Hi guys,

Because I purchased my first Vette PRIOR to finding this forum, I have ended up with a 77 that, unfortunately, has some rust issues.

I am in the process of cleaning up the windshield frame. In this case both upper corners are gone but the lower corners are solid (expected the opposite but OK).
Next project is the body mounts as they all need replacement.
As you would expect with windshield leaks, the #2 mounts behind the kickpanels are a mess.

I will post pics tomorrow if possible, however, I'm looking for some immediate feedback on what options I may have...

The issue is this:

Let's assume for a moment that the birdcage itself in the kickpanels is rusty but can be cleaned up and POR-15 used to get it stable. The real problem is that the 'U'-shaped bracket that comes down from the birdcage (through which the body mount bolt goes) is definitely 'gone' and will need to be replaced.

I had hoped to use a method I found here that would only require me to lift the body 3 or 4 inches to replace the body mounts.

So - the question is: Will the 3-4 inch lift give me enough access from below to get into that channel and cleanup as well as weld a new piece in there?
Am I facing a full body removal to get this done?

I'd love feedback from anyone who has faced this, particularly those that have replaced this bracket.

Thanks - Gary

 

You might be able to use a spot sand blaster to clean it up with only 4". I know that will work to clean it up on top of the mount. Once clean you will need to fab a new pocket to weld in place, just a rectangle with tabs on all 4 sides to bend up and weld inside the pillar. Won't be pretty, but will work. The problem your likely to find though, is there is more rust on the rocker channels than you think. While you have the one side lifted, take a look.

 

You will have to remove the fiber glass in that area in order to get at the mount. I cut out the area around it rather than remove the larger body panels. The fiber glass is up tight against the bird cage and you have no room to work. I took my body off but I believe that if you get it up 4 to 6 inches you can get at the body mount on the frame if need. If the frame mount is in good shape I believe you will not have to lift the body. I have drawings of the parts you will have to fabricate if you need them let me know.

 

You can look at the rocker chanel from the underside and poke it with a screwdriver or something. Changes are big there is more damage than just this thing.

Fiberglass is close in this part of the birdcage and if you heat it to much you risk a fire.

Yves

 

There is seversl wys to repair areas of the rocker channels that have rusted out. I had to remove and replace the hole channel. They sell three sections depending on how much you need to replace. Most vendors sell th same pieces. Body-off Hopefully you won't need all the stuff I needed.