Alright i currently own a '89 IROC, and i've diceded that i would much rather have 2nd gen thne invest in paint, rimts, tires etc on the IROC. I want to purchase a solid 2nd gen, probably later down the tree like a 79-81. My dad has told me too check the rear shock mounts for rust before buying, but i was wondering if you guys could please give me more areas too look at, as well as parts that may be harder to find/more expensive than they appear. A link is fine if this has been covered, but i didn't see anything in here, thanks again

Josh

 

quarter panels, t-top seal, frame, frame, frame

 

Don't forget the frame

rear frame.

 

The rear valence, its behind the gas tank, The dash in the corners. And the floor where the subframe mounts.

 

I have a 70 and the corners on the dash are pretty bad and I am looking for ideas to fix it. The dashboard needs to be replaced as well. Any ideas? One thing you can do to check for bondo is take a magnet and see if it sticks to the body.

 

it seems like most of those cars rot in the dash corners, Goodmark industries is restoring a early 2nd gen. you could try them for a replacement or cut one out of a junker and get out the welder and bondo. those dashes are welded in so no matter what you will have to cut and weld. The Plactic part, try Year One I was very happy with all the parts I got from them.

 

thanks guys im sure this will help me when i find one that is calling my name one day, another quick question i was hoping to stumble on a no a/c car, are these plentiful or are many a/c equipped?
josh

 

My 70' is factory a/c, half of me wants to leave it in because its factory a/c and the other wants to take it out because I want to show it. Half of the parts are missing but what fun would it be if I didnt have to look for parts! (as if I dont have enough to look for anyway) I wasnt really looking for a/c and found one.

 

Also, bottoms of front fenders will rust out (just behind front wheel), there are sometimes holes into the car in front of the back wheels, the rear valance and dash corners as mentioned, and the floor pretty much anywhere can rot out! (it's best to lift the carpet to check, because my '81 had a hole directly above the subframe that you couldn't see from underneath the car). Also, sometimes the rad cradles will rust out pretty bad, and check around the back window under the trim. Oh, and how could I forget DOORS!!! Check the bottom edge of both doors..........those will often need to be fixed up.

Hey, while it sounds pretty bad, all this stuff can be fixed pretty easily by a body shop, and it's never deterred my dad or I from buying 2nd-gens! (we currently have a '73, but I also had an '81 a couple years ago, and my dad has had several over the years).

 

thanks so much, there's a swap meet sunday up here so i'm hoping to maybe stumble on a project there, if not it's information that i can use whenever i do thanks again
josh