'76 Hinge Pillar Issue - Need Advice
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
'76 Hinge Pillar Issue - Need Advice
Approx. 2 months ago, I purchased a '76 Stingray from the original owner in MI. The car has 41,000 original miles on it. It's has an L-48/ auto trans set-up. The owner claimed the car was not started for 15 yrs. After changing 4 spark plugs, the engine fired and runs strong. Now, here is my problem: The drivers side hinge piller is split above the upper hinge and just below the windshield pillar. It appears that car has a water leak, the area corroded putting stress on the area causing the problem. Zip Corvette has replacement windshield header/pillar parts, so rot in this area must be common. Does anyone have experience with replacing, patching, welding or repairing the hinge pillar. If I can solve the hinge pillar problem and replace the windshield frame, this car has the potential to be a winner. Hey, the car was cheap and quick estimates using data from the Corvette Action Center indicate this car was 1 of approx. 185 identically equipped Vettes made in 1976. I look forward to your responses.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Hinge Pillar Repair
Thanks for responding. I'm been spending time research the best way and techniques for making the repairs.
I was pleased that the engine fired up and ran smoothly with only changing 4 spark plugs. I plan to replace the balance of them, tune the engine, etc. Having essentially pulled the Vette from a barn where it sat for 15 yrs, I was happy that the engine did not need major work.
This will be a fun project car to complement my '87 Vette. Now, I only need one more Vette. I'm shooting for owning red, white and blue Vettes.
I was pleased that the engine fired up and ran smoothly with only changing 4 spark plugs. I plan to replace the balance of them, tune the engine, etc. Having essentially pulled the Vette from a barn where it sat for 15 yrs, I was happy that the engine did not need major work.
This will be a fun project car to complement my '87 Vette. Now, I only need one more Vette. I'm shooting for owning red, white and blue Vettes.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 1,212
Likes: 0
From: San Antonio TX
Welcome to the group.
You can see my 2 year frame off dealing with birdcage rot here:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1107000
Be warned, we are up to 25 pages.
let me know if I can help with any more info.
KO
You can see my 2 year frame off dealing with birdcage rot here:
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show....php?t=1107000
Be warned, we are up to 25 pages.
let me know if I can help with any more info.
KO
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Response to 2 yrs of rot
Wow, 2 yrs. I was hoping to have the hinge pillar and windshied frame rot issues addressed before October. It looks like I'll have to strip out the interior and wiring to make the repair.
Today, I plan to contact a local bodyshop that specializes in Corvettes. Being that rust falls on me while driving the car around and I've found chunks of corroded metal on the floor, the rust is probably pretty bad.
Hmm, I wonder if I should cut bait on this one. The positive is that I started a dealership to support this hobby. At least I get parts at a discount.
Today, I plan to contact a local bodyshop that specializes in Corvettes. Being that rust falls on me while driving the car around and I've found chunks of corroded metal on the floor, the rust is probably pretty bad.
Hmm, I wonder if I should cut bait on this one. The positive is that I started a dealership to support this hobby. At least I get parts at a discount.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 918
Likes: 5
From: Gainesville FL
As others have said, it sounds like you have at least some birdcage rot. Once you find out how far the problem extends, you can make some decisions. I ended up needing to repair the upper windshield frame and replace the floor pans. Everything else looked OK.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
Birdcage Rot Issue
I contacted the body shop. The owner has 6 Vettes range from a '63 to '03. He knew about the C3 birdcage rot issue and refused to take on the job.
So, after taking a ride in my '87 Vette to think, I will start the minor disassembly work this weekend to determine the extent of the corrosion. I may have a welder (former boiler welder) available to assist with the work set up and welding. I'm determined to figure out how to make this a one week job excluding assembly and disassembly of the interior and such.
I will keep the forum posted with pictures.
So, after taking a ride in my '87 Vette to think, I will start the minor disassembly work this weekend to determine the extent of the corrosion. I may have a welder (former boiler welder) available to assist with the work set up and welding. I'm determined to figure out how to make this a one week job excluding assembly and disassembly of the interior and such.
I will keep the forum posted with pictures.
