OK -
My friends think I'm worried for nothing, but I'm worried.

My sedan is in excellent condition - the engine and tranny have 107K well-attended-to miles. The interior is like new -really. The body and paint look great. But there is the little fact that very early in its life (previous owner - an old lady), the car was hit in the rear driver's side quarter panel, and new sheet metal was welded on.

In general, I've admired the body work, but noticed that the weld where the panel meets the rear post is rusting. On the outside of the car, there is little evidence of this - just some small bumps at the seam - all under the paint. But I took the seat belt spool cover off the inside, and saw that there was indeed some rust along the weld.

I've read here that new skin often develops this kind of rust problem. What can I do - stop the progression of rust some how? Have a body shop re-weld it and seal it up with paint? How much might this cost? Am I over-reacting? I bought this car to run 10 - 15 years...perhaps its time to look out for a 5-speed?

Thanks for your replies.
-pu
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((1993 245 Classic, 95K)) ((1992 244, 107K)) ((1987 245, 271K - RIP)) San Diego