Is this surface rust fixable?

[RichyRich]

Hi, not worried about the hole, can have a patch repair, but the surface rust looks pretty bad. The roof looks very dimpled, the rear and front quarters not quite so bad. Can it be repaired on the existing panel, or would it need a new roof?

To be honest, I suspect this car may not be salvageable. At best, the front fenders and bonnet maybe ok, but every other exterior panel is too far gone and would need replacing. Agree?

Thanks !! Richard

Edited May 12, 2024 by RichyRich
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[kiwi john]

I would say that is totally restorable Richard. Whereabouts in melbourne are you ? Cheers John

[gilltech]

Hmmm... that rust looks pretty well ingrained on the shell's metal panels which are not exactly thick to begin with. The rust hole is a red flag for starters.

If it were me I'd use fibrous strip disks on the shell to see how deep the scarring and pitting of the metal is. Then make a call whether to go further or walk away.

Whatever rust still remained ingrained would have to be well treated with a proprietary inhibitor product to, hopefully, kill it off and seal it up prior to bodywork and painting.

[RichyRich]

Thanks. I made the call this car was way to far gone for me. It was for sale on gumtree about a month ago, in Adelaide. HS30-00231. I can’t remember exactly but he was asking $12 or 14k. I didn’t buy it. 

[kiwi john]

I'm too scared to put a magnet over mine as I suspect there may be some body filler under the paint....

 

[RichyRich]

At least you know the rear bumper is well attached… 

I need a shed the size of yours.