Hidden behind the wings

[M-j-b]

I am in the middle of stripping my 280, in almost perfect condition (4 thumb sized rust spots)

As i am having the entire car resprayed, I am currently stripping it down. BC coilovers etc.

So i am removing the wings,

I found what appears to be the joints of multiple panels at the base of the A pillars.

Hidden with seam seal, needless to say the seam seal had allowed water ingress.

I am very fortunate that this car is from California and has been in storage since 96.

If you havent removed your wings, I strongly suggest whipping them off and checking these points.
I appreciate most are restoring or protecting their car. But if not, as a newbie I recommend having a look...

I am lucky, both sides are only surface rust.

I have treated and the body shop will sort the rest for me.

 

[johnymd]

I have pulled apart many cars that I’ve imported from the US and they have all been in really good condition in this area. I’m a little surprised by the build up on yours. I fully agree with you that it’s worth taking the wings off to check and clean this area though.

 

[Mark N]

Are you sure that isn't a repair?
That looks seriously shoddy for a factory connection and inefficient if it requires the MIG weld at the bottom.
Also, why would the factory take the time to fill and smooth an area that is hidden by the wing?
Is that a primer spot and over-spray on the door seal?

I am lucky, both sides are only surface rust.

Is that a crack that's propagating across the panel?

 

[johnymd]

After digging through my old pictures, I can see this area is smoothed off with sealer from the factory and that cracks just as your had. I don’t think it’s had a repair in this area.

 

[johnymd]

When they built these car mig weld was added to many areas. People always comment that it doesn’t look factory and I would agree that a lot of it looks poor, but it was most certainly factory.

yes, that looks like a crack propagating.

 

[M-j-b]

I have pulled apart many cars that I’ve imported from the US and they have all been in really good condition in this area. I’m a little surprised by the build up on yours. I fully agree with you that it’s worth taking the wings off to check and clean this area though.

Thanks good to know
In that case I'm also surprised, especially with the condition generally, must have been a bad day for the seam sealer ...
Both sides exactly the same condition. Fortunately all surface..

Are you sure that isn't a repair?
That looks seriously shoddy for a factory connection and inefficient if it requires the MIG weld at the bottom.
Also, why would the factory take the time to fill and smooth an area that is hidden by the wing?
Is that a primer spot and over-spray on the door seal?


Is that a crack that's propagating across the panel?

View attachment 46012

Absolutely positive it's not a repair, although I agree it's not the best welds I have ever seen..

The car is in first paint, totally undamaged, except for almost all panels with light dings, dents and scuffs.. annoying I cannot keep the original paint..

When they built these car mig weld was added to many areas. People always comment that it doesn’t look factory and I would agree that a lot of it looks poor, but it was most certainly factory.

yes, that looks like a crack propagating.

I have had another look, it is a separate panel seam, on both sides run the same.
Pic from a slightly different angle..

Other than these areas of surface rust. I'm struggling to find anything else of concerns.

The entire inner arches and hidden areas will have Raptor and new seals..

What do you suggest I use for these foam seals ?
Would rubber be better, to prevent water retention?

 

[vipergts]

Mine was like brand new