[1966_L78]

I am embarking on new territory here... Looking into buying a 70 or 71 Chevelle...

What are the "problem" areas (rust, etc)? I know '66s pretty well, but they are much different...

2 Chevelles I am looking at, 1 has factory A/C (with some new components, but not a complete system), one does not (A/C would be nice in this area in the summer).

Thanks

 

[dreis454]

lower front fenders, under rear seat,rear of quarters above rear bumper

 

[Beaux]

Water / moisture also tends to collect (if there is a problem) in the channel on the drivers side front floorpan where the wiring harness runs to the rear. Its where all of my pinholes and two dime size rust holes are in my floor pans. I think the seamsealer deteriorated in the floorpan plugs and it weeped in over time, collecting in that channel since its the lowest point. Dont think you can really rip out the interior to see this when shopping but might be able to notice from the underside if its bad enough.

as dries pointed out, pop the trunk and look at the back side of the quarters in the seam between trunk and panel. Had small debris and moisture collect there over time (bad weatherstripping I think). Might check the inner wheel wells from the trunk side as far back as you can see as well.

Most common and worst spot is the front lower cowl / fender area (can lead to rocker rust issues as well) and right behind the rear wheels, lower 1/4. Seems every car I see that has not been redone has issues there in one form or another.

Pretend you are water or debris and ask yourself "Where would gravity take me?" then look there.
And - Get the green one

 

[BADCHVL]

Make sure you check front windshield and back glass channels. LOOK good under the chrome molding ,at the bottom of the front windshield. Check bottom of rocker panels also.

 

[bochnak]

Make sure you check front windshield and back glass channels. LOOK good under the chrome molding ,at the bottom of the front windshield. Check bottom of rocker panels also.

Yes, especially if it had or has a vinyl top. My rear channels leak water into the trunk and collect in the quarters to the left and right of trunk floor. I am sure many are prone to this.

 

[1966_L78]

Get the green one

Thanks everyone...

Yeah, I like that Green one (What kind of idiot would like Red with black stripes??? )... But I don't like it being 2000 miles away (inspection AND shipping)... Both are at the top of my "self-imposed" budget...

 

[Beaux]

Thanks everyone...

Yeah, I like that Green one (What kind of idiot would like Red with black stripes??? )... ...

LMAO

The kind with a paint gun and some ambition.

Good deal and good luck!

 

[BillsCamino]

Factory AC cars tend to rust the front pass side floor...condensation from the inside "suitcase".

 

[musclecarjohn]

(What kind of idiot would like Red with black stripes??? )

Hey easy...I resemble that remark.:yes:

Was there another color option in 1970...besides Cranberry Red?

 

[BillsCamino]

Was there another color option in 1970...besides Cranberry Red?

Yeah...Classic White!

 

[Beaux]

Yeah...Classic White!

You guys really need to stop letting your wife park your cars. Your out in the middle of a field and musclecarjohn is parked in front of a locked gate and a "no parking" sign.

 

[rcrchsr16]

Rear outer wheel wells around the quarters are another area to look at. Trunk floors where the mat lays is an area prone to surface rust. If left wet for long, pinholes and more form there. Trunk drop offs at the bottom of the quarters always need replacement when the quarters need replacement. And the bottoms of the cowl where the front fenders attach are usually rusted out with the fender bottoms- leaves and dirt accumulate there and act like a water wick and keep that area wet all the time.

 

[70chevellemalibu]

You guys really need to stop letting your wife park your cars. Your out in the middle of a field and musclecarjohn is parked in front of a locked gate and a "no parking" sign.

haha...but on a serious note...the front lower fenders as said above, lower doors in the corners, check floors and trunk panels quarters etc. and the inner rocker panels. if the car has the factory trim covering the rocker check there as well.

 

[BillsCamino]

You guys really need to stop letting your wife park your cars. Your out in the middle of a field and musclecarjohn is parked in front of a locked gate and a "no parking" sign.

No Beaux...that's where my wife starts out when she drive the Chevelle.
You've met her...no trees, buildings, living beings within 100 yards.

 

[Beaux]

No Beaux...that's where my wife starts out when she drive the Chevelle.
You've met her...no trees, buildings, living beings within 100 yards.

lmao :thumbsup:

 

[JWagner]

Take a look at the frame just behind the place where the front lower control arm brackets are. Look for cracks. This is not always a big deal , as a welder can fix this easily, but look just the same.