Whats the proper way to check for rust under the trunk liner? (Page 1/2)
bigjoe25 MAR 11, 10:29 PM
I went to look at a fiero and wanted to do the normal trunk rust check by pulling back the trunk liner. It seemed to never been moved and was glued on there good. The guy went nuts and said he didn't want it peeled back so I never did get to look.

So whats the proper way to peel back the trunk liner to check for rust? Maybe next time I won't look like a jackass not knowing what I'm doing and wrecking some guys trunk liner in the process.
Monkeyman MAR 12, 06:37 AM
Out of 6 Fieros, I've never had one glued in place. They just sit there. The top edge is sort of captured by the trunk seal but that's it. If it's stuck, I'd guess it's due to moisture. You can look up from underneath. Not quite the same view but close. You can also try feeling around and pushing on the carpet to feel or hear for any rust. Not always the most reliable as the trunk carpet is fairly thick but it's a start.
tshark MAR 12, 08:17 AM
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[This message has been edited by tshark (edited 09-08-2018).]

Thunderstruck GT MAR 12, 10:11 AM

quote
Originally posted by bigjoe25:

I went to look at a fiero and wanted to do the normal trunk rust check by pulling back the trunk liner. It seemed to never been moved and was glued on there good. The guy went nuts and said he didn't want it peeled back so I never did get to look.

So whats the proper way to peel back the trunk liner to check for rust? Maybe next time I won't look like a jackass not knowing what I'm doing and wrecking some guys trunk liner in the process.



That "line" right there should make you pass.

I can guarantee you it's rotted!
David Hambleton MAR 12, 12:28 PM
Lay on your back & look up with a good flashlight. You can see the whole horizontal underside area that typically deteriorates first.
RWDPLZ MAR 12, 02:17 PM
You did it the right way, they're not glued in like that from the factory. Only the very bottom middle of the trunk is stuck to the frame, the rest just floats and conforms to the shape of the trunk. Sounds like he glued it in place so people couldn't see the trunk corner condition. Rust in this area is a well-known thing when looking at these cars now, he probably did a little research and found this is the first thing informed buyers look for.

Don't end up with THIS:



It's a ***** to fix.

[This message has been edited by RWDPLZ (edited 03-12-2016).]

bigjoe25 MAR 12, 10:27 PM
Thanks for the replys. I'm in the market for a new fiero and don't want to deal with rust. The guy may of glued it I'm not sure, either way I did pass on that car.

I'll try all the methods to make sure I'm not dealing with swiss cheese.
viperine MAR 12, 11:22 PM
Though it isn't a promise of a perfect trunk, you could simply press firmly all over the trunk and blindly feel for rust with the carpet in place. A crunching noise/feel would be a dead giveaway to rust issues here. Not feeling/hearing anything at all wouldn't matter, but a definite "no" can be determined, at least. :shrug:
rogergarrison MAR 14, 06:05 PM
If I remember, you should be able to see the corners and bottom of the trunk compartment from underneath. My guess is he may have stuck some metal over holes, and glued the carpet down. In the old days when floors rusted out, it was common to stick and old licence plate under the carpet.
Thunderstruck GT MAR 14, 06:08 PM

quote
Originally posted by rogergarrison:

If I remember, you should be able to see the corners and bottom of the trunk compartment from underneath. My guess is he may have stuck some metal over holes, and glued the carpet down. In the old days when floors rusted out, it was common to stick and old licence plate under the carpet.



LOL!

My buddy had a '67 GTO years ago. He used cardboard and tar in the trunk.