Window Frame Rust
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Flower Mound TX
I had planned a body off when I bought it, even though I wavered at first, I went ahead and did the body off. So far, I am happy witht he shape of the car, even tho the window frame has issue. I knew there were things I was going to run into, but its part of the "fun" I guess.
I Pressure washed it this morning and that revealed some "nice" front clip work done by another owner. I knew about it, but wont exactly now how bad he did until I strip it, which im about to start. I may end up having to replace the clip, I hope not tho. But like Alan said about just doind cosmetic, I am not the "next owner" and get the fun of those type of repairs.
This car will be handed down to my son, and I dont want him or his kids to say what the heck was dad or grandpa thinking.
I Pressure washed it this morning and that revealed some "nice" front clip work done by another owner. I knew about it, but wont exactly now how bad he did until I strip it, which im about to start. I may end up having to replace the clip, I hope not tho. But like Alan said about just doind cosmetic, I am not the "next owner" and get the fun of those type of repairs.
This car will be handed down to my son, and I dont want him or his kids to say what the heck was dad or grandpa thinking.
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,847
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
Well post up some pics of the front end... 
I've got a little bit of experience with these as well.
The front end is really not all that hard to remove if you take your time. But post up the damaged area and if you have any intentions of using the old stuff again make very sure you get all the old filler material out.
I've got a little bit of experience with these as well. The front end is really not all that hard to remove if you take your time. But post up the damaged area and if you have any intentions of using the old stuff again make very sure you get all the old filler material out.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Flower Mound TX
I will post it, I started the stripping today. when I get it the paint off I will post and see. I did see lots of woven mat in the front end, and clumps of bondo.
One of the previous owners certainly did not show her the love she deserves.
One of the previous owners certainly did not show her the love she deserves.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
There's a fellow in Maine who set up a website to document his project. He ran into exactly the same rust area which you have. Pulled his front clip and firewall. Did a thorough fix. You may find his documentary interesting. He was learning when he took off his front clip, discovered later the value of heating the bonds before seperatating. That's probably the only change I'd make. He also had a rough front clip, replaced with a one piece.
Here's a link to his web site. Hope it helps.
http://www.corvette-restoration.com/
Former Vendor
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 76,656
Likes: 1,847
From: Jeffersonville Indiana 812-288-7103
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15
The main thing you want to make sure you don't do is burn the fiberglass. If you do this it will not accept resin when you go back.
Here is a tool we made years ago out of a old thick putty knife.
It has been sharpened where marked and if you heat the bonding up it will fly right through with a good tapping on the back side. It works great and you can actually twist and guide it to make sure you stay on track.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Flower Mound TX
I have been thinking about this task as I am stripping the paint,filler. I would really like to put the clip back on while the body is still on the dolly. I know for gaps and such it is usually done while on the frame.
My question is, since I will need to pull the seems in when I re-attach, would it be best to drill a few "witness/re-alignement holes into the body and use screws in those holes to re-align the clip as well as aiding in pullit tight while the bond cures. Just seems logical to do, and still get it back to where it was originally.
Thanks
Eddie
My question is, since I will need to pull the seems in when I re-attach, would it be best to drill a few "witness/re-alignement holes into the body and use screws in those holes to re-align the clip as well as aiding in pullit tight while the bond cures. Just seems logical to do, and still get it back to where it was originally.
Thanks
Eddie
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
I have been thinking about this task as I am stripping the paint,filler. I would really like to put the clip back on while the body is still on the dolly. I know for gaps and such it is usually done while on the frame.
My question is, since I will need to pull the seems in when I re-attach, would it be best to drill a few "witness/re-alignement holes into the body and use screws in those holes to re-align the clip as well as aiding in pullit tight while the bond cures. Just seems logical to do, and still get it back to where it was originally.
Thanks
Eddie
My question is, since I will need to pull the seems in when I re-attach, would it be best to drill a few "witness/re-alignement holes into the body and use screws in those holes to re-align the clip as well as aiding in pullit tight while the bond cures. Just seems logical to do, and still get it back to where it was originally.
Thanks
Eddie
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Flower Mound TX
I am putting this thread link here since it is kind of related to this post as well. since invovles the front clip.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1578845523-post5.html
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1578845523-post5.html
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,039
Likes: 4,083
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Eddie,
I'd be VERY cautious where you drill any holes or put any screws.
The most difficult repair on fiberglass is the round hole like those used for a mirror or luggage rack.
Many years ago body shops used screws to reassemble clips, (instead of large clamps), but owners today are paying the price (literally)for all those holes.
I'd think you could use screws where the hole won't be see but not where it will be.
Good Luck as you proceed!
Regards,
Alan
I'd be VERY cautious where you drill any holes or put any screws.
The most difficult repair on fiberglass is the round hole like those used for a mirror or luggage rack.
Many years ago body shops used screws to reassemble clips, (instead of large clamps), but owners today are paying the price (literally)for all those holes.
I'd think you could use screws where the hole won't be see but not where it will be.
Good Luck as you proceed!
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Flower Mound TX
I finally got back around to working on the window frame. I have stripped the car and popped off the front clip ad removed the firewall/to body bonding strips. Looking at the rust, it seems to be only on the ourside part of the frame and just a dusting on the inside windowframe.
I went ahead and hit it with the rust inhibiter while I decide which direction I am going to go in repairing this.
Anyway here are the pics.
I went ahead and hit it with the rust inhibiter while I decide which direction I am going to go in repairing this.
Anyway here are the pics.
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 1,781
Likes: 15
From: Oxford Ohio
Just in my case, I'd replace the windshield frame where ever it was questionable. I would always know I did a patch job and it would bother me. Probably never be an issue, it would always be in the back of my mind. In my case I know what makes me more comfortable with what I'm working on. It's mostly labor costs more than parts and it's my labor. Really if I hated it I'd be driving a new car instead of owning a bunch of old ones. It's tremendously satisfying to make these cars better, and if well done a source of pride that just buying one all finished doesn't give.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 364
Likes: 0
From: Flower Mound TX
i am off today and am going to clean it up and see the damage. this is the only real amount of rust on the car, and i was able to see inside theframe and it is in good shape, it is just these 2 spots. the driver is worse than the passenger, i am hopefull now that I have it all opened up.
