Question about bird cage rust
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
Question about bird cage rust
I have to replace the upper-half of my windshield frame. From what I can see with little flashlights and mirrors, the rest of my b-cage is solid. I've got the interior completely gutted, windshield glass and all trim & weatherstripping removed, and the wiper door off, and it all looks good. But, I'm afraid that I'll never know for sure unless I take off the front clip, which is something I really don't want to do.
My question is, how do you know that you have rust under the firewall/front clip without taking it off? If I need to, now is the time.
Thanks!
-Rick
My question is, how do you know that you have rust under the firewall/front clip without taking it off? If I need to, now is the time.
Thanks!
-Rick
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
How bad do you want to find out? You can drill a 3/4 hole from the bottom side of the lower WS frame corner and use a light and mirror to inspect the outside, them weld a patch over the hole. Its behind the dash so it wouldn't show and you don't have to pull the clip.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 232
Likes: 0
From: Henrietta New York
I picked up a 72,000 mile 81 wreck to restore. Wanted to be sure cage was solid as well. Off came the front clip and Firewall. Just alot of time. It's amazing how a putty knife, heat gun and drill can take a vette apart. Until I can role the body outside to blast/prime and paint the cage, I am spending my nights removing all the old adhesive from the panels. That too is done with a putty knife and heat gun. Then a little sandpaper to rough up the bonding surface again. Good luck.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,164
Likes: 7
From: Beringen
If the upper corners are rusted, water will have entered the windshield frame and dripped into the lower corner, start rust there and finally get trapped in the no 3 and 4 bodymount locations.
If you see rust on the inside lower corner of the birdcage (behind dash) there is even more on the outside lower corners.
Also take a look at the no 3 and 4 mount (must remove the kickpanel) and see how bad it is there.
There is no easy way to repair serious birdcage rust.
If you see rust on the inside lower corner of the birdcage (behind dash) there is even more on the outside lower corners.
Also take a look at the no 3 and 4 mount (must remove the kickpanel) and see how bad it is there.
There is no easy way to repair serious birdcage rust.
Last edited by Belgian1979vette; Apr 7, 2007 at 12:33 PM. Reason: grammar
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 162
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The problem I have is that I don't see rust on the inside lower corners (behind the dash), but I'm thinking that probably doesn't mean there isn't any on the outside which is covered by the upper fenders. The body mounts behind the kick panel look good too. The fact that the view of the birdcage from the inside looks OK really makes me wonder if I need to worry about the outer parts covered by fiberglass or not. If I saw rust from the inside, there would be no question. It sounds like if I want to know for sure, I'll either have to drill some holes or just take the front clip off.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 2,164
Likes: 7
From: Beringen
If you don't see any rust in there I would leave it alone, maybe only rusttreating it and replacing the rusted upper parts (if they are rusted through and not just pitted). Consider yourself lucky.
Taking off the front clip is only part of the work. The birdcage is also hidden behind the firewall and that one is even more difficult. I would live it alone if you don't find anymore rust in the lower parts.
Taking off the front clip is only part of the work. The birdcage is also hidden behind the firewall and that one is even more difficult. I would live it alone if you don't find anymore rust in the lower parts.
Racer
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 373
Likes: 11
From: Abilene TX
I am in the same shape with my 71 vert as you are. I had some rust on the upper windshield frame and it is difficult to see the lower, even after tearing out the factory rubber seal between the fender and frame. From the inside, there is no rust visible anywhere. Behind the kick panels look new. I bought some epoxy metal that I will use to fix the small rust out area and then use an etching primer on the windshield
frame, all areas that I can reach with a brush. I bought a used rust free vert frame, upper and sides, but don't want to cut mine. There is a topic in the body and paint section, water leaks, where the fender is cut next to the windshield to expose this lower winshield frame. I still don't really know what direction I'm headed.
frame, all areas that I can reach with a brush. I bought a used rust free vert frame, upper and sides, but don't want to cut mine. There is a topic in the body and paint section, water leaks, where the fender is cut next to the windshield to expose this lower winshield frame. I still don't really know what direction I'm headed.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 162
Likes: 0
I am in the same shape with my 71 vert as you are. I had some rust on the upper windshield frame and it is difficult to see the lower, even after tearing out the factory rubber seal between the fender and frame. From the inside, there is no rust visible anywhere. Behind the kick panels look new. I bought some epoxy metal that I will use to fix the small rust out area and then use an etching primer on the windshield
frame, all areas that I can reach with a brush. I bought a used rust free vert frame, upper and sides, but don't want to cut mine. There is a topic in the body and paint section, water leaks, where the fender is cut next to the windshield to expose this lower winshield frame. I still don't really know what direction I'm headed.
frame, all areas that I can reach with a brush. I bought a used rust free vert frame, upper and sides, but don't want to cut mine. There is a topic in the body and paint section, water leaks, where the fender is cut next to the windshield to expose this lower winshield frame. I still don't really know what direction I'm headed.
