Thinking of adopting a Volvo 850 project -- need advice,

SlowEp3 · Post by **SlowEp3** » 26 Apr 2016, 22:30

Even if I pass on this car, I definitely want to get a Volvo eventually. You are all so helpful!

SlowEp3 · Post by **SlowEp3** » 05 May 2016, 09:00

Quick update:

Attached are some photos. I wasn't able to take the rocker panel cover off, but maybe this might give you guys a better idea of what sort of shape the rocker panels are in.

To me, they don't look super bad. There are no obvious holes. I've seen much worse rust on a 22 year old car.

Post by **erikv11** » 05 May 2016, 09:26

I pulled the rocker panels on a 97 the about 3 weeks ago, and there is widespread (but not horrendous) rust on both sides, and only under the rocker panel.

I can take pics if anyone is curious - I don't remember seeing any of the before pulling the panels off. I will soon pull the broken ones off my 95, hope I don't find rust there too. I obtained the 97 from my neighbor, they are the original owners, and I know there was never an accident or other body damage. Just rust from 20 years of salty winters. Car has 160k on it, pretty low mileage actually.

The coincidence makes me wonder if rust under the rockers is actually pretty common now for P80 cars in salty-road climates. Don't let us "experts" fool you, most of us have not looked under many rocker panels.

SlowEp3 · Post by **SlowEp3** » 05 May 2016, 10:30

erikv11 wrote:I pulled the rocker panels on a 97 the about 3 weeks ago, and there is widespread (but not horrendous) rust on both sides, and only under the rocker panel.

In the case of the above, would it be sound to just wirebrush the rust off, treat the area with some sort of rust inhibitor (like Krylon) and call it a day? or does any amount of rust necessitate complete rocker replacement.

What is your plan of attack on your '97?

Also, in for pics of the '97.

Post by **erikv11** » 05 May 2016, 13:25

I took pics at lunchtime, they are worse than I thought and would require more than a brush and paint. I'm not sure what I would do if this was a keeper - the 97 is a parts car until I get it out of here. A little more anxious now to see what's under the plastic panels on my 95.

: passenger side rear

: passenger side front

: driver side rear

Thinking of adopting a Volvo 850 project -- need advice,

Re: Thinking of adopting a Volvo 850 project -- need advice,