charlie1 Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 The rear frame near the top bushing has rusted to the point that it has to be repaired on my 1989 Riviera. My Tech has lined up all the parts and we have a body shop lined up to repair the frame by sand blasting and welding new metal into the weak spots. The costs for the Body shop to do the work is $450.00 plus the labor and parts.Has anyone had any experience doing this work? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Think Greg Ross had the whole rear cradle replaced a few years ago. Down here, if I see rust, I run, do not walk. Have gotten used to unbolting exhaust manifolds and pipes without anything breaking. As Gary says "Life is too short to deal with rust".My experience is that rust is like an iceberg, you only see 10% of what is there. I suspect the job may get bigger after blasting. Did you ask about that ?BTW for 87-97 Rivieras the asking price on the local CL seems to be $1500-$3000 with a few outliers. High end is mostly supercharged. Is there a reason you want to deal with that much surgery ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie1 Posted August 21, 2011 Author Share Posted August 21, 2011 (edited) If anyone can provide a link to tips for the rear frame removal I would appreciate it. Unfortunately I have no choice. Not ready to take it to the Bone yard yet! I purchased a 1999 Riviera that was a Florida car and the entire under side looks brand new. Now I will most likely be dumping as least $2 to 3 K into the 89 Riviera since we are replacing the entire exhaust system at the same time. Edited August 21, 2011 by CHAS1 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Understand, have made decisions like that before. Real question for the group is "What is the value of a truely rust-free car ? Am starting a thread with a poll. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harry yarnell Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Truly rust free? Worth its weight in gold.I've repaired/restored many a rust bucket, and there's NOTHING like finding a rust free car that you like and keeping it. You never eliminate rust, just chase it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie1 Posted August 21, 2011 Author Share Posted August 21, 2011 Many years ago I CHASED rust on a 1969 Cadillac. I know what I am in for BUT now commited.When I crawl Under my 1999 Florida Riviera I am amazed! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
harry yarnell Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 I have a special love of the '89-93 Riviera. Beautiful car. Enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie1 Posted August 21, 2011 Author Share Posted August 21, 2011 (edited) Fortunately the wife is not complaining about the $$.Their was a lady who Loved her Corvair so much she was buried in it! I think it may have been on the History Chanel. Now that is love of your car! Edited August 21, 2011 by CHAS1 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
padgett Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Probably cheaper than a casket. I like the later Rivs, after they added the trunk lip that made it look less like a Lexus. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest steveskyhawk Posted August 21, 2011 Share Posted August 21, 2011 Truly rust free? Worth its weight in gold.I've repaired/restored many a rust bucket, and there's NOTHING like finding a rust free car that you like and keeping it. You never eliminate rust, just chase it.I agree 100% with Harry. I have noticed that the majority of people with "electrical gremlins" are predominantly from the rust belt. I suspect that corrosion compromises electrical components and wiring too. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie1 Posted September 19, 2011 Author Share Posted September 19, 2011 (edited) Ok it is done!They removed rear frame assembly and sent it to the body shop where it was completely sand blasted and the rust around the upper bushing area was repaired. A complete exhaust system was replaced with a Walker after market exhaust 100% including all hangers and clamps. Rusted brake lines were replaced.The parts list is extensive .Bottom line$3551.68Once again it is a 1989 RivieraRides smoother!AMEN Edited September 19, 2011 by CHAS1 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Barney Eaton Posted September 20, 2011 Share Posted September 20, 2011 Same old story being repeated time after time. It would have been cheaper to go south and buy a rust free complete car. It always seems the actual cost is much greater than the estimate.If you have done the exhaust, rear suspension and brake lines, save your $$ because the front cradle will be going soon. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
charlie1 Posted September 20, 2011 Author Share Posted September 20, 2011 (edited) Front cradle bushings were done 6 months ago $$$$Bottom line is I like THIS car.Falling in love with a women or a car is a lifelong commitment. Edited September 21, 2011 by CHAS1 (see edit history) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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