Rust experts - inside!!
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 690
Likes: 0
From: Madison WI
Rust experts - inside!!
Okay, so it appears I'm not done with rust yet!! After dumping a lot of money to fix the kick-ups and birdcage, I find this (no thanks to Corvette Sports for never discovering it!). It doesn't look too bad to me, but I thought I'd get an idea from you guys. Is this something that can be fixed with some wire brushing, cleaning, and POR-15? This is the only spot that my car leaks from - if you can't tell, it's right at the back of the T-bar, taken looking up from the cargo area. The glass that is visible in the pics is the rear window.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
If you brush it down you might find some small holes. Poke around with a screwdriver. If you hear a metallic sound the metal underneath is probably OK. If you hear a dull thud the metal is about to give out. The difference in sound is obvious. In any case that is only a small area so you should be able to repair it and get on to your next nightmare, I mean adventure. 
I thought I had a few small holes in the radiator support of the 72. After poking with the screwdriver I found I needed a new support.
Rick B.
I thought I had a few small holes in the radiator support of the 72. After poking with the screwdriver I found I needed a new support.
Rick B.
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,134
Likes: 935
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
What Ive used in the past is battery acid,it dissolves the rust and leaves virgin metal.The panel where the rust goes under will have to be removed to get at the rust.Being over head is a pain,the acid is like water so it will drip on whatever is under it.In cases like this Ive mixed 50/50 Navel Jelly and the acid.Believe me,this works.There used to be a product called Captain Lees that I got at the auto paint store but havent seen it in a while.
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,979
Likes: 384
From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
Por-15 Silver might be the way to go here. It has metal particles suspended in the mix for extra strength. I have used it with success. I'd go to the trouble of removing the stainless T section and attack the problem from both sides.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
That's not too bad ... easily cleaned up and coated.
I suspect your leak is coming in around the chrome moldings
that screw down along the rear edge of the Ttop openings.
There should be a sticky tar substance that seals them to the
birdcage halo.
This is what mine looks like ... and I'm not too worried.
http://nhvette.homeunix.com/ftp/in/rear_window_70_4.jpg
I suspect your leak is coming in around the chrome moldings
that screw down along the rear edge of the Ttop openings.
There should be a sticky tar substance that seals them to the
birdcage halo.
This is what mine looks like ... and I'm not too worried.
http://nhvette.homeunix.com/ftp/in/rear_window_70_4.jpg
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 690
Likes: 0
From: Madison WI
Thanks a lot for the responses everyone! My car is in the shop right now awaiting a new Eckler's L-88 hood to arrive and be fitted, and I'm having them check this out. I'd rather just have them deal with it while my car is there, as they have more experience with this kind of thing, but it's definitely good to know it shouldn't be too bad a process!
Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 14,134
Likes: 935
From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
..........When I replaced the windshield in my 84 last summer I found some rust in the frame.It took about 5 days to remove it.Once I was finished letting the acid soak the rust was gone,not converted,covered,gone.No more rust.
Last edited by Z51JEFF; Jun 13, 2006 at 10:47 AM.
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Race Director
Joined: Dec 2003
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From: Fremont Ca
2022 C4 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Originally Posted by ikwhite
Z51 did you use the 50/50 Navel Jelly method on your windshield frame or straight acid ?