bird cage replacement
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 191
Likes: 0
From: MN
bird cage replacement
OK...I purchased a really nice used partial birdcage... the entire windsheild frame and partial side post down to the door hinge holes. My question is... do I need to split the firewall from the windshield frame? Because I'm looking in there and noticing some type of sealant or bonding bead. Also, would it be easier or more convient (neither sounds fun) for my body guy to pull the body off when doing it or just remove the front clip because I noticed that I'm gonna need some rocker channel fixing too and figured it be eaiser to get to that section if it's off the body. Plus it gives me a chance to see how the frame is looking.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 3,264
Likes: 3
From: Vero Beach FL
One thing for sure and that is your not afraid. The birdcage is bonded to the firewall as well as riveted. Several posting on this forum with some illustrations. Hopefully some of those that have been in that deep can give you a bit more sound advise. 
Intermediate
Joined: Sep 2011
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
OK...I purchased a really nice used partial birdcage... the entire windsheild frame and partial side post down to the door hinge holes. My question is... do I need to split the firewall from the windshield frame? Because I'm looking in there and noticing some type of sealant or bonding bead. Also, would it be easier or more convient (neither sounds fun) for my body guy to pull the body off when doing it or just remove the front clip because I noticed that I'm gonna need some rocker channel fixing too and figured it be eaiser to get to that section if it's off the body. Plus it gives me a chance to see how the frame is looking.
http://www.corvette-restoration.com/...y_interior.htm
Drifting
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,992
Likes: 56
From: Antioch IL
I'm in the middle of this and it S#%$^#^&#@&ks. Here is a link to a great how to site. Scroll down towards the bottom for front clip and firewall removal. One thing though that I can't stress enough is to use a heat gun on all of the bonding agents before you try to split the seams.
http://www.corvette-restoration.com/...y_interior.htm
http://www.corvette-restoration.com/...y_interior.htm
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 153
Likes: 2
From: Belle Mead, N.J., U.S.A.
I too am in the middle of this process. Follow the directions in the link above as it is an excellent resource. Go slow, use alot of heat, drill out the rivets and remember there are rivets inside the post from the windshield frame to the rocker channel that are hard to see and hard to get to. Good luck!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 5,948
Likes: 72
From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!
I am scared to even look at my birdcage. No way would I want to have to deal with all that crap. It's like you go to the doctor and he tells you that all of your bones need to be replaced!!!!!!
Scott
Scott
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