It's raining (in Los Angeles) and I need to take care of that rust!

[GreenMedallion]

Ok my 'new' 79 300td has a few rust spots bubbling up. Fairly isolated-

Rear, PS quarter panel, rust around all the holes for the side trim.

Front, between the windshield seal and the cowl vent.


My plan of action - remove windshield and get new seal (is leaking anyway!). Hopefully not find any rust under windshield seal. From what I can tell this leak has not been lasting long - there is no indication in the floorboards, or any other suspect areas, that the leak has been around long. Anyway, I will POR15 the pinch weld before the new windshield is put in. Then completely sand out all rust next to the cowl vent, seal with POR15 and prime for painting (some later time).

For the rear quarter panel, I plan the same. It seems I can access the interior side of this panel to eliminate any rust on that side as well. ONE problem - getting behind the area just about the rear tail light. Any ideas?

I hope to get it painted this summer. My questions, though-

Is my solution a temporary fix at best? My one concern is not getting behind the cowl vent areas to attack rust there. But if POR15 works as people seem to think it does I should be safe from rusty bubbles for the coming years, right?

Other option - completely replace rear quarter panel and cowl vent area. But, is that cowl area a body part you can find anywhere on its own? it seems its just pinch welded in.

My fear is a body shop repairing the rust alone this is going to cream me with a $2500 bill. Would having them replace the panels be a more economical option? Or do I just bite the bullet and let them do their thing. Also, this is my one and only car, so I cant lose it for a 3 weeks!