Birdcage question

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jan 16, 2011 | 02:27 PM

TBH94

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 283

Likes: 27

From: Oxford PA

Birdcage question

Does a rusty birdcage mean absolute death for a C3?

Is the cost to repair it astronomical?

Would really like to get a C3 but don't have the money to buy a completely restored one. I am handy and could easily tackle a restore project on my own. Within reason.

I did some searching on here about the birdcage to figure out exactly what it was. It looks like some guys repair them.

Can you put a car back together if the cage has surface rust only. Or are you just asking for trouble?

Thanks in advance.

Jan 16, 2011 | 02:31 PM

0Willcox Corvette

Former Vendor

Joined: Aug 2006

Posts: 76,656

Likes: 1,850

From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103

St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15

I think a very close inspection of the condition would be in order before I purchased any c3. As the cars age the problems of rust in the windshield frames seem to become a bigger issue.

I have a page on the site right now that may help you id a problem car.. it goes in to some strong detail and also covers how to repair them!

Please upload it as soon as possible. I'm pulling it down as a free item at the end of this month.

http://willcoxcorvette.com/repairand...lp.php?hID=306

Jan 16, 2011 | 02:59 PM

TBH94

Thread Starter

Racer

Joined: Jan 2005

Posts: 283

Likes: 27

From: Oxford PA

Quote:

Originally Posted by Willcox Corvette

WOW! Thank you. That is perfect. Also, a little scary when it comes to buying a C3.

Thanks again.

Jan 16, 2011 | 03:23 PM

10caipirinhas

Pro

Joined: Nov 2009

Posts: 684

Likes: 0

From: Alberta

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBH94

Does a rusty birdcage mean absolute death for a C3 ?

Of course not.........it can however, mean death to your bank account.

Jan 16, 2011 | 03:56 PM

Korevette

Racer

Joined: Jan 2007

Posts: 427

Likes: 1

Checking for rust before buying will give you a pretty good idea of what you are up against. Willcox's paper says it all not only for inspection but for a full repair. Well done.

I can't say enough about a jig as illustrated in the tutorial. Although the upper windshied seems to be strong, things do move around once pieces are removed. We 'think' we are ready to replace but to only find at the end of the repair that it was out of position. Checking is the cheapest part of the job.

As for rust, surface rust is one thing, rust through is another. A proper clean up, eg. sand blaster, wire wheels, pads etc. will give you a proper diagnosis of your rust situation.

Dano,

Jan 16, 2011 | 03:57 PM

Mike Ward

Race Director

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 15,892

Likes: 42

Even things like this can be brought back from the dead- with a dumb enough owner and a deep enough pocket book.

Jan 16, 2011 | 11:22 PM

BBCorv70

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2007

Posts: 3,189

Likes: 111

From: Tolland CT

Here's a link to a thread where the owner went to extremes with a birdcage repair. Some beautiful work,

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c3-g...-pictures.html

Reply Subscribe