Technical potential buy - underbody rust

[bmzomer]

Hi Everyone,
I am concerned about some underbody rust on a potential buy.
Attached are some pictures, and I would appreciate it if anyone would care to take a look at them to offer opinion.
The current owner had supposedly kept the car in a garage while not adding too many KM to the vehicle since he bought it 13 years ago.
The car was completely undercoated against rust which makes it difficult to know what the actual situation is. But when looking into the inside of the back wheel arches, I could notice rust flakes coming from the flange running through the middle arch. When the car was put on a lift, the most serious rust showed to be around the jacking points (see pictures).
I realize the only way of telling the true condition of the vehicle is by taking a look at it. I'm just wondering if the pictures can tell you something. Apart from 2-3 rust bubbles the rest of the car body looks in a good shape.
Thanks

 

[Ffoxy]

Rust is always a risk, I've found under seal (especially the old type from 70's) can just hide rot that has been a created by water being held inside it after poor application on an older car rather than from brand new.
Just be prepared for some surprises (shocks lol) and you can't go too far wrong if in general it looks OK and it's mechanically sound.
Keep some budget aside for some cutting and welding but I'd suggest a proper acid bath to strip it bare so you know what you actually have to deal with.

At some point you will have to commit though... How much do ya want it?

PS.... What is it?

 

[s and b]

if the pictures are like the rest of the car then i would be wary
i would agree that rust is under the coating whether new or old
a good scraping would probably have this underseal coming off in sheets
the chassis picture is a good indicator of what you will probably find elsewhere
i equate it to it sweating whilst stood

i would proceed with extreme caution
if it was a punto i would be prodding it hard especially on things like sills and suspension,seat belt areas

 

[FiatBen]

If you can see some rust, I can almost guarantee there is a lot more rust that is unseen, especially in the undercoating. You have to decide if you're looking for a car to drive, or if you enjoy undertaking a project. There are plenty of Fiat Spider forums with information and encouragement on dealing with any rust issues. If the price is right and you don't mind the work, then go for it.