cobcob Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 I've found a 1982 Brat for sale around town so I took a look at it yesterday. She's in good condition, a tiny bit of surface rust just in front of the rear driver's wheel. The biggest concern I have is that the fenderwells in the bed are rusted through just in front of the rear shock mount. I understand that this was a common occurance for the Brat but I would like some input on how difficult this is to repair. Also, are they asking too much for it? The price is $2500, it's got 90500 miles on the clock, comes with a spare engine and trans (41k miles on that) and a topper... seems like a good deal to me I'm just nervous about that rust in the fenderwells Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Skip Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 Please have a look at this link Rear wheel well rust fix Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edrach Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 Also consider the difficulty of replacing the rear shocks if needed. The bolts extend through the body and rust out there. I've replaced a few in my time and it's never been easy. If you break off a rusted bolt you're pretty much hosed and will be unable to replace the shock. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobcob Posted July 13, 2007 Author Share Posted July 13, 2007 Thanks guys, I've seen that web page but I wasn't sure how much rust is too much... With the shock mount you mean the bolts at the top there I assume? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86BRATMAN Posted July 13, 2007 Share Posted July 13, 2007 That seems like a decent deal, If its solid underneath. We've seen a few look good outside and be trashed underneath from rust. Check out Seahag1978's photo gallery for her 84 Brat. If you can get some pictures of it, we could probably give you a better guess of what it would be worth. Yeah, the bolts at the top of that picture, use care and lots of pb blaster, or your favorite penitrating oil on them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobcob Posted July 13, 2007 Author Share Posted July 13, 2007 I've taken a good look underneath and she's nice and clean under there... I checked the subframe connection , there's no bondo or rust in the wheel arches, and the subframes are good too... the only major rust I can find is in those fenderwells in the bed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobcob Posted July 16, 2007 Author Share Posted July 16, 2007 I've taken a good look underneath and she's nice and clean under there... I checked the subframe connection , there's no bondo or rust in the wheel arches, and the subframes are good too... the only major rust I can find is in those fenderwells in the bed. Finally got hold of some pics of the Brat in question... There's a touch of surface rust just below the bottom rear corner of the driver's door, under the sill. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86BRATMAN Posted July 16, 2007 Share Posted July 16, 2007 It looks good. But it also looks to have been repainted. There is a hint of old damage by the d/s tail light. That spot is a normal rust spot on these, nuetralize and repair it before it gets any worse. Also inspect inside all the removable panels inside the bed. If you find anything hidden get it before it takes control. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobcob Posted July 17, 2007 Author Share Posted July 17, 2007 Thanks Bratman, unfortunately there's a spray in liner in the bed so I'm not sure if the panel's have been sprayed over or not... I'll have to check into it a bit more... It's on a car lot so I'm trying not to show too much interest too soon or they'll try and screw me over good Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
edrach Posted July 17, 2007 Share Posted July 17, 2007 Thanks guys, I've seen that web page but I wasn't sure how much rust is too much...With the shock mount you mean the bolts at the top there I assume? Judging from the shock condition I'd give it a soaking with rust penetrant daily for a week before I'd even try to remove the bolts. This looks like the only way to remove them would be with a torch. If you break off the bolt you are hosed so take it slowly and easily when you replace the shocks. Better yet pay a professional to do it! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cobcob Posted July 17, 2007 Author Share Posted July 17, 2007 Thanks for the heads up on the shock bolts... I'm still waiting to hear back about the potential sale of my other vehicle, that sale is going to fund the purchase of the Brat it all goes according to plan! Does $3500 seem steep for an '82 with 90,500 miles an extra motor and trans (41,000 miles), and a topper? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
86BRATMAN Posted July 17, 2007 Share Posted July 17, 2007 I would say its a little steep for an 82 DL. But it is in good shape, and have extra stuff. I would try to talk them down some if it were me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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