C3 General General C3 Corvette Discussion not covered in Tech
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

C3 Windshield Frame

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old May 4, 2021 | 03:41 AM
  #1  
Dhoward's Avatar
Dhoward
Thread Starter
1st Gear
 
Joined: May 2021
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Default C3 Windshield Frame

I bought a 72 convertible and discovered that the upper windshield frame (sides and top) are completely rusted out. I understand that this is somewhat typical but a bummer.

Can anyone tell me what years have the exact same frame that could be used to replace my rusted one? I found one for sale in my area that is listed as matching for a 78-82, and it looks like it might be the same, but I am not sure.

Looking for help to determine what years would work as an exact replacement.

Thanks Everyone!
Reply
Old May 4, 2021 | 07:25 AM
  #2  
AllC34Me's Avatar
AllC34Me
Senior Member
Supporting Lifetime Gold
15 Year Member
Veteran: Navy
 
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 12,146
Likes: 2,038
From: Easton, PA
St. Jude Donor '10
Default

Originally Posted by Dhoward
I bought a 72 convertible and discovered that the upper windshield frame (sides and top) are completely rusted out. I understand that this is somewhat typical but a bummer.

Can anyone tell me what years have the exact same frame that could be used to replace my rusted one? I found one for sale in my area that is listed as matching for a 78-82, and it looks like it might be the same, but I am not sure.

Looking for help to determine what years would work as an exact replacement.

Thanks Everyone!
If it is rusted on top and sides then be sure to check down the birdcage behind the kick panels to make sure you are not looking at that lower portion replacement as well. Rot usually continues down the birdcage, ask me how I know.

There were no convertibles in 78-82; last ones were built in 1975; so that window frame will be for a coupe which is not the same.
Best bet would be a donor from a 69-75 convertible.
Good luck with your search.
David Howard
AllVettes4Me
Reply
Old May 4, 2021 | 07:40 AM
  #3  
4-vettes's Avatar
4-vettes
Race Director
15 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 13,282
Likes: 7,862
From: Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia
2025 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2024 C3 of the Year Finalist- Modified
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Cruise-In VIII Veteran
Default

Thinking if the windshield frame is that bad. I too would be overly concerned about the rest of the birdcage.
Reply
Old May 4, 2021 | 08:28 AM
  #4  
Rescue Rogers's Avatar
Rescue Rogers
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Veteran: Navy
10 Year Member
Community Builder
Loved
 
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,235
Likes: 9,376
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
Default

heres one for sale on our parts page, its for T tops ..... but the pics will give you and idea of how the water could travel down to the body mounts and what you will need to replace...
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-section.html

Last edited by Rescue Rogers; May 4, 2021 at 08:28 AM.
Reply
Old May 4, 2021 | 06:01 PM
  #5  
derekderek's Avatar
derekderek
Race Director
 
Joined: Jul 2015
Posts: 13,082
Likes: 3,399
From: SW Florida.
Default

you can use a r top frame in a convert. gotta remove the center piece, but by that time you will be well versed at drilling and separating spot welds...
Reply
Old May 4, 2021 | 06:34 PM
  #6  
caskiguy's Avatar
caskiguy
Le Mans Master
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Community Builder
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Nov 2016
Posts: 9,268
Likes: 951
From: Lake Tahoe, CA
Default

Willcox write up on repair: http://repairs.willcoxcorvette.com/w...stallation.pdf

Reply

Get notified of new replies

To C3 Windshield Frame





All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:38 PM.

story-0
5 Best & 5 Most Overrated Corvette Track Packages of All Time!

Slideshow: The 5 best and 5 most overrated Corvette track packages ever.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:46:45


VIEW MORE
story-1
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained

Slideshow: Every 2027 Corvette engine explained

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-09 12:16:31


VIEW MORE
story-2
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette

Slideshow: A Jaguar designer's personal project imagines what a modern front-engined Corvette might look like if Chevrolet revisited the golden age of the Stingray.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-06-08 19:53:43


VIEW MORE
story-3
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-4
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-5
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-6
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-7
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-8
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-9
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE