Unusual Rust Location?

[SS Tim]

Is this an uncommon place for rust on a '72? I could see down at the inner kick panels or even on the flat area under the cowl vent but the vertical above the A/C box seems weird. Anyone have a prediction on how extensive the rust would be to show here?

Sellers quote "Straight body very little rust. Rust in driver's side rocker panel and under hood."

[68panelman]

Very common here in the northeast, Thats telling you how high the crud in the cowl is!!!

[jjzepplin]

Yeah mines doing that too on the other side.. Good thing it's all torn apart and ready to fix.

[sboris]

Your gonna find lots more under the cowl.. Check that seam that leads from there up to the corner of the windshield.
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[54belair]

You will prob. find the tray under the cowl cover rusted also.

I initially saw just "a little" in that area.

Before I was finished, I had to buy another cab-----cut out most of both A posts and upper firewall corners and weld them into my cab. (or have it done)
Had I found the firewall rust first, I would have junked it and found another, but by the time we found it we had already replaced floors and complete rockers--both sides. Rust is like an iceburg--90% of it is hidden!!!

Im not really complaining--it was my fault for not knowing my project, but it sure did add more than $2K to my body work.

Inspect, inspect, inspect---then cut and weld!!

[1970 Bowtie]

Rust is like an iceburg--90% of it is hidden!!![/QUOTE]

Never heard it put that way before,but so very true.

[Lee H]

On a 72, probably others, that area narrows down to about a 2x2 channel that runs along side the vent. You could get lucky and have an obstruction in that narrow part or the whole thing could be filled up. Hard telling until you pull off the fender.

[ls1nova71]

My green truck has rust like that on the left side, figured it was from leaves and stuff sitting there, also figured that the bottom part of the inside of the cowl would be full of crap and rusted too. Pulled the front clip a coulpe of days ago, and the inside was all solid and not filled with anything! Not sure why it rusted there, but I see it all the time.

[Zoomin]

My 72 was rusted on both sides like that. Leaves go through the cowl vent and lay along that channel, trapping water. This is a great time of year to remind everyone to install screens under the cowl if you park outside.
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[54belair]

I would love to use a solid cowl cover. When we did all the cancer removal we fabed new solid kick panels completely eliminating the fresh air ducts. But,, right now Ive spent about all I want on body work!!! I know the solid panels are made but Im not wanting to Buy one!

[68c20lwb]

Mine is the same way on the same side as well. I have been told just to get a new cab, but we will see

[leddzepp]

I have been following that one too: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/ant...294433819.html

I like that it has a roof rack and sliding windows...but I am sure there is a whole LOT of rust hiding where you cannot see it. I contemplated hauling it home...but he says it has not run in over 15 years so I am going to look for something with less rust that runs.

[special-K]

I've seen Arizona trucks rusted only there from dust and probably leaves gathering,then what rain they get over the years eventually causing the rust. That could be the only rust in a vehicle. I have never seen a cowl cavity completely fill with debris.I suppose it's possible if the vents never get opened. First time they get opened in spring the leaves come flying out the vent.

[SS Tim]

Thanks for all the input. Yes it is a Blazer, however I felt it was representative of all the 67-72s. Can't really afford it and I need a dog truck with more than a 5.5' bed. But, that proverbial but, every time I see a "one owner" ride it gives me that warm fuzzy "gotta have it" feeling. Plus the fact it could be originally a blue Highlander plaid as well....
Out here in the desert we just don't see much rust, nor want to! Found this picture that shows the channel to good effect. Certainly could see it blocking with material especially with some rodent assistance.
Just my luck it would turn out to be a Highlander. Thought (still thinking) about looking at it this weekend to try and document the rust and option content though.

[SS Tim]

Originally Posted by leddzepp

I have been following that one too: http://losangeles.craigslist.org/ant...294433819.html

I like that it has a roof rack and sliding windows...but I am sure there is a whole LOT of rust hiding where you cannot see it. I contemplated hauling it home...but he says it has not run in over 15 years so I am going to look for something with less rust that runs.

While rust is my major concern, there something to be said about starting with a vehicle that has not been through a series of owners and their "improvements". Not too sure about that rack as being a correct accessory but it may be. Just think how it could look. Stocker with an LSX/OD auto would make a sweet driver. Highlander plaid too.

[leddzepp]

tim if i lived closer as you do, i would not hesitate to go look at it in person. but with cost of gas and likely to be full of rust from my experience looking at blazers (i want one so my family can drive with me) i just cant justify doing it. i agree 100 % with you on all your points and what it could look like restored to its original beauty. if there is rust up high in the cab, and down low in the rockers, its a good chance the torsion boxes are rusted through and stuff in between as well. it looks like a highlander, but the seats look redone in a different material from the angle?? go check it out for sure and if it isnt bad....go for it!!! if you have buyers remorse i might just buy it from you, lol.
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[SS Tim]

Well maybe sometime things do change for the better, maybe. The blazer had been bought and the posts about it made me sick.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=545901
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=546857

Then today a new ad comes through offering the vehicle as a whole.

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/c...p?product=6780

Not as cheap as it was on CL but it is all there with improvements. Turns out not to be the Highlander I'd hoped it was. But it would still make me very happy. Dogs in a trailer probably not so much.

So if anyone has the means to do this right please consider it.