What is the best course of action with rust around the sunroof and the front pillars? I would assume if the rust is minor it can be cut out and re welded but if the rust is worse what are the options? I am assuming there aren't patch panels?

 

It depends on how how deep the rust is. Do you have a regular hand drill? If so, go to Home Depot and buy a wire wheel. Hook it up to the drill and use that. If its not really deep you should be able to get the rust right off. Than just get some spray can primer and primer it so it doesnt rust again...

 

You should probably spray some rust penetrator on it before you primer/paint it.

 

Mustangs are notorious for rust around the sun roof. If it's surface rust, grind it down to fresh metal with a course grit disc. If it's pitted bad and has not gone through start with a #36 to remove the rust, then 80 and 120. Spray the bare metal with an etching primer and/or epoxy primer.
From my experience If it's bubbling you more then likely have holes. In this case, you'll have to cut out and weld in a piece or replace the whole roof. If the rust is cut out, but weld sheet metal as opposed to overlapping. Overlapping WILL eventually rust. The space between the overlapping metal is where moisture will get into. Remember to remove the headliner before doing any work and treat the under side too.
Good luck,

 

Have not bought the car yet, looking at it. I am positive the rust has made holes. The guy is looking to sell for $4500. 87 LX 5.0 converted to look like GT. 75000 miles but the roof rust is less than optimal. Other than that the car looks good. Worst case scenario the rust is bad and the roof needs to be replaced, cost?

So....should I cut and run? Or bid low?

 

dont bother if it already has rust.... there are so many better 5.0's rust free for a similar price or less....

 

Replacing a roof is very difficult and costly. I am going to have my sunroof filled in on my 88 and the cheapest that I have found was $900 and that was a really good deal. It takes TONS of man hours to complete a project like that. If the holes and really small than its really not that big of a deal but if its really pitted than I would say no. Like I said, I wire wheel will take rust off very easy.

 

I hate rust... i found my front framerails have a small hole in them... they are right above the front crossmember.. but you got to take the motor out to fix it..the guy who did my clutch is really good at body work and painting.. so.. i am trading him even to do all the body work and fix any rust he finds and to sand it. prime it. prep it and paint it dark gun metal gray metallic...for my 2003 ski-doo mxz snowmobile... so.. to answer your ques.. no.. keep looking.

 

POR 15 is your best bet. Pitted or not.

 

4500$ for a rusted car is NOT a good deal. For 4500 you can find one with low miles in great condition. Id just wait and keep looking. Unless he's willing to have it fixed then its not worth it.