The car's located in northern Ohio. We use plenty of salt up here. I agree the rust is troubling. When you say investigate thoroughly, do you mean checking other places on the car, or trying to determine how extensive those 2 particular spots are?

I understand the maintenance issue. I think any used vehicle by the time it reaches 150k+ will have its share of issues that need addressed to keep it on the road.


Is there anything I should check in regards to the engine? I have no way of knowing if the engine was properly maintained-- I believe it was, but being unfamiliar with these vehicles, is there any particular tell-tale signs to look for?


Also, did the 78 engines come with a cast iron head? Any manufacturing oddities I should be aware of with these?