[Clockberg]

Hey guys,

Looking at joining the Sierra fam soon and on the hunt for a nice lil' rig. Have a viewing lined up next weekend looking at a 97' coily.

If anyone here has the experience and could let me know all the common spots where rust occurs so I can keep an eye out. It has spent a lot of its life quite close to the beach. The owner mentioned he has had rust cut out previously and replaced with steel somewhere in frame around the doors. He says its the only spot andthe rest is pretty good but would like to be able to know what to look for just in case.

Thanks for your time.
-Clockberg

[sideways]

Sills under the plastic covers.

Cowl panel near bottoms of the A pillars.

Around the front door hinges on the front 1/4 panel.

Every seam in the floor and cargo area.

Rear wheel arches where the 2 seams meet. It's best to look from the inside of the car for this.

Like all vehicles, hard tops rust around the rain gutters and windscreen.

Good luck with your purchase!

[Gwagensteve]

I hazard to mention this, but have you done your research about the SJ80 model? They're not very popular as they have very limited aftermarket support and are more hassle to work with than the leaf car.

[losfer]

dont buy a car that lives on or near the beach full stop you will find rust on EVERY component.

[ZUZUKI]

To add to sideways list - specific to Sierra:
Firewall where inner wheel arch of guards bolt on
Below headlight buckets
Horizontal firewall seam at the rear of the front wheel arch - especially if it's been belted over to clear bigger tyres
If a soft top:
Footwells (later cars seem to be generally better in this area, maybe just not as old?)
Bottom of targa bar
Behind fuel filler neck tin cover - inside D/S/R 1/4
Windscreen frame - note on a coily, this is not removable like it is on a leaf sprung car
Top lip of tub - there is at least 2 layers (might be 3?) & I've seen random rust break outs along there.
Many cars have died because of body or chassis rust, none 'need' to die due to mechanical issues (might not make financial sense, but any mechanical component can be fixed or changed)
If you are looking for a car to have for a while, buy the best body / chassis you can find.
If you think there is a remote chance the modify bug will bite, like Gwagon says, easier to start with a leaf sprung car.
Rgs, Michael

[Clockberg]

Wow thankyou for all the replies people! Didnt realise how active this forum was. Appreciate it. I ended up picking up a 96' coily. Never been taken off road, 150 000km and spent its life inland. A few little quirks that I will have to figure out but thats all part of the fun.

Thanks again for the insight. I will definitely be lurking this sub and posting.