Checking birdcages using inspection cameras
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Way out here, Arizona
Checking birdcages using inspection cameras
How useful are those digital inspection cameras for inspecting the amount of rust in the birdcage areas? Is there enough room above the interior kick panels to probe with a flexible camera cable to see anything? Or will I still have to remove parts to properly inspect a car for rust?
I ask as I've been looking for a 68-72 Corvette lately and rather than asking owners to remove panels I thought it might be better to bring an inspection camera/borescope along. I just don't know if there is enough room to get in and use them without doing disassembly. Of course, they'd be handy to have for other uses in auto repair as well so I did order one. I was just wanting to know how much value they'd be to bring one along when I go to look at a potential purchase,.
I ask as I've been looking for a 68-72 Corvette lately and rather than asking owners to remove panels I thought it might be better to bring an inspection camera/borescope along. I just don't know if there is enough room to get in and use them without doing disassembly. Of course, they'd be handy to have for other uses in auto repair as well so I did order one. I was just wanting to know how much value they'd be to bring one along when I go to look at a potential purchase,.
Last edited by brandyspaw; Feb 16, 2019 at 08:14 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,258
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From: Lake Tahoe, CA
How useful are those digital inspection cameras for inspecting the amount of rust in the birdcage areas? Is there enough room above the interior kick panels to probe with a flexible camera cable to see anything? Or will I still have to remove parts to properly inspect a car for rust?
I ask as I've been looking for a 68-72 Corvette lately and rather than asking owners to remove panels I thought it might be better to bring an inspection camera/borescope along. I just don't know if there is enough room to get in and use them without doing disassembly. Of course, they'd be handy to have for other uses in auto repair as well so I did order one. I was just wondering know how much value they'd to bring along when I go to look at a potential purchase,.
I ask as I've been looking for a 68-72 Corvette lately and rather than asking owners to remove panels I thought it might be better to bring an inspection camera/borescope along. I just don't know if there is enough room to get in and use them without doing disassembly. Of course, they'd be handy to have for other uses in auto repair as well so I did order one. I was just wondering know how much value they'd to bring along when I go to look at a potential purchase,.
Good Luck
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 14,948
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From: NYC NY
You may find this recent C2 Forum thread useful.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-birdcage.html
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-birdcage.html
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 1,857
Likes: 332
From: Cartersville GA
Yes.....There is room to go up and over the kick panel trim. I did exactly that on my 72 when I bought it.....The guy did have a lift so I got a good look underneath. Even if they will not allow you to take off the inside trim around the windshield ask to remove and put back each screw. All holes should still have good threads left.
Brian
Brian
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Joined: Aug 2011
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From: Way out here, Arizona
Thanks to all for the info. I'll certainly ask if they'll let me remove the trim to get a better idea of the condition but I want something just in case. For example, I just looked at a Corvette and the seller refused to allow me to remove anything. But then I think the birdcage wasn't the only thing he was trying to hide so that car was scratched off the short list.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
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From: PHOENIX AZ. WHAT A MAN WON"T SPEND TO GIVE HIS ASS A RIDE
2 points here. First if you look under the car & if the frame is nice & clean with minimal surface rust then it's probably not a problem if rusty or painted black it needs checked big time. Second look at the A pillars & windshield header bar. If you can feel rust or have some fall off if you rub your fingers under the plastic trim or see rust or bubbling down the A pillars there is probably rust all the way to the front body mount. I have looked at many C-3'S that had nice frames even the ones from the south that had nice frames but rusty Windshield frames which are a bitch to repair. You don't need a scope or tear hell out of a guys Corvette. I would never let someone tear parts off my cars. Put it on a lift & look with 7 of your expert buddies but except removing the air cleaner I would not remove a screw.
