C3Optimist

This 1969 is absolutely gorgeous but has one problem area that I can't get over.

The vacuum-compartment concealing the windshield wipers was removed in '73 and the car stored outside for c. 6 years, but was then garaged afterwards. Clearly some water has got in and around the lower windshield area during the time it was outside. See pictures below.

How concerned should I be? Is this a deal-breaker? Would love to know what you guys think. Is this surface rust? Simple discoloration?

The birdcage was recently rated as in 'excellent' condition by a reputable local mechanic...which has me even more confused.

stingr69

If the birdcage is good, that is huge. If the rest checks out you should be fine. Just looks dirty from here.

Look harder. Any water inside the cabin?

C3Optimist

None - inside of the cabin very dry.

But on another note - Is this not the front of the birdcage? Sorry if that's a stupid question, this is my first rodeo. I was under the impression that what I was looking at here was the front of the birdcage.

Primoz

Remove the #2 or body mount inside cover/kick panel and look for rust.
Also, was the car covered for those 6 years?

C3Optimist

If I go back for a second look / to commit to it, I definitely will remove the kick panel felt nervous about asking the owner to remove it on first look.

I don't think it was covered, no.

kenba

Doesn't look bad to me. Check the windshield pillars under the trim around the upper windshield & the frame.

Primoz

Removing the pillar post trim and front header trim will reveal a lot!

C3Optimist

Do you have examples of what these pieces look like? This was my first corvette viewing. Thanks!

Primoz

C3Optimist

That is a fantastically useful reply. Thanks man.

What I am gathering is - people are much more concerned about rust around the windshield pillars + on top of the windshield rather than potential rust at the bottom of the windshield by the wipers?

Can anyone shed some light on why this might be?

Primoz

Don't get it wrong. The whole birdcage is an issue but you can't inspect it all when the car is assembled. Birdcage is green color in the pictures. Chasis is black!

C3Optimist

Got it. So what's the name for the discolored area in my original pictures?

Primoz

Nothing special. Windshield wiper area or under windshield etc.

Easy Mike

Not quite. The wiper trough is actually a fiberglass closing panel.

C3Optimist

So that would imply there is no metal exposed around the wiper area? That's certainly good to hear!

Primoz

You can see where the metal finishes in this picture:




The metal finishes where the rivets are seen.
Check the link to see more:
http://www.corvette-restoration.com/...rame-painting/

derekderek

Read. https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-corvette.html. Also what you have showed us is gummed up, not scary.

C3Optimist

Hey Derek, I have indeed read that - thanks. It was the first resource I looked at online when I begun looking at this as a potential project.

C3Optimist

You are the man! That makes it very clear, thanks

theandies

"Birdcage":