Late model Fords in the Rust Belt - Do they?

**DanStokes** · January 15, 2010, 01:48 PM

Re: Late model Fords in the Rust Belt - Do they?

I don't recall that body having a big rust issue from my MI days. Comments, MI guys?

Dan

**antmnte** · January 15, 2010, 02:03 PM

Re: Late model Fords in the Rust Belt - Do they?

I seem to be seeing them (Grand Marquis,Town Car's) starting to rust in the front fender lips right above the front wheels.

**1988montecarloss** · January 15, 2010, 02:25 PM

Re: Late model Fords in the Rust Belt - Do they?

Originally posted by antmnte

I seem to be seeing them (Grand Marquis,Town Car's) starting to rust in the front fender lips right above the front wheels.

theyre starting to do that here too. not just bubbling under the paint but actual rot on the fenders.

**olbuddybob** · January 15, 2010, 04:21 PM

Re: Late model Fords in the Rust Belt - Do they?

My sister has a 96 Crown vic that has 190000 on it and has spent it's entire life here in michigan. the only rust on it is starting around the front wheel wells. My 93 villager is spotless and has also been in michigan it's entire life. Paint on the villager is starting to peel though on the lift gate.

**fahrenschnell** · January 15, 2010, 04:45 PM

Re: Late model Fords in the Rust Belt - Do they?

You can always have one of us Michiganders go take a look at the car of interest....

That way it is guaranteed rust free.

Seth

**Shawn Anderson** · January 15, 2010, 04:50 PM

Re: Late model Fords in the Rust Belt - Do they?

I have seen some vics and marques with rot, but that styles started in 92 and don't think 05-06's would be a problem

**65longroof** · January 15, 2010, 05:21 PM

Re: Late model Fords in the Rust Belt - Do they?

It's not just bodies that rust... brake lines, tranny lines, cooling lines, bolts rusting solid, gas tanks, etc... also aluminum oxidizes (rims, brackets,...) Not saying it's a problem on this particular series of cars, just a thought of something else to look at.

**milner351** · January 15, 2010, 05:26 PM

Re: Late model Fords in the Rust Belt - Do they?

In GENERAL - since we started using double galvanized steel allot more - the rust issues are much better than they used to be. For example - the pick ups are taking more like 9 years to start rusting over the rear wheel wells - and I haven't seen one yet rusting in the cab corners - those areas were rusting commonly in 5 years on older models.

That being said - my DD '02 focus wagon with 165k on it has bubbles on both rocker panels, and a bit of rust showing at the hem flanges on one door and the hatch - I know the first owner - who is not one to wash her car often.

The Marauders that I have seen are quite often babied - treated the way a mustang or camaro or even vette would be treated - garaged winters and waxed regularly.... it's all about the vibe you get from the owner - records of service... etc.

when you get interested in one - PM me the VIN and I'll see if I can look up the history for you...

**Aircooled** · January 18, 2010, 12:18 PM

Re: Late model Fords in the Rust Belt - Do they?

Scheezzz, y'all are scaring me. :o

I had assumed that general body rot didn't happen much anymore due to the double galvanizing that milner351 had mentioned. I was worried about the things things that 65longroof had mentioned: "brake lines, tranny lines, cooling lines, bolts rusting solid, gas tanks, etc".

I guess I should have provided my definition of "rusty". If it takes more than a couple of squirts of WD-40 and a 12" breaker bar to remove a suspension bolt, then the car is "rusty".

**milner351** · January 18, 2010, 01:18 PM

Re: Late model Fords in the Rust Belt - Do they?

I would say -- given that definition - you should target southern and western states.

In order to do my 2002 focus rear brakes - a torch was required to get 3 broken bolts out.... >