Windshield frame rot
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 724
Likes: 112
From: Austin TX area
Windshield frame rot
Hi, 78 upper inside windshield section has holes which I can put 3 fingers in. Want to repair so therefore I am looking for a donor. I have been offered a 82 "tub". I assume that is the same as the birdcage? Before we go cutting it up, can anyone tell me if the 82 upper windshield section is the same as a 78? My concern is where the T Tops go in. The car is presently in storage and not accessible. I plan to have a local shop do the replacement and I am not comfortable attempting this. Thanks for your help, Bill
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,443
Likes: 326
From: Indy Indiana
those upper corners are available new from the parts vendors..
anything more than just replacing the corners will mean a major cost escalation and VIN tag issues that you must consider.
also, from my experience, any car with windshield frame rust issues will also have equivalent birdcage and frame rust issues.
anything more than just replacing the corners will mean a major cost escalation and VIN tag issues that you must consider.
also, from my experience, any car with windshield frame rust issues will also have equivalent birdcage and frame rust issues.
Drifting
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 1,270
Likes: 4
From: Celeste Texas
I had a "reputable" place do that for my 72. He cut the corners of the fiberglass fenders off so he could work on the metal. When he put the fiberglass corners back in they are not straight with the hood opening anymore. Each side comes in just enough that the screw heads for the trim wont fit in the opening anymore. I didn't notice it until long after we had quit fighting about other things. If they cut your fender make sure they put a rigid straightedge in to hold them where they belong.
Bill
Bill
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 724
Likes: 112
From: Austin TX area
Joe, Texas, Thanks for the advice. Actually the rot is inboard from the corners. I met with two local shops in the twin cities area. Both are known for working on Corvettes. Both recommend finding a donor windshield frame and not go with new corners. They would cut the frame around the middle of each pillar. The cut would not be a straight through cut but rather a step cut as this will be easier to weld in the donor frame and stronger. Both said going with pieces from from the vendors would take longer and be more expensive as much more labor is involved.
Still trying to determine is an 82 windshield frame is the same as a 78.
Still trying to determine is an 82 windshield frame is the same as a 78.
Last edited by kingkohlmn; Jan 29, 2017 at 11:56 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,110
Likes: 4,173
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi k,
I'll ask the same question that jw did…. have you taken all the exterior trim off the windshield, and the interior dash and kick panels out of the car so you can get a good look at the extent of the rust?
Has the windshield been removed?
I also agree with jw that it will be unusual for there to be that much rust (3 finger hole) up high, and no rust further down where the water was headed or ended up.
You really need to see the entire hinge pillar and #2 body mount to be sure you've caught/stopped all the rust.
Just reminding you to be thorough !! Rust has a nasty reputation for being pervasive.
Regards,
Alan
I'll ask the same question that jw did…. have you taken all the exterior trim off the windshield, and the interior dash and kick panels out of the car so you can get a good look at the extent of the rust?
Has the windshield been removed?
I also agree with jw that it will be unusual for there to be that much rust (3 finger hole) up high, and no rust further down where the water was headed or ended up.
You really need to see the entire hinge pillar and #2 body mount to be sure you've caught/stopped all the rust.
Just reminding you to be thorough !! Rust has a nasty reputation for being pervasive.
Regards,
Alan
Last edited by Alan 71; Jan 29, 2017 at 02:11 PM.
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 724
Likes: 112
From: Austin TX area
Thank you Alan, to answer your questions:
have you taken all the exterior trim off the windshield. No, but when we go to fix the rot, we will have to remove the windshield and yes there may be more surprises.
the interior dash and kick panels out of the car so you can get a good look at the extent of the rust? Yes, two years ago, when I was changing the AC wiring harness. I decided to change the cracked upper windshield trim. That is when I found the rot. I did not see any rot down lower and I had both shops check the kick panels.
Has the windshield been removed? No, but it will be to fix the rot.
Thanks Bill
have you taken all the exterior trim off the windshield. No, but when we go to fix the rot, we will have to remove the windshield and yes there may be more surprises.
the interior dash and kick panels out of the car so you can get a good look at the extent of the rust? Yes, two years ago, when I was changing the AC wiring harness. I decided to change the cracked upper windshield trim. That is when I found the rot. I did not see any rot down lower and I had both shops check the kick panels.
Has the windshield been removed? No, but it will be to fix the rot.
Thanks Bill
Last edited by kingkohlmn; Jan 29, 2017 at 06:26 PM.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,847
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Post some pictures so we can take a look at the damage. If you have a good welder you can do this job yourself... The header is pretty much the same from 1968-1982 and while there are a few differences from year to year the main bar is the same. (You have to trim some metal away for coupes but it's not that hard).
I worked with this header and the current reproduction for about six months making sure the current part is 100 percent correct too. In my opinion, if the rot is limited to just the upper and/or the corners I'd replace them vs. welding in a patch.
Either way.. if you decide to do this repair, you should read this first.
1968-1982 Corvette Windshield Frame Installation
The parts you may need can be found here: https://willcoxcorvette.com/catalogs...c_part_year=19
I worked with this header and the current reproduction for about six months making sure the current part is 100 percent correct too. In my opinion, if the rot is limited to just the upper and/or the corners I'd replace them vs. welding in a patch.
Either way.. if you decide to do this repair, you should read this first.
1968-1982 Corvette Windshield Frame Installation
The parts you may need can be found here: https://willcoxcorvette.com/catalogs...c_part_year=19
Last edited by Willcox Corvette; Jan 29, 2017 at 06:54 PM.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 189
Likes: 24
From: Herndon VA
Pretty sure they sell just about all of the parts to replace different sections of the windshield frame including the pillars. I might be wrong, but you got Willcox here so I am sure he can help you. Hope you don't find too much rust. Good luck
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