Rusty 308 exhaust shield?

I would just want to check the whole car for rust during the PPI. If it is just limited to that one area, like you said, an easy fix.

 

I would also check the muffler and cats to see if they got overly hot.

 

Mine did that. the muffler was actually touching the grill, the heat burned the paint off, the now unpainted metal rusts. re-adjust the muffler brackets and repaint the grill.

 

i looked at a 85' mondial that had the same problem. i've seen several 308's that have had similar rust on the muffler shield. (the two in rockford, illinois have it) i saw a couple 308's at ferrari dealers lake forest sportscars and continental autosports in the chicago suburbs which also have the same rust on the muffler shield. coincidence? not likely...

just an observation.

joe

 

Does the car have it's original exhuast set-up or an aftermarket style like tubi, or Ansa? The PO of my car had removed the original system and had 2 off the rack mufflers placed transversly in place of the orginal set up....

Late last summer the aft muffler developed a hole just about where your rust spot is. Perhaps theres a hole there (in the muffler) blowing condensation onto the shield and causing the rust?

 

Common problem, and easy fix. Get is bead blasted and powder coated. My 78 308GTS had no rust, but was starting to peel. The original paint was a very thick, almost vinyl like appearance, with a semi-gloss or satin finish (not flat). My painter friend bead blasted it, primed and painted with standard automotive paint...held up fine for the three years I had the car....but in hindsight, I should have had it powder coated, which I hear is much more durable finish.

 

Common problem on 308s.

As long as you have the stock muffler on, it will continue to touch the shield, heat it and burn the paint off. The stock muffler gets VERY hot when the car is at operating temp.

I replaced my stock muffler ('84 308) with a Tubi. It is smaller so it never touches the shield, runs MUCH cooler, and sounds better. There are other aftermarket mufflers available, and some guys even have exhaust shops fabricate custom mufflers. The point is, you need a muffler slightly smaller in diameter so that it doesn't come in contact with the shield.

Then send your shield to Jim Baber at www.superiorpowdercoating.com. He'll do a great job blasting it clean and powder coating it. And his prices can't be beat.

Phil

 

I was looking at my shield its got a few bolts but also rivets holding it place. Is this common or did somebody slap rivets for quick fix? It looks stock.