I think we have a problem here
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 5
From: Gainesville FL
I think we have a problem here
After installing a reconditioned radiator support, new radiator, fan shroud and fan in my '76 last night, I was admiring the new look when I started looking around the rest of the car and shined my light directly at the front of the top windshield trim. I could see lots and lots of rust between the chrome trim where the T-top sits and the interior plastic trim that runs along the top of the windshield. The rust goes all the way from one side of the windshield to the other. Suspecting birdcage rust, I checked out the door mounts and both seem to be solid (no sagging). The A-pillars also look in reasonably good shape without significant rust. (I'd post pics except my wife has the camera and she's away for the week).
Is is possible to buy a replacement for the top of the windshield frame? If not, what is the best way to fix this one?
This all started by having a flashlight and too much time on my hands. If I'm working on the motor, I should just look at the motor! Then I could have slept last night in blissful ignorance.
Is is possible to buy a replacement for the top of the windshield frame? If not, what is the best way to fix this one?
This all started by having a flashlight and too much time on my hands. If I'm working on the motor, I should just look at the motor! Then I could have slept last night in blissful ignorance.
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,166
Likes: 3,967
From: Connecticut, USA
You can buy the parts but will have to fit them. The top piece and corners are separate. I think I have a set I mght sell. PM me if interested. I have done this job and you will have to remove all the trim and the windshield to properly repair. If you have a MIG welder and 4" grinder you can fab up the repair of the original if it's not too far gone.
Gary
Gary
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 5
From: Gainesville FL
jjb,
I got an '82 radiator support from the Sunshine Corvettes junkyard out of an '82 that had had an engine fire. This seemed to be about the last one in their yard that did not have any rust. I cleaned it up and painted it and it looks as good as new.
Installation wasn't too bad with the hood removed. I pre-installed the radiator and shroud into the support and was able to maneuver the whole assembly in by myself. Since I had no shroud to start with, I went with the plastic "multi-year" type that has two tabs sticking out of the bottom that lock into slots in the lower part of the support. I did have to undo the two bolts holding the shroud at the top and just leave it hanging in order to get the pieces into alignment. After connecting the six side bolts to the support and putting on the new flex fan, I re-attached the shroud top bolts. Connecting the transmission cooler lines was by far the toughest part of the job since I didn't have the 90 degree fitting that goes on the top connector (Bubba had used a really beat-up aftermarket transmission cooler connected to the radiator by tie straps!). Fortunately, a friendly machinist fabbed up a piece for me and I will finish the job tonight.
I got an '82 radiator support from the Sunshine Corvettes junkyard out of an '82 that had had an engine fire. This seemed to be about the last one in their yard that did not have any rust. I cleaned it up and painted it and it looks as good as new.
Installation wasn't too bad with the hood removed. I pre-installed the radiator and shroud into the support and was able to maneuver the whole assembly in by myself. Since I had no shroud to start with, I went with the plastic "multi-year" type that has two tabs sticking out of the bottom that lock into slots in the lower part of the support. I did have to undo the two bolts holding the shroud at the top and just leave it hanging in order to get the pieces into alignment. After connecting the six side bolts to the support and putting on the new flex fan, I re-attached the shroud top bolts. Connecting the transmission cooler lines was by far the toughest part of the job since I didn't have the 90 degree fitting that goes on the top connector (Bubba had used a really beat-up aftermarket transmission cooler connected to the radiator by tie straps!). Fortunately, a friendly machinist fabbed up a piece for me and I will finish the job tonight.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 5
From: Gainesville FL
BigBlockk, Ed, AGVI, Gary,
Thanks a bunch for the input. I think I'll hold off buying the replacements until I pull the trim and see exactly where I am. I remember seeing a thread about how these come off, and that is definitely an upcoming job. To tell you the truth, I was afraid that I couldn't buy just the top of the windshield frame and was now looking at a complete frame-off. I'm getting braver as I go along, but I'm still not at that level yet!
Jon
Thanks a bunch for the input. I think I'll hold off buying the replacements until I pull the trim and see exactly where I am. I remember seeing a thread about how these come off, and that is definitely an upcoming job. To tell you the truth, I was afraid that I couldn't buy just the top of the windshield frame and was now looking at a complete frame-off. I'm getting braver as I go along, but I'm still not at that level yet!
Jon
