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Last week I bought my dream car, a 1978 Corvette that I thought was in great condition. Before I purchased it I made sure to check the frame and made my best attempt to check the birdcage, and everything looked great as I saw no rust. However, today when I took the kick panels out I was shocked to find a fair amount of rust at the bottom as well as up the frame on the kick panel. There’s not a whole lot on the driver side, but the passenger side has me worried as it extends from the A pillar down to the bottom on the kick panel. I’ve cleaned it out and for the most part from what I can tell is it’s all surface rust and it’s passed the ol screwdriver integrity test, but I’m still worried since I know this is a major issue. My question is whether or not this is a dealbreaker and I should sell the car, or something I can brush down and paint with some rust remover and call it a day? Like I said it appears to be mainly surface rust and definitely seems strong and the car overall is in great shape so I’d hate to get rid of it unless I have too, but I value safety among all else.
I'm unsure where on the this pic is taken but I'm thinking that the rusty looking piece is part of the weatherstripping. If so, these commonly rust out, are nothing structural, and are simple to replace.
Like others mentioned, the pics look like you really don't have a problem. If you're concerned you can brush/spray on a rust converter -- look at Eastwood for a number of product choices. You have two more areas to really try to examine: 1) the windshield frame across the top and about 1/2 way down the sides. Not the easiest to see but from the outside you can shine a strong light to see in there a bit or remove the inside trim; and 2) the area behind the t-tops. This spot is less likely to be rusted but you can tell something is up by a blistered and flaky joint between the t-top chrome and the body. I'll wager you don't have any serious issue going on by the looks of the body mounting areas.
The rust you now have is NOT a problem. But just putting rust converter on what you have will not guarantee further rusting will not occur. It WILL assure that the present rust will not progress. But the issue is "how well sealed are your windshield, wiper well, and cowl area"? While you are in there, do a really good job of assessing integrity of those critical areas. You are getting some small amount of water in the interior or there would be NO rust. Make sure it will not worsen and you can feel even better about it.
Any tips on products you used to clean it up? I hopefully plan to work on it today or tomorrow.
i would brass brush it and leave it..and keep dry..
sounds like it bothers you so...(i understand)
tape off rubber, brass brush all loose material..
vacuum, wipe with wax and grease remover...
go to lowes.. get INDUSTRIAL rustoleum semi gloss..black..
mask off rubber, and any GOOD black there now and the white goop....(not too critical..)
take a paper towel roll (or make a tube from cardboard..and use it as a spray bomb control (about an inch away from surface or control as needed) and dust area black.. (not a lot).. pull tape.. enjoy
Last edited by interpon; Mar 29, 2021 at 02:41 PM.
1978 Kick Panel Birdcage Rust
