Rust
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 493
Likes: 2
From: Dunellen New Jersey
Rust
:o I keep hearing that c3 vetts rust on the frame and birdcage and windshield frame.What are the problem areas I should look for on the frame and where on the windshield frame?Also whats a birdcage?
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 596
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I have found most of my rust around the rear wheel wells, #3 + #4 body mounts, Trailing arm frame pockets and shims. Another spot is across the base of the radiator bracket. I don't know about windshield problems. I think the birdcage is the metal framework that forms up the cockpit of the car-- up the sides, overhead T frame and window frames. and floor panels below. I have heard that these cars also rust around the door hinge posts.
Fortunately, the 27 yr old car I bought leaked every fluid it was given, preserving the metal below and behind
Enjoy your car!
Fortunately, the 27 yr old car I bought leaked every fluid it was given, preserving the metal below and behind
Enjoy your car!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by zigvs
...whats a birdcage?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
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From: North NJ
Your best bet would be to get the car on a lift or up in the air and bang the frame with a large hammer. Look for any sizable flakes of rust to fall (bigger than a nickle could mean trouble) Your not looking for surface rust just large flakes of possible frame to fall. Really pound on that frame...any part of the frame you can get to. Main areas of concern are the front radiator lower supports like mentioned, door sills, #3 body mount area and windshield pillars (part of birdcage) See pics.
Pics include a C3 frame courtesy of Corvette Central website, Windshield post (part of birdcage) again courtesy of Corvette Central, and a birdcage diagram of a late C2 Convertible (67 I think) just to get the general idea of the birdcage (courtesy of google image search). Birdcage was manufactured seperately than the frame, placed on top and welded in place.
To check the windshield pillars, just look from the outside thru the windshield at the area around the VIN number. No easy way to see whats hidden by the firewall and dash.
Good luck.
Pics include a C3 frame courtesy of Corvette Central website, Windshield post (part of birdcage) again courtesy of Corvette Central, and a birdcage diagram of a late C2 Convertible (67 I think) just to get the general idea of the birdcage (courtesy of google image search). Birdcage was manufactured seperately than the frame, placed on top and welded in place.
To check the windshield pillars, just look from the outside thru the windshield at the area around the VIN number. No easy way to see whats hidden by the firewall and dash.
Good luck.
Last edited by 68 NJConv 454; Apr 13, 2006 at 11:27 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Originally Posted by 68 NJConv 454
...
Nice graphics. This one incorrectly shows the folding top frame as part of the birdcage, but is otherwise a good illustration.
As mentioned, birdcages were separate from frames. Birdcages were welded up at St. Louis. Frames were purchased from the A.O. Smith Company, manufactured off site, and shipped to St. Louis.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 493
Likes: 2
From: Dunellen New Jersey
thanks
You guys were all VERY helpful.I'm going to look at a 73 350/4 speed coupe car asking 6700.I wanted to know where to look for problems so I had some bargining power.But he's very much a vette guy so I don't know how much I could get from him.He's got something in the ballpark of 50 c3 vetts on his property.Hey isn't A.O Smith the water heater people?Maybe thats why they rust.
