DeTomaso Mailing List: April 1997, Message #175
     



From: DtomasoCat@aol.com

Subject: Re: GT5-S and Other Newer Cars

Date: Sat, 19 Apr 1997 23:53:59 -0400 (EDT)



Andy,



I drive my car about 12,000 miles a year and have even been caught in a

snowstorm in Vermont.  I caught that on film and it made the cover of PI #81.

I have driven in losts of adverse weather with the Pantera ( a '71) and have

no rust problems that I can see.  I check the undercarriage often for any

signs of rust and I make sure the drain holes (drilled by Pantera

Performance) in the frame areas are clear of any debris.



I have owned this Pantera 4 years now and traveled many miles and will

continue to do so.  It shows no sign of letting up.  My car has been

"Z-barted" which is some kind of rustproofing done in harsher climates to

prevent rust.  I have had two Panteras that were Z-barted and I have had

excellent luck with them both.  I must stress that living in New Mexico our

climate is pretty favorable toward the Pantera and "rust" is a foreign word

around here.  I don't have the slightest idea of what the cost to Z-bart a

car is but if you drive your car regularly in areas where salt is used to

clear roads I think I might look into it.



I don't know if later model Panteras had anything special done to them to

prevent rust but if they did, it might very well have been this product they

used.



Hope this helps,



Jim Demick