Birdcage checking questions, rust, looking for
Thread Starter
Race Director
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 12,468
Likes: 1,548
From: Camp Verde AZ
C1 of Year Finalist (performance mods) 2019
2017 C1 of Year Finalist
Birdcage checking questions, rust, looking for
Without dissembling the car, where do I look besides the VIN area, and inside the Kick panel air vents for signs of possible rust? Typically, if the frame is spotless, no evidence of even surface rust, I look at VIN area, and poke around in the kick panel area, with a flash light to make sure condition is appropriate.
Any place else to look, check, that is accessible without taking the car apart? The under dashes on the C3 with A/C is much more crowded than C1 or C2 cars I have experience with.
So far, I have just looked at AZ cars with spotless frames, so a cursory BC inspection was all that was warranted; I am going to look at a car tomorrow that has a MO/IL history, so a much more detailed inspection should be done, i think.
Thanks,
Doug
Any place else to look, check, that is accessible without taking the car apart? The under dashes on the C3 with A/C is much more crowded than C1 or C2 cars I have experience with.
So far, I have just looked at AZ cars with spotless frames, so a cursory BC inspection was all that was warranted; I am going to look at a car tomorrow that has a MO/IL history, so a much more detailed inspection should be done, i think.
Thanks,
Doug
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,230
Likes: 4,324
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Doug,
If you get on the ground you can see a little bit of the rocker channels that are part of the birdcage and straddle the frame rails below the doors.
The frame blocks most of the view but you can see a bit. I'll post a picture with the frame out of the way to show you what you'll be looking at.
Another place to check for rust that's not part of the cage, but can be an indicator, is the lower part of the radiator core support. Do you now about that?
Regards,
Alan
If you get on the ground you can see a little bit of the rocker channels that are part of the birdcage and straddle the frame rails below the doors.
The frame blocks most of the view but you can see a bit. I'll post a picture with the frame out of the way to show you what you'll be looking at.
Another place to check for rust that's not part of the cage, but can be an indicator, is the lower part of the radiator core support. Do you now about that?
Regards,
Alan
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 676
Likes: 36
From: Usa
Birdcage Inspection
Doug
If the owner allows it I would also remove the # 3 body mount cover plate at the front side of the rear wheels. A little difficult to get at without removing the wheel but can be done with a 1/4" drive ratchet and socket.
If the owner allows it I would also remove the # 3 body mount cover plate at the front side of the rear wheels. A little difficult to get at without removing the wheel but can be done with a 1/4" drive ratchet and socket.
Pro
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 696
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From: Stavanger- Norway
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
One thing about rust no matter how it looks it's always a little (or a lot) worse once you start grinding and cutting.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,113
Likes: 35
From: LaUgH, mOrE!
Without dissembling the car, where do I look besides the VIN area, and inside the Kick panel air vents for signs of possible rust? Typically, if the frame is spotless, no evidence of even surface rust, I look at VIN area, and poke around in the kick panel area, with a flash light to make sure condition is appropriate.
Here is one showing light surface rust on the outside, but the insides are clean.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 769
Likes: 36
From: Goose Creek SC
That's a great point. Sometimes what looks like surface rust turns into pin holes and deep scale once you start working it with a wire brush or blaster.
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