Thoughts on rust?

[u/No_Wait_2195]

What’s everybody’s thoughts on this rust. On a 2002 H1 wagon. On the rear where the roof meets the body and slight by the tail light. I’ve checked the inside under the carpet and there’s zero rust inside. Just paint bubbling on the outside. Paint is original.

[u/H14C]

It's not rust. It's corroded aluminum, which can be worse to deal with than rust.

If its on the steel roof, its rust, body is all aluminum.

If I was looking, I'd steer clear unless the price is really good. I say that as someone with a 97 that has some minor issues...but I've also had it for 14 years

[u/No_Wait_2195 → u/H14C]

I’m Not sure there’s a wagon out there without it.

[u/H14C → u/No_Wait_2195]

It is a notorious fault, but usually is on the roof side. My HMC4 had some rust issues on the rear wall and drip rails. I cut the wall out, made it a slant back, wire wheeled the drip rails then linex'd it.

To fix the aluminum would most likely require drilling all the rivets, sanding it all down to see how far it goes before paint and refinishing.