Hi, new to the site as i'm seriously thinking about buying a barchetta, so seemed like a good move. Still looking for the right car but one thing this site has alerted me to, is that barchettas RUST. I wasn't expecting to find this as i believed they were galvanised from new. How big a problem is this and are cars from different countriies better protected from the factory than others?, thanks Bag

All cars rust and galvanizing them does not solve the problem, it help for sure but once you break through the coating it's gone.

I believe the later models post 2000 have better paint coatings etc, but the original ones built by Magora coach builders are better quality cars. They went bankrupt in the late 90's and fiat took back production. The build quality was not as good. I speak from experience from owing one from 97 and one from 2002, my 97 is far better. You need to look at all the cars, wheel arches and sills. I have seen perfect 1995 models with no rust. Like any car , it's how it's looked after. My 2002 started to rust after 4yrs. only minor and I had it sorted.


Good luck and shop around. Look inside the rear arches.

Galvanising does not stop rust, it just slows down the oxidisation process so the manufacturer can give a 7 year anti-perforation warranty.
The Barchetta rots on the offside rear arch from the inside out. This is due to the fuel filler pipe routing directly above the arch, I'm still not sure if its leaking or fuel vapours escaping which causes the paint to deteriorate and the metal to oxidise.

I have a 53 Reg and no rust to speak of yet - knock on wood!

Checked behind the rear Bulkhead?

afroking said:

Checked behind the rear Bulkhead?

Click to expand...

Do you have photo's of this location? What's a bulkhead?

A bulkhead is a structural part of the monocoque which acts as a partition from the occupants and the fuel tank (behind the driver's seat).
To remove the panel you must first remove the trim behind the seats, then remove the b-pillar trims each side.
Then there are probably around 10 13mm (I think) bolts you need to remove and slide out the panel to expose the fuel tank and rear arches.

I understand. The panel you have to remove to get to see the fuel tank.
So the barchetta's potentially rust behind them? Never heard that before.
Got any pictures of damage?

mine is '96 and i did not notice rust behind plate, but when i remove floors there was some rusty points (have cracks in floor) as well in boot where spare tire is. but nothing alert. on spring will completely repair that.

i dont have rust, ehh well dont think so, but i do have a fuel leak that is seeping down and onto garage floor. On inspection all pipes etc appear ok, it appears to be coming from the tank area.

So do i need to remove the seats first to get access to the rear bulkhead or not ???

First check all fuel lines under the car. check the fuel filter etc. If it's really dripping I don't think it will come from the tank area as it's sealed and you will get much more of a gasoline scent in the car.