Bird cage
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 750
Likes: 82
From: Bedford IN
Bird cage
Ok, so I hear people talk about the bird cage all of the time and i think I might be a little confused on what it is. Seems like people are either having to replace it or rebuild it..........not sure. help please
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 7
From: Chetwynd B.C.
Here is a link to a site I found that is VERY helpful in decscribing the birdcage and other spots to check for rust.
http://geocities.com/dilbertopotimus/index.html
shmoky
http://geocities.com/dilbertopotimus/index.html
shmoky
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,187
Likes: 7
From: Chetwynd B.C.
I think anything can be replaced. Just a matter of how much work it is. I have the same question though. How difficult/pricey is it to replace/repair the window frame? Basically from about half way up and across the top. (I am NOT a welder or fabricator) Thanx in advance.
shmoky
shmoky
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
You can price the new WS frame parts in catalogs like http://www.zip-corvette.com
The new parts will run a few hundred .... count on that much or more to install.
Best to make friends with someone that can do it or help.
At the least, try to cut the old one out without F-ing it up.
Take many measurements and record them before cutting.
You wanna get it back together with the same dimensions.
You could also purchase a used section for considerable savings
from a vette boneyard. I replaced mine about half-way up and
across with donor car parts. I was nervous, but it came out good.
The new parts will run a few hundred .... count on that much or more to install.
Best to make friends with someone that can do it or help.
At the least, try to cut the old one out without F-ing it up.
Take many measurements and record them before cutting.
You wanna get it back together with the same dimensions.
You could also purchase a used section for considerable savings
from a vette boneyard. I replaced mine about half-way up and
across with donor car parts. I was nervous, but it came out good.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
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Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
this is a birdcage.
This pic is of one from a C2 coupe but a C3 birdcage is very similar and the picture should give you at least a better understanding of what people are referring to.
It surrounds the passenger compartment and the body panels adhere to the birdcage.
This pic is of one from a C2 coupe but a C3 birdcage is very similar and the picture should give you at least a better understanding of what people are referring to.
It surrounds the passenger compartment and the body panels adhere to the birdcage.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
Now that's what I call a total rebuild...
The Hunter two-wheel Lite-A-Lign in the back of the shop is a nice touch.
The recommended Corvette alignment procedure with those things was to align the front, turn the car around and back it up onto the rack, then do the alignment procedure with the numbers reversed. Of course, this had the effect of having the wheels aligned to the frame, but not each other... 
The Hunter two-wheel Lite-A-Lign in the back of the shop is a nice touch.
The recommended Corvette alignment procedure with those things was to align the front, turn the car around and back it up onto the rack, then do the alignment procedure with the numbers reversed. Of course, this had the effect of having the wheels aligned to the frame, but not each other...