Got my 75 up on the jackstands to work on the steering cylinder so for the heck of it, pulled a back wheel to have a look at the rear suspension - knew there was some rust but not really pleased with what I found. Everything appears to be coated with the red stuff but most of the rust on the frame and trailing arms seems to be surface rust as i could scratch off without too much issue and reach sound metal. When rapping on the parts they feel solid so I'm hoping I might be ok? Brake lines were pretty bad but have already ordered stainless steel replacements. My main area of concern is where the trailing arms bolt onto the frame - although the rust appears heavier here, it still seems to be mostly surface (metal parts feel solid), however the bolts appear not to be in great shape. (Fortunately, this is the worst area on the car that I have yet found - front end of the frame is much better and the birdcage appears ok as well). Speaking to the C3 experts out there, what comments would you have? Bolt replacement in the near future?
Unfortunately at this time a full off-frame restoration is not possible space or budget wise - what options might I have to keep the rust in general at bay for few seasons until I can do a lift-off? I was thinking about going at all surfaces I could reach with wire brushes etc, cleaning everything up as good as possible and then painting on a rust preventative like POR-15. As the body is still on and some surfaces will not be reachable, am I wasting my time doing this? Any other suggestions? This Vette newbie would certainly appreciate any advice that could be sent this way...
Unfortunately at this time a full off-frame restoration is not possible space or budget wise - what options might I have to keep the rust in general at bay for few seasons until I can do a lift-off? I was thinking about going at all surfaces I could reach with wire brushes etc, cleaning everything up as good as possible and then painting on a rust preventative like POR-15. As the body is still on and some surfaces will not be reachable, am I wasting my time doing this? Any other suggestions? This Vette newbie would certainly appreciate any advice that could be sent this way...