89 Suburban: rear air & rear wheelwell seam rust
 

Hi, 2 questions:

1) A piece of Styrofoam (1/2", estimate) is in between the roof sheetmetal and my rear AC unit (I just removed the headliber). Is this how it was done at the factory? Seems to me these days there might be a better insulating material than a cheap piece of Styrofoam. I am considering having polyurethane bed liner (line-x ir similar) sprayed on the interior of the roof. Would I need additional insulation in addition to that?

2) I found some rust bubbling under the seam sealer material (rubbery stuff) where the tub joins the rear wheelwells. Is this common on these vehicles? It appears that it began on the outside of that seam and ate his way through to the underside of the seam sealer. I assume the only proper repair will be to remove all the rust and have the seam re-welded?

Any advice or comments on the above would be appreciated.

Re: 89 Suburban: rear air & rear wheelwell seam rust
 

I'd probably put the styrofoam back, or something similar. It has a little give to it that will help the suspended parts up there, keep a little tension on them. The wheelwell rust, I wouldn't call it common but not uncommon either. You'll have to repair it, last time I checked they weren't reproduced anywhere. Did the factory spot weld it there or fully weld it?

Re: 89 Suburban: rear air & rear wheelwell seam rust
 

Looks like it was fully welded. The seam sealer stuff on the inside will make this a fun job. You have to wire wheel it all off, which is a headache and buries you with what looks like pencil eraser particles that stick all over you.

Re: 89 Suburban: rear air & rear wheelwell seam rust
 

Styrofoam is there not just for insulation but to help cut down on vibration from the fan motor.