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Been a lurker on the forum for the past month as I look for my own C3. Checked out alot of them and finally found one that is in my price range with the options I want. Birdcage around windshield looked great with no noticable rust issues. There was a small amount of surface rust spread across frame, but nothing that couldnt be addressed in a garage. Was ready to purchase until I got the kick plate off...that one rust spot goes all the way through the metal.
I think I know the answer but what are your thoughts? Is this something that can be wire brushed and POR-15'd or should I just avoid. I plan on putting some significant money into this car over the years and using it as an almost daily driver. Removing the birdcage is out of the question for my skill set.
actually didn't get to look at other side, but I'm assuming it looks similar. 1972 SB all options numbers match $15k. Needs paint and ~3k interior work.
actually didn't get to look at other side, but I'm assuming it looks similar. 1972 SB all options numbers match $15k. Needs paint and ~3k interior work.
I've seen a lot worse but you need to look around it a little better. Very rare to find one in that era without some rust.
15k for a car that needs paint (5k-10k) and a new interior may be too steep of a price if the birdcage was solid. With the rust that is shown in the pic you uploaded, I'd pass on it and keep looking. I'd look for a more solid foundation if I were you.
15k for a car that needs paint (5k-10k) and a new interior may be too steep of a price if the birdcage was solid. With the rust that is shown in the pic you uploaded, I'd pass on it and keep looking. I'd look for a more solid foundation if I were you.
Hi C,
I too think you might want to continue looking.
I don't however agree with the thought that it's rare to find a car from that era that doesn't have some rust in the birdcage and or frame.
It may take some looking but they're certainly around.
I think the most important thing is to NOT get 'caught by surprise' and find rust in a car that you weren't prepared for.
Good Luck in your search!
Regards,
Alan
I don't however agree with the thought that it's rare to find a car from that era that doesn't have some rust in the birdcage and or frame.
It may take some looking but they're certainly around.
That`s EXACTLY why we bought what most would call a "basket case"... with no interior, no options, no trim, base 270 horse with automatic, AND a damaged front clip. The only thing it had going for it was a rust free frame & birdcage, and a numbers matching engine & drivetrain.
15 grand for what you`re describing seems pretty high to me!
If you don't mind me asking what year was this vette....? The reason I ask is because my 72 has the exact same color paint in the kick panel area...I thought it was from the factory that way but many experts said they were all painted with the same green primer in this area.
Another birdcage for your opinions. I will roll these up into an overall post once I get done. So far have evals on 2.
This one is from a 69 I am looking at. What are your thoughts? I feel like this one is decent and with a little clean up and treatment could be ok. Frame is in great condition and no other signs of rust damage around the windshield.
The pic is a little dark but I can see where you may have a patch repair to do in that #2 mount area. Even my CA-AZ car had a little surface rust in that area. Clean up was simply a little bead blasting. The good thing is you are aware of a potential issue, it looks like it could be fixed easily enough.
I don't however agree with the thought that it's rare to find a car from that era that doesn't have some rust in the birdcage and or frame.
It may take some looking but they're certainly around.
I have to agree with Alan. My 73 has no idea what rust is. It was sold new in Tucson AZ, then went to San Diego CA, and then to me in the Austin TX area. Rust free cars are out there.
Better shots of the driver and passenger side mounts. I don't mind something that needs a little clean up, but really want to avoid spending a ton on rebuilding. Thanks for the input guys.
I've seen worse though the rust looks a bit flakey. Is the metal solid around the mount? If the flakes are coming from the windshield frame there may be some issues up higher. If you place a piece of clean paper in that area, slam the door, do you get more rust flakes falling down?
Have you checked the lower windshield frame, just behind the hood surround? There's a wad of caulking the factory puts in that area which dries up and pulls away from the metal creating a pocket for dirt and moisture. If the birdcage has holes in that area, pulling the front clip is often the best way to make a long lasting fix. Project gets bigger.
Birdcage assessment
