dreaded windshild frame rot, suggestions
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Boston ma
dreaded windshild frame rot, suggestions
I'm in the process of restoration on a 70 coupe. Upon removal of the header panel moulding...yup... big holes. The pillars are fine but the corners and about 3" into the header are rotted. I have found the replacement corners and header parts. Has anyone replaced these by just changing out the corners and a few inches of the header panel instead of pulling out the entire section ? the center is fine and it looks like it would be easier to splice into the header and not have to detach the t-top center section from the header and maintain some aligmnent.
Thoughts, experience ...etc.
Thoughts, experience ...etc.
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 2
From: walpole ma
I'm in the process of restoration on a 70 coupe. Upon removal of the header panel moulding...yup... big holes. The pillars are fine but the corners and about 3" into the header are rotted. I have found the replacement corners and header parts. Has anyone replaced these by just changing out the corners and a few inches of the header panel instead of pulling out the entire section ? the center is fine and it looks like it would be easier to splice into the header and not have to detach the t-top center section from the header and maintain some aligmnent.
Thoughts, experience ...etc.
Thoughts, experience ...etc.
You should do exactly what you are saying. Replace the affected area and leave the rest alone. The damage you are describing shouldnt be a difficult fix.
http://www.2ndgenrestorations.com
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 71
From: Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Here is another thread on that topic.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...al-advice.html
I welded in a cross brace on each corner, cut out the old sections and welded in the new. After your done grind the welds on the cross braces and take them out. I found an air chisel worked very well to separate the seams.
Here is one of my repairs:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-t...al-advice.html
I welded in a cross brace on each corner, cut out the old sections and welded in the new. After your done grind the welds on the cross braces and take them out. I found an air chisel worked very well to separate the seams.
Here is one of my repairs:
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,486
Likes: 71
From: Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
I believe they rust from the outside in so not sure if that is an issue. I did spray some rust encapsulater into the header and pillar areas that I could get to. I plan on sealing the metal on the outside as well as I can and try to keep the car dry.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 171
Likes: 0
From: Boston ma
bird cage
Thanks Guys,
I was able to remove the original windshield ( in one piece) and can clearly see it is just the corners. I have them on order and will procede.
Thanks for the help.....i'll be back if all does not go well.
thanks...
I was able to remove the original windshield ( in one piece) and can clearly see it is just the corners. I have them on order and will procede.
Thanks for the help.....i'll be back if all does not go well.
thanks...
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Racer
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 394
Likes: 0
From: Jackson, MS USA
The windshield frame pieces are spot welded each other. Just get your AIM out and determine general locations for the weld. Then if you have access to a sandblaster blast a little to locate the welds on your car. Drill the welds out and use an air hammer or a panel seperation knife and a BFH to seperate the frame. This way you can remove only the pieces you want. Hope that helps.
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 156
Likes: 1
From: Edgewood Kentucky
My corners weren't real bad, so I just ground out all the bad sections, then cut pieces of sheet metal to fit the holes. It takes some time and pretty good welding but it was easier than taking it all apart and getting it all lined up, plus I didn't have to buy the corners.
P.S. don't start your car on fire welding it
P.S. don't start your car on fire welding it