Thread: Rust Issues

Hi guys,

I'm sure you've have had a few of these threads. I'm including pics so that hopefully it helps to see how bad (or not) the problem is. I am trying to figure out whether I should have the rust dealt with. Here is what is rusting:

• Rocker Panels - I understand this is very common. I knew it when my passenger side panel started rusting about 6-7 years ago and I saw all the other GPs on the road with the same issue. The driver side panel held up well, but it's starting to rust now too. I had the passenger side panel cut out and replaced five years ago and it is now starting to rust as well. The body shop told me they had to fabricate a new rocker themselves because none were available for the GP unless I bought a new set of doors, and that was expensive! I'm kind of doubting this now, as I see by reading this forum that you can buy these things on eBay. And that's why I registered, to get some opinions on whether I should even bother. Cost of that repair was $800. Well worth it for the last five years of mostly no visible rust. I'd hate to see what that panel would look like today if I didn't have this done. What do you think I'd be looking at cost wise to do the same today if I bought the panels on ebay and had a body shop do the work? Looking at the car, it looks like there is some rust on the door and rocker panel cover too.
• Gas tank door - I see from the common problems thread that this is also a bit of a known issue. I have a spot of rust under my door. It seems to be spreading slowly, or even not at all. Is there an easy way for a body shop to take care of this?

The car is a '97 with 230km on it. Great car, fun to drive. Wish it didn't have rust.

Originally Posted by brandonl2000

Not to get off topic, but where did you get those mud flaps? Can't find any like that anymore. And I'm curious to see pics of the rust under the gas door..

Yeah, I didn't think to take a pic of that at the time. I'll take a pic of that this week.

The mud flaps were purchased at a Pontiac dealer, at the same time I had the rocker fixed. The body shop was kind enough to install them for me. Just had to have them!

Originally Posted by brandonl2000

Especially an SE that may or may not have a 3100?

No! That's an insult!

It definitely has a 3800.

Guess I kind of knew that repairing this wouldn't be wise. I plan to keep the car for however long it lasts. 1 year, 2, 3, who knows? I don't mind paying under $1,000, if it's possible to take care of the rust for that amount.

Is the part number listed on the flap? If not I can check to see if I still have the receipt.

Originally Posted by BlackFlag

Ok this is a 97 with 230km. It would be cheaper to buy another one with no rust, AND a s/c

Interesting thought. I considered buying a newer GP (2003). There are a couple of GT models in my neighborhood for sale at GM dealers with appreciably less kms on them, and no apparent rust. I was so close to going in to buy a blue one, pretty much fully loaded (leather, sunroof, two tone interior). It's a beauty. But, I think it makes more financial sense to lease a new car, especially with lease rates where they are than it does to spend $7,000 on a 10 year old car that I really don't know much about.

But, getting a '97 for almost nothing might be worth looking into!

I want to thank you guys for the suggestions, especially looking at the condition of the strut towers. I don't know a lot about cars, how they work and how to fix them. I'm starting to learn by watching videos and reading online. I'm going to write down the suggestions everyone here made and go into the body shop to see what they say. And perhaps I'll look into getting another '97 or '98, if the right one comes up.