Thanks for the clarification Rodd. Now that I know where/what it is, this morning in the light of day I inspected both sides of the box section stiffener from inside the wheel wells. First, I can see why this is a weak point for rust, as the flat area on top of the box section would quite naturally collect road gunk and just sit there, possibly for years even if the car was washed regularly. Second, no surprise now, the gaps that I found from the engine compartment side go right through to the top of the box section stiffener. Also, the drivers side box has a few rust holes in the top of it. (I found the seal too, you’re corrected, it is unrelated to the area in question).
This morning I felt and poked (with an awl) and banged and scratched at every exposed part of the engine compartment and undercarriage, especially the cross member in the firewall and it’s all solid. I found an area rusted through in the drivers side headlight bucket and another area on the bottom of the cross member right behind the front bumper (see photo and feel free to tell me what that part is called).
When I had the carpet out and interior kick panels and quarter panels off to reupholster them, everything revealed was clean (original Silver Grey 180G). I always assumed that they painted the engine compartment and the underside of the hood black when they repainted the car Light Ivory. It would have been easier than correctly painting it body color and would cover up the silver in these areas.
Rodd, just out of curiosity, what made you ask if I’d removed the rocker panels during my interior work. I hadn’t thought to do it but, as it turns out I’m replacing the inner and outer chrome threshold rails and rubber and haven’t put them on yet so I’ll remove the rocker covers and the front wheel well inspection covers today and report back with more photos.
Michael, I could see where filling in the area inside of the wheel well would eliminate a collection point for dirt. Is that the part that you’re talking about or is it the lip that’s on the engine compartment side?
Douglas, most of what I’ve read points to this area as a weak point on our cars for rust, and I can see why. My interpretation of a “weak point” goes something like, “even a car that’s otherwise clean is susceptible to rust here.” You seem to be saying the opposite of that, “a car that has rust here probably has rust all over.” In any case I don’t plan to fiddle while Rome oxidizes. I’ll follow the trail where it takes me.
Quick fix is now off the table. I'm on the hunt. By the way it won't be a body shop or restoration specialist who removes that black paint down to the metal, it will be yours truly.
Paul Tomey
Tierra Verde,FL
1968 280SL Light Ivory (Enjoy)
2002 Porsche 996TT (Track)
2003 Van Dieman Formula Car (Race)
2006 Yukon Denali (Tow Cars and Haul Kids)
