is an intervention. To tell you to get a Cougar.

Quattro-luvr, Powered by Datsun & Stinger > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 16:27

Knock the rust down with a wire wheel and POR15 it.

RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht > RallyWrench
06/28/2016 at 16:34

“Is this the five o’clock free Mercury giveaway?”

RallyWrench > RamblinRover Luxury-Yacht
06/28/2016 at 16:38

lone_liberal > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 16:39

I know just the guys to take care of it for you. Their advice to you is to start drinking heavily.

Die-Trying > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 17:15

the car barely recognizes you, its foaming at the mouth, ............ shop #4 ......#1 if it makes you feel good....

shop-teacher > Die-Trying
06/28/2016 at 17:57

Ha!

shop-teacher > OversteerMyBagel
06/28/2016 at 17:58

Thanks!

Die-Trying > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 18:02

what are you leaning towards.....?

shop-teacher > SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie
06/28/2016 at 18:05

It was amazing in a different way, but not in a way that would make me want to use it as a dedicated rally beater.

Spridget > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 18:45

Well, do YOU feel safe putting your kid in it? That’s the real question here. If you think the rust at the base doesn’t affect the huge car and your child is safe, then I’d keep it, hoon it around, then sell it a year or two later at a loss when the rust is severe. If you don’t think it’s safe, then another question comes up: do you love this car? Because once you go down the rabbit hole of rust repair, the pillar is just the first domino. You’ll never get your money out of that gaping b-pillar hole. If you love the car, then go for it, it’s worth it. If you don’t, then sell it now before you’re underwater.

The third mechanic’s statement reminded me of this:

shop-teacher > RallyWrench
06/28/2016 at 19:19

As many people as there are saying this is fine, my gut tells me you’re right, it’s not fine.

I have very little confidence that shop 1 could actually fix this for $200. I got a weird vibe from the guy, and I’ve always had pretty good instincts about picking people to work on my stuff.

I don’t think fixing it makes any sense. The question is sell it now or sell it later. I’m thinking I’ll keep it for the rest of the summer and do some more fun things with it, then sell it when fall comes and nobody will care that the AC doesn’t work.

shop-teacher > Die-Trying
06/28/2016 at 19:22

I’m leaning towards keep it for the rest of the summer and do some more things in it, then sell it in the fall when people won’t care that the AC doesn’t work.

shop-teacher > Spridget
06/28/2016 at 19:31

Good points. I’m honestly not sure how I feel about putting my kids in it. Lots of people are telling me it’s fine, but my gut tells me it’s not.

I don’t think fixing it makes any sense. The question now is sell it now, or sell it later. I’m leaning towards selling it in the fall. That gives me time to do a few more fun things with it, and I think I’ll get a bit more for it in the fall when people won’t care that the AC doesn’t work.

shop-teacher > lone_liberal
06/28/2016 at 19:31

Hehehe :)

Die-Trying > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 19:35

not a bad plan..... let us know when the replacement hunt is on

Kinja'd!!!

RallyWrench > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 19:35

I think that makes the most sense. That rust is bigger than it looks, I fear.

shop-teacher > Die-Trying
06/28/2016 at 19:38

Will do!

Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 22:56

I agree with Shop 4. It’s solid as is but probably not feasible to patch this’n’that along the way. You can sell it in a year or two, no problem, and trade up.

I can’t help you with the whole kids thing. I don’t own safe cars and I don’t have kids.

SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie > shop-teacher
06/28/2016 at 23:01

Time to get a Fiero, bruh.

shop-teacher > Dr. Zoidberg - RIP Oppo
06/28/2016 at 23:06

Fair enough :)

fourvalleys > shop-teacher
06/29/2016 at 04:12

Hah, I’m only kidding. If you saw my driveway, you’d agree that buying anything else right now would be a serious mistake.

PartyPooper2012 > shop-teacher
06/29/2016 at 06:27

Dag Nabbit. Radiator leaks, B Pillar is about to fly off. You got boat load of miles on it. Baby poops are permanently engrained into the seat uphostry. Best I can do is Tree Fiddy

shop-teacher > fourvalleys
06/29/2016 at 07:21

Oh, I know you were kidding :)

When is the next auto cross you’re doing? I think the Roadmaster needs to do that at least once.

shop-teacher > PartyPooper2012
06/29/2016 at 07:23

Radiator is brand spankin’ new, no baby poops whatsoever, now the B-pillar ... Yeah.

Will trade for stick shift Camaro or Mustang.

PartyPooper2012 > shop-teacher
06/29/2016 at 07:29

all I have is bunch of sticks... no camaros or mustangs.

How about money? will you take a little bit of money for it?

fourvalleys > shop-teacher
06/29/2016 at 08:27

I agree!

I’ll be at the Tri-pod challenge in Milwaukee this weekend (MKE/Chicago/LOL regions do a combined two-day event to determine which state of WI/IL/MN is fastest). There will be a few guests from IN/IA/OH, too, but they have to pick a side. Oh, and free dinner Saturday!

There will be a couple of neat cars out there this weekend - a Jensen Healey, a stripped out TVR Griffith, a GT-R, a Focus RS (!!!), and (hopefully) my Mini. Currently 142 people signed up for Saturday, and 135 for Sunday.

That might be a bit of a haul for you, but the next event I’m planning to attend in IL isn’t until, uh, 2017. I don’t want to drive to Joliet for autocross, and my schedule conflicts with the rest of the TSSCC events. I might try to make it to one of the Windy City Miata Club events, but they generally fill up faster than I can register.

shop-teacher > fourvalleys
06/29/2016 at 08:40

Miliwaukee isn’t too far, and that event sounds like fun, but after spending the entire weekend at Road America this past weekend, I’m quite certain my wife would shoot me on the spot if I told her I was going auto crossing all Saturday.

shop-teacher > PartyPooper2012
06/29/2016 at 08:41

Define “little bit”

Tree-fiddy ain’t gonna cut it!

PartyPooper2012 > shop-teacher
06/29/2016 at 09:27

So normally, I start bidding at a dollah. I already said tree fiddy... so

$3.51?

Whatchu want for the damn car?

shop-teacher > PartyPooper2012
06/29/2016 at 11:36

2 g’s

Haase > shop-teacher
06/29/2016 at 12:17

If you’re sold on this body style, I say go buy one that is solid.

I bought a 1996 Estate out of Mesa, AZ for $4200 and had it shipped to my home in Ohio. The car was perfect and it was owned by a old people it’s whole life. Drove it for a year and sold it for $5500.

If you look, you can find nice ones that aren’t destroyed or overpriced.

PartyPooper2012 > shop-teacher
06/29/2016 at 12:25

800?

shop-teacher > Haase
06/29/2016 at 12:33

Eventually I’ll do that. There are other things I’d like to own in the meantime.

shop-teacher > PartyPooper2012
06/29/2016 at 12:33

Nope.

PartyPooper2012 > shop-teacher
06/29/2016 at 12:39

Where is the headlight switch/parking light switch? Door or dash?

shop-teacher > PartyPooper2012
06/29/2016 at 12:44

Dash

PartyPooper2012 > shop-teacher
06/29/2016 at 12:48

1g and a 6 pack of America

shop-teacher > PartyPooper2012
06/29/2016 at 14:21

Nope

PartyPooper2012 > shop-teacher
06/29/2016 at 14:28

Kinja'd!!!