Is it worth fixing my front or replacing?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
Is it worth fixing my front or replacing?
Oh, the woes never end... While painting to prep for reinstalling the radiator soon I realized that there was cracking around the front bumper and rust underneath so I pulled it off to take a better look and here's what I found. Is it worth fixing this or replacing it?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2000
Posts: 8,918
Likes: 27
From: New Hill NC
Looks like you been driving that thing in the surf there in Norfolk. You got those pole holders on the front?
Those parts areall replaceable. The worst thing that I see is the header bar. If it is that rusty, I would look around at other rust prone areas before I made a final decision.
Those parts areall replaceable. The worst thing that I see is the header bar. If it is that rusty, I would look around at other rust prone areas before I made a final decision.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 366
Likes: 1
From: Houston Texas
I would put a wire brush to it and see how much is really gone. If you have some calipers, you can measure a percentage of loss.
I am not a perfectionist (and intend no dig to anyone who is) and use my 76 as a daily driver, but if the rust is only on the surface and the core beneath is solid, I would just clean it up and use what is there.
Of course, I plan to leave some stuff for the next owner to fix too....
I am not a perfectionist (and intend no dig to anyone who is) and use my 76 as a daily driver, but if the rust is only on the surface and the core beneath is solid, I would just clean it up and use what is there.
Of course, I plan to leave some stuff for the next owner to fix too....
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
Looks like you been driving that thing in the surf there in Norfolk. You got those pole holders on the front?
Those parts areall replaceable. The worst thing that I see is the header bar. If it is that rusty, I would look around at other rust prone areas before I made a final decision.
Those parts areall replaceable. The worst thing that I see is the header bar. If it is that rusty, I would look around at other rust prone areas before I made a final decision.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA
I would put a wire brush to it and see how much is really gone. If you have some calipers, you can measure a percentage of loss.
I am not a perfectionist (and intend no dig to anyone who is) and use my 76 as a daily driver, but if the rust is only on the surface and the core beneath is solid, I would just clean it up and use what is there.
Of course, I plan to leave some stuff for the next owner to fix too....
I am not a perfectionist (and intend no dig to anyone who is) and use my 76 as a daily driver, but if the rust is only on the surface and the core beneath is solid, I would just clean it up and use what is there.
Of course, I plan to leave some stuff for the next owner to fix too....
Former Vendor
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 2,092
Likes: 2
From: walpole ma
The metal integrity is pretty solid. The only part actually damaged from rust is the bolt header (is that what it's called?) that connects the bumper cover to the body, I twisted off several studs while removing it. I'm trying for a quick up and running resto, but I hate putting it back together with this problem just ignored. I tend to lose sight of the goal when I'm not driving the car and it's been over a year since I pulled the engine. I WANT TO DRIVE MY VETTE! I wish I could say I plan on keeping this car forever and will take care of it during the future frame off, but if I do a frame off it will most likely be a 72 or earlier...
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 256
Likes: 0
From: Norfolk VA