Checking sunroof/roofskin for rust?

[c0rbin9]

I just bought an E30 that I thought was cleaner than it was. The car is pretty nice except for some major water leaks. The one I'm most worried about is the sunroof. I'd like to check the sunroof area for rust.

Is there a good way to do this? My main concern is the roofskin, as I understand it is the only part that would require major surgery. The headliner is already trashed... I assume I can just rip it off around the sunroof and take a peak? Is there anything wrong with this approach? How do I get the foam covering crap off?

Any help appreciated.

[mcm185]

Hello fellow houstonian...

The headliner attaches around the sunroof area by clamping between the sunroof frame and the roof. If you losen the screws that hold the sunroof together you could probably get in there with an inspection mirror to see what is going on.

[roguetoaster]

Use an endoscope (or inspection camera), preferably one with a light. They're not too expensive for a decent one, and should come in handy for a myriad of automotive tasks.

[c0rbin9]

Thanks for the replies. After work today I tore into the the trashed headliner and rotting foam where I thought rust might be and... drumroll... didn't find any!

So I'm glad about that but I'm also not sure if I checked thoroughly enough. This weekend I will be pulling the carpet (or maybe just trying to, lol) and maybe I'll be able to really check it then.

[c0rbin9]

Found out this evening that the previous owner just installed a newer carpet over the old ratty one. See that's what happens when you don't plan your modz.