i have a pretty rust free 83 brat except for the center of the roof any ideas on how to fix hate to have to cut the whole roof off a few quarter size holes I'm thinking rust converter and fiberglass What do you all think is this a common problem

Uhmmm,  In case you were not aware rust is everywhere in Michigan.  Every car has a rust problem in Michigan....  Anyways depending on the severity and location it can be done by welding and bondo.  It all really depends on your skill level and patience. 

 

Cheers,

 

Eric

Edited September 13, 201510 yr by ford'ssubaru's

The car is originally from Bellingham Washington only been in Michigan a year has been drivin by me hope to never have it on the road with the sAlt all michigan brats have evaporated

Cut and weld and weld with a Tig for minimal distortion nothing else will suffice long term other than total removal of the rust and replacement with clean metal and then treat to make sure it nefver comes back.

Remember rust is like an iceberg what you see is but a small part of what can be there in many cases.

I know it was just some bubbled paint to I started using a scotch brite wheel on it. Wish I Could find a wreck body and cut that roof part out.

Pull the center trim piece out inside and inspect. You may need to pull the whole headliner as well. The most likely reason for the rust is the seals for the fun top hinge pockets and mounting screws are shot. Happened to me. I took it all apart, cut the rusted sections out with a Dremel, made new ones, migged them in, made new seals, got stainless hardware and put it back together. It took around 4 hours. You do not want to cut and weld a whole roof unless it's the only option. To do that you have to properly support the body or it will fold in on itself when you cut the roof out. Maybe only an 1/8th" or so, but it will. The you have multiple layers of sheet metal forming supports inside the roof that all have to be properly welded which means cutting outter sections to get to the inner and then welding the outter back in. If not done correctly, you compromise the structural integrity and safety of the vehicle. Fiberglass is not waterproof and will only be a temporary fix.