Patch or replace?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 287
Likes: 0
From: Baton Rouge Louisiana
Patch or replace?
I finally got the windsheild out so I can see the full extent of the rust on the windshield pillar.
Can a patch be welded in, or do I need to replace the section? Also, you can see a little rust at the base of the A pillar by the top of the fender. Can this be patched without removing the fender? Or would it get too hot and melt the fiberglass? About the only other rust is on the cowl above the steering wheel. This was under the base of the windshield
TIA
Jeff
Can a patch be welded in, or do I need to replace the section? Also, you can see a little rust at the base of the A pillar by the top of the fender. Can this be patched without removing the fender? Or would it get too hot and melt the fiberglass? About the only other rust is on the cowl above the steering wheel. This was under the base of the windshield
TIA
Jeff
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 389
Likes: 1
From: Sarasota Florida
Depends what the surrounding metal is like. I had the same issue with a 68. Corner of windshield post had to be replaced because it was too far gone, nothing sound to weld to, on the post area the surrounding metal was good, so I made a patch and butt welded them in, grind down the welds and you can't even tell there was a repair. Coated whole frame with a rust preventive coating that fills minor pitting. With a lot of other things there is more then one way to kill a cat, of course replacing the frame is the best.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,045
Likes: 4
From: Yorktown VA
NCM Sinkhole Donor
Just a thought, (and I'm by no means an expert) but couldn't you wrap the portion of the fender with heat tape like you find on headers? Would that protect it enough while you weld? Just wondering.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 389
Likes: 1
From: Sarasota Florida
Corner is cut to gain access to the area, then after the repair is bonded back in. If you have access and are worried about heat, just tack your patch in, taking lot of time between welds, then go back and tack back in between your first tack welds, (you are stitch welding) I used my air line to cool the welds works great.
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Safety Car
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 4,176
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From: Jennings LA
Originally Posted by Blair Winch Project
You don't have to remove the whole fender to work in the corner. Some people cut off the corner of the fender and bond it back on after the metal is repaired.
Rick B.
Rick B.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
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From: I can walk to MA
Originally Posted by gator79
thats what I did, mine is still off if you ned a picture
At a minimum, you should cut the corner off the fender, as pulling the entire nose is an ordeal.
You are almost guaranteed to have significant rust under the fender also.
That is too far gone to quickly patch. I think Monty posted recently on his lower corner repairs.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1304846
Lemme see if I can find a pic of what I mean ....
Here is the lower passenger side that you could see before removing the nose:
Here's what it looked like under the triangular fender mounting piece:
Last edited by NHvette; May 18, 2006 at 02:08 PM.