Windscreen pillar repairs

[Gavin Powell]

I have looked at quite a few cars with a view to purchase.

So far I have yet to find a sound car in my budget (appx 12.5k)

I am currently considering a car advertised locally which on the surface appears in good well cared for condition.
That is with the exception of the bottom of the windscreen pillars…….

it is advertised over my budget. My heart says walk away unless I fancy a large repair bill. Is it something most restorers rub their hands together at?

regards

Gav

[DMT]

You don't have any pic's do you Gav?

[Gavin Powell]

Got caught up in the moment and didn’t take any photos. The car is advertised at HPC classics in Eastbourne. If you zoom into their photos the pillar looks to be perforated inside the door shut and likely under the corner of the screen also.

[len]

It sounds like a screen out to do it properly ,by the time you do the repairs and get the screen frame painted, I would guess it could be £1000.

[new to this]

Ive got my passengers side to repair,havent taken the rain gutters of yet to see how bad or not it is

[Goldstar]

Not an easy job. If you find Drew’s Blue Bavarian stag thread he did a similar repair. Depending where it is there may be 3 thicknesses of metal including a top hat shaped strengthener. I wouldn’t be buying a car for more than your budget needing that repair. Wait a while and find a better one.

[marshman]

That's a lot of money for a car that needs that sort of repair. If the rust is bubbling through there then there is no telling what is hidden under the shiny paint elsewhere. I would walk away at that money but then again I haven't seen the car in the flesh. If you are still interested in it have a good look up under the dash at the top of the bulkhead to assess the amount of rust under there and see if it has been filled/repaired before and have a really good look over the rest of the car to make sure there are no more hidden horrors, lift the carpets, lift up the rear seat base, look in the hood well - all the hidden spots. How long ago was it resprayed? The longer ago the better in my opinion, gives any covered over rust longer to appear back at the surface.

f you are not sure then leave it. As Goldstar says buying a car above your budget that needs that sort of work is a dangerous thing to do, once they start digging there is no limit to how far it will go!

Just my 2p worth

[mole42]

I would be very cautious about a Stag with screen pillar problems. The design of the car is such that you'll need both front wings off to repair the screen properly and that will reveal other corrosion to the door pillars and sills. Expect a repair bill in excess of the purchase price of the car.

[Gavin Powell]

Thanks to you all for your feedback. It has reinforced my thoughts. Walk away.

Someone will buy it I am sure, but not for that money.

many thanks

Gav