Rust problems on '73 DeVille

[thevinylking69]

I was just wondering if there were any rust prone spots or any other problematic areas or issues that I should look for when buying a '73 Coupe, any help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,
     Chuck

[TJ Hopland]

Around (and under) the vinyl top and around the chrome trim are common areas for that era.   The inside edge of the trunk lid seems to be a common area also. 

[thevinylking69]

thank you, I'll keep that in mind when I go look at it

[RobW]

Just to add a few more areas...the edges of the hood, the lower rear front fenders under the rocker moldings, the edge of the 1/4 panels under the skirts, the inner rear wheelhouses, the front wheelhouse behind the battery, the lower areas of the 1/4's, along the front edge of the roof at the upper windshield reveal molding, along the hood center molding and all along the thin body side moldings where each rivet holds a clip for the molding. Yeah they were built to rust.

[thevinylking69]

i'll look there aswell, thanks

[Davidinhartford]

Yeah, under the rocker panel moldings for sure.   They trap rain water and hide rust.  Same for the bodyside moldings.   The clips that hold them on have metal rivets that rust.  So look along the side moldings.   Rear fender skirts can trap road salt and rust out.   Pop a skirt off and look under it, the hangers too.     And as others pointed out, the bottom edge of the vinyl top hold water and can be rusty.