[frictioncircle]

I was looking at an '84 carrera on ebay with 98000 miles. The black strip on top of the front bumper is badly wrinkled. Owner swears there is no rust. What else if anything could cause this? I've seen some older 911's that had no evidence of warping.
Andy

[William Miller]

That's the typicle cause. There is a metal strip inside the "smile" which keeps it flat. When it begins to rust, that's when it also buckles, If your lucky, you could take it off and sort of reform it if there is more metal than rust. If mostly rust it will just flop arround.

I spent some time searching, what are you looking for? How much you want to spend?

[frictioncircle]

Originally Posted by William Miller

That's the typicle cause. There is a metal strip inside the "smile" which keeps it flat. When it begins to rust, that's when it also buckles, If your lucky, you could take it off and sort of reform it if there is more metal than rust. If mostly rust it will just flop arround.

I spent some time searching, what are you looking for? How much you want to spend?

I'm the guy with the "no targas" thread in the cars wanted forum. I'd like to spend less than 15k, but could go over that for the right car

[Charlie Stylianos]

It's rust and is typical. The rubber does let some moisture through and after 20 years, the metal strip inside the rubber 'smile' will begin to rust..... probably just chunks of brown oxidized metal remains now. I had the same issue and just replaced the smile. I can honestly say my car is pretty clean and don't know/seen any other rust in/around the vehicle. Don't let this scare you.