Sorry Iread the article and he doesnt say anything about what he does to prevent rust. He states it is outside and is driven every day. He says he keeps it clean.
He says he had the rocker panels repalced and the rear wheel arches( interior wheel wells??), sounds like major body work to me. Also any 1966 vintage car outsed would probably need at least 3-4 major repaints in 44 years. Where is he getting all the window flets, gaskets for the doors? I bet the chrome trim and bright work would be shot too.
I have a 89 Shadow and I redid the paint in 2004. The most expensive part was finding the plastic trim and door/window gaskets. Also I rust proof every year and If I didnt it would of been shot long ago. I am at 275K this week
SO either the article doesnt get into the details or he is [censored]'ng people as to what he has done.
I do agree that maitenance is the key and 60% is keeping the body from rotting out, the rest is bolting and unbolting worn parts.
Originally Posted By: Spyder7
Originally Posted By: VNTS
Probably not getting the whole story, probably has been in the body shop for new floors, panels and what not.
Notice they didnt say anything about what he did to prevent rust, it isnt like they mention this was his summer car LOL
Originally Posted By: Johnny
It is very doable. What impresses me is the fact he kept a Volvo from rusting out in New England for 44 years.
He talks about that in the article I linked to. Rust doesn't have to kill a car, no matter how bad the salt in the environment. Its people doing nothing to prevent rust, or failing to address it when it first shows up, that leads to this mentality.
I have seen 7 year old cars severely rusted that likely won't last another two winters. I have also seen 15 year old cars driven all year round with no sign of it.
This is about as bad as gets here for rust issues: ocean climate (salt air) & roads salted heavily from November until April. Yet I still see some old but very well preserved cars on the road in winter. Its hard to deal with and a royal PITA, but its not impossible to keep at bay or at least minimize. Most people just can't be bothered because they buy with no intention of keeping it well before the warranty is even up.
I bought my 10 year old car with the goal of keeping it going another 5 years, year round. I have since decided I will never sell it. I may take it off the road in the winter, but I will keep my Corolla for as long as I can keep it going.
Maybe that's why Irv Gordon is a legend to me, and why I take the wisdom he gives seriously.
-Spyder