Ron,

Sorry, I do agree that it's good to help a prospective 1800 buyer to be wary of seller claims, especially concerning rust, but I must ask you to explain your statement, because I totally disagree with your logic, assessment and advice in this particular instance.

Rust does NOT progress, as you said, "at a similar rate at all the suseptable places". Many, many, many variables will determine where on the car, and to what extent, rust will progress.

If it's not the difference in extent, or progress, of the rust, what other criterion would make it "worse at one (place) or the other"?

Did the car sit in a relatively dry ambient environment for 20 years, but, unfortunately, on a concrete slab that sweated, profusely, every 24 hours? It could be a real eye catcher, even up close, but look at the floorboards, or I should say, look FOR the floorboards, because there might not be much left.

Did someone do a substandard undercoat that started trapping water a few years after application? Ditto the floorboards and integrated structural elements, even fenders, on an otherwise great car.

I've seen and discussed the possible explanation for an 1800 that inexplicably had rust in only the front fenders, as on this car, primarily around the headlight pocket, as well as the nose and general front surface area. The rest of the car was basically rust free (and I don't toss that term around). It was last registered in the SF Bay Area, so we jokingly guessed that it could have been a garaged car, both at home and at work, but commuted thru an area with morning and evening fog, but not rain.

If Bret checks the car thoroughly, and it's an otherwise good car for his needs, and the front fenders check out to be the only part of this car that have rust issues, he could still have a worthwhile candidate.

Good luck, Bret. Did we mention to remember to check for rust? ;^)

gary

'67 122S - One complete thru-rust hole adjacent to exhaust pipe route, at passenger floorboard (variable - intense heat, battery acid from above?). Rest of car completely rust free.

'72 ES - Original #46 Red paint job, 4 years ago. Only rust area was in door sill, passenger side (variable - bad, sunny side door and window rubber and plugged drain holes?). New metal was installed to full progress of rust in sill area. Rest of car was, and is, completely rust free (Colorado, above 9,000 ft. - Now in Austin, Tx.)