Rusty Sill channels- Structurally Unsound?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 106
From: laingsburg MI
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Rusty Sill channels- Structurally Unsound?
Greetings, was planning on removing the body on my 73, but with my new work responsibilities, time is short. Question, my frame is good & sound, but the tin sill channels (driver side) is quite rusty. After looking at this awhile, I am wondering if it matters, structurally. The frame is good, and body mounts good. Obviously in a perfect world this would be addressed, but my fear is that if i tear the car too far down, it will be years before I make time to put it back together.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
well, it's not GOOD but how bad it is depends on how bad the rust rot has gotten and how much it has eaten away.
Unfortunately rust is one of those things that once it starts it is going to continue and get worst until you stop it and fix it.
If you wait years to get to the problem the problem will simply solve itself for you......... by completely rotting away until it's too far gone to make it worthwhile to try to save it.
sorry, but this is something you are most likely going to want to address as soon as possible.
Maybe some pictures so we can see the extent of the problem and help with some suggestions?
Unfortunately rust is one of those things that once it starts it is going to continue and get worst until you stop it and fix it.
If you wait years to get to the problem the problem will simply solve itself for you......... by completely rotting away until it's too far gone to make it worthwhile to try to save it.
sorry, but this is something you are most likely going to want to address as soon as possible.
Maybe some pictures so we can see the extent of the problem and help with some suggestions?
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 106
From: laingsburg MI
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Redwing, good job, maybe i could p.m. to pick your brain on the practical aspects of 73 body R&R. I already have the front clip & doors off. Wondering best way to lift, strap placement ect. thanx, jim. P.S. this a.m. my wife said to do what needs to be done, time and life constraints considered.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 1,991
Likes: 3
From: Piscataway NJ
This is the most painstaking job you can ever imagine. And one you will never forget. Time and patience. The channel and inserts I got from Zips. However 73 has a outboard seat bracket that is welded to the channel. From what was left of mine I had to fab it up. No one makes it. And you fall into the mind set. While I am here and all sorts of things keep jumping at you. Getting the channels out is alot of fun to. Get a good angle grinder a box of cutoff disc. When I did mine I knew it would get ugly before it got better. Good Luck
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Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2005
Posts: 1,131
Likes: 106
From: laingsburg MI
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Alright already, i am going to lift the body & replace the channel sill!
Seriously, thanx for the direction guys. I have the tools & i'll have to make the time...
Seriously, thanx for the direction guys. I have the tools & i'll have to make the time...
