Got classic rust? (...& dirt?)

[Hoover, Christopher L.]

Removing fender bolts?  Isn't that a little drastic?  Ok, I know we all like to take our cars apart and put them back together but...save yourself some time and apply the wrenches elsewhere!  I don't live in the rust belt anymore but I used to (PA).  I live in VA now and bought my 9 year old classic with 240k miles on it.  It was clean (to the untrained eye) and it ran great!  I got it home and gave it a good going over.  When washing it for the first time and toweling it off, I noticed pine needles sticking out from the lower rear corner of the front fenders.  After further inspection, I noticed that I had to perform a technique I had perfected when I lived in PA.  You can direct ample amounts of hose water into that region of the fender by opening the doors and carefully directing the spray into the gap between the lower fender and the door/hinge post.  You can drape a towel over the
door sill, floor, and seat to catch any stray water if you want.  I had to pull (distort) the plastic wheel well piece just under that area of the fender where the water runs out to get all the 'stuff' to flow out.  I even had to use a pair of needle nose pliers to get the small branches out!  No, I did not take a picture of the crap that came out but after it dried, I had to sweep the area!  Could have had a small bonfire!!!  I do this every other washing to be certain that that area stays clear of debris!

Now, while doing this, I noticed some rust starting at the seam in the door post just below the upper hinge (both sides).  I did some emergency scraping, sealing, and painting and a year later it still looks good...no more rust or blistering!  It was just some seepage at the seam but it looked like it could have got bad in a hurry!  I have noticed this on allot of the cars at the bone yards, too, so ya'll (VA/Southerners), you-uns (PA), or you guys may want to inspect your rides for this probable cancerous tumor.

Chris H  '94 Classic w/ 267k miles and no rust  VA Tag PDQ SE-R