When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
in process of selling my 71 and buyer said I need to come down $1500 to have the ribbits redone under the fiberglass as they are rusting and causing the humps. I had a 68 back in the 70's ( wasn't that old then) and it also showed the bumps. Is this a big thing and needs attention or is this common for these years? thank you
From: Loud, Raw and Dangerous 1968 327 4S in Southern California
Yes....somewhat common. I looked for a car that did not have them when I bought mine as it did bother me and indicated there might be rust issues. Meet half way at $750 off perhaps.
It's a pretty common problem for the rivets used to attach top surround reinforcement to corrode, and show up as a row of raised dots across the nose. In 73, Chevrolet rectified the situation by bonding the reinforcement to the nose, instead of riveting it.
The only way to correct it is to drill out the rivets, fill the holes, bond the reinforcement to the surround panel, and repaint the nose. The odds are pretty good that the reinforcement's rusted enough to need replacing, at the same time the repairs are done. I think $1500 could be low to do the repairs, on a car that's otherwise finished, and not in need of repairs or paint work.
I was thinking the same thing.... $1500 is being generous. I`d think it`d cost more than that! And those arguments about them being a "badge of honor", or indicating the car never got hit.... would never hold water with me. They NEED to be fixed! That`s like saying faded paint proves it`s original.... truth is, it needs paint!
I was thinking the same thing.... $1500 is being generous. I`d think it`d cost more than that! And those arguments about them being a "badge of honor", or indicating the car never got hit.... would never hold water with me. They NEED to be fixed! That`s like saying faded paint proves it`s original.... truth is, it needs paint!
I would trade my my frame off restored car with a replacement frame and front clip for a similar vehicle with original paint and rivets showing. All day every day.
I was thinking the same thing.... $1500 is being generous. I`d think it`d cost more than that! And those arguments about them being a "badge of honor", or indicating the car never got hit.... would never hold water with me. They NEED to be fixed! That`s like saying faded paint proves it`s original.... truth is, it needs paint!
Ok this gives me a peculiar question.
I was under the pretense my car is 100% original, down to the paint and weatherstripping. The thing is, a prominent car restorer told me my front clip was replaced when I showed him the car.
Here's the OTHER thing, my car still has the rivets.
So, would a replaced front clip have the rivet showing?
I was under the pretense my car is 100% original, down to the paint and weatherstripping. The thing is, a prominent car restorer told me my front clip was replaced when I showed him the car.
Here's the OTHER thing, my car still has the rivets.
So, would a replaced front clip have the rivet showing?
I'd say it's quite possible. If the nose was replaced with a used nose, it would likely still have the riveted reinforcement, or if it was replaced using original GM parts. It may be an aftermarket nose too. The aftermarket noses also came with the reinforcement, and were likely installed with rivets, just like the factory. Today every aftermarket company bonds the reinforcement in, but that may not have always been the case.
I'd say it's quite possible. If the nose was replaced with a used nose, it would likely still have the riveted reinforcement, or if it was replaced using original GM parts. It may be an aftermarket nose too. The aftermarket noses also came with the reinforcement, and were likely installed with rivets, just like the factory. Today every aftermarket company bonds the reinforcement in, but that may not have always been the case.
Interesting. Would posting photos help determine whether or not its original or not? It was a former NCRS show car, so originality matters a lot to me.
It's a pretty common problem for the rivets used to attach top surround reinforcement to corrode, and show up as a row of raised dots across the nose. In 73, Chevrolet rectified the situation by bonding the reinforcement to the nose, instead of riveting it.
would a replaced front clip have the rivet showing?
Originally Posted by gbvette62
I'd say it's quite possible. If the nose was replaced with a used nose, it would likely still have the riveted reinforcement.
Mine did. Our car had fiberglass damage to the nose when we bought it. So I picked up another 71 front clip.... and it had rivet bumps. But it was easier to fix being off the car, I was able to lay it upside down on the garage floor.
Given the number of odd things I've found on my 81 I wouldn't be surprised if this is the result of some past work. But it seems to be rivets showing through. The first photo almost looks like a square drive screw. I should check from below what it looks like. (other that a little rusted)
Given the number of odd things I've found on my 81 I wouldn't be surprised if this is the result of some past work. But it seems to be rivets showing through. The first photo almost looks like a square drive screw. I should check from below what it looks like. (other that a little rusted)
Ribbits by headlights showing bumps- normal?
