[southernstar]

ekam, the same rust proofing process has been used on all Porsches since, if I am not mistaken, 1975. Yes, as all panels are galvanized inside and out after assembly, the seams are also galvanized. It is a process that is also used by VW and it is why they are able to offer a 12 year, unlimited mileage anti-rust perforation warranty. While very efffective, it is far from perfect and, with the passage of time, many 911's from the late 70's and 80's are now showing rust perforation around the windshield, torsion bar covers, front valance, etc. In addition to the ravaages of time, exposure to salt and water will dramatically increase both the risk and extent of corrosion. In the short term, even stone chips are more apt to develop into rust blemishes if exposed to salt water.

This is to say nothing of the impact of the salt on mechanicals/suspension components, etc. Anyone who has worked on a car from Arizona (or which has never seen salt and seldom seen rain) will tell you how much easier it is to remove bolts, etc. The problem is, you guessed it, corrosion.

I don't know how many Porsche's you have seen with IMS problems (and I assume the number and percentage is small), but I can guarantee that there will be some corrosion, even if it has not yet perforated the metal, on any 986 Boxster that has been driven regularly in salt and snow.

Brad