1600 / 510

1967-1973 / Sedan / Japan

All 1600 / 510 problems All workshop issues

Critical Body and Structure

Rear Wheel Arch Corrosion

Symptoms

Bubbling paint, perforation, and structural weakening of the inner and outer rear wheel arches.

Cause

Road spray and debris accumulate between the inner and outer skins. The rear suspension mounting points are nearby, so severe rust can affect them.

Fix

Cut out and replace with new metal.

Some reproduction arch sections are available.

Cost: $500--1,500 per side.

Cost mentioned in fix

Cost: $500

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// More 1600 / 510 problems

Other known issues

Common Body and Structure

Floor Pan Corrosion

Soft, spongy, or perforated floor pans. Wet carpet after rain. Road noise increases noticeably as the floors thin. In extreme cases, the floor is partially or entirely gone.

Minor Body and Structure

Sill (Rocker Panel) Corrosion

The outer sill skin softens and crumbles. Door alignment changes as the inner sill structure weakens. The car may creak or flex over bumps.

Minor Body and Structure

Inner Guard and Strut Tower Corrosion

The inner front fenders around the MacPherson strut top mounts corrode and thin. In severe cases, the strut tower can deform under load.

Common Body and Structure

Spare Tyre Well Corrosion

The boot floor around the spare tyre well perforates. Water pools in the spare tyre recess.

Critical Engine -- L-Series (L16)

Oil Leaks

Oil seepage and dripping from multiple points on the engine. Common leak points: valve cover gasket, timing cover gasket, oil pan gasket, rear main seal, distributor shaft seal, cam seal.

Critical Engine -- L-Series (L16)

Timing Chain and Tensioner Wear

Rattling or slapping noise from the front of the engine, particularly on cold start. In severe cases, the chain skips a tooth, altering valve timing and potentially causing valve-to-piston contact.

View all 17 1600 / 510 problems