Vin
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Intermediate
Joined: Mar 2015
Posts: 26
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Vin
I'm in search of a 1970-72 LS5, Nevada Silver or Steel Cities Gray, with a black leather interior. Whenever I see pictures of a vehicle, say on Ebay, there always seems to be rust (even slight) around the VIN number. Is this something I should be overly concerned about or should I expect to see this because of the age of the car?
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 447
Likes: 5
From: Double Oak TX
Unfortunately, it's pretty common, and with a little research, you'll find plenty of threads about the rust issues on the bird cage. While it might be nothing, it could be evidence of worse rust at the bottom of the windshield frame or further down at the mounts. I strongly recommend in-person inspections, whether it's you, or an inspector. Don't be afraid to poke around. Pull the kick panels to look at the mounts on the frame, look under the dash at the windshield frame, look closely through the top of the windshield at the top of the windshield frame. Our cars are notorious for leaking around the tops. The birdcage channels that water all the way down to the frame.
Good luck finding the one you want!
Good luck finding the one you want!
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,110
Likes: 4,173
From: Westminster Maryland
Hb,
I agree that rust around the windshield frame is one of the things you need to be concerned about when looking at 70 cars.
Looking specifically at the VIN tag area takes a bit of experience because there's a difference between just a rust colored stain because the car is 45 years old and actual rust development and maybe penetration.
After looking at the tag area you really want to continue looking a few inches further down the a-pillar where it meets the cowl for signs of rust problems there as CLS3 mentions.
There are other places on the birdcage and frame that are rust prone too but that gets into a much more involved explanation of where and how to look for rust.
There are plenty of cars without rust problems available, and people to help you determine IF a car is rusty, so there's NO reason to buy a rusty car.
Good Luck with your search.
Regards,
Alan
Here's a picture of that connection between the a-pillar and cowl which you should be looking at. Here the glass is out which makes it easy… but you can also see it pretty well with the glass installed.
I agree that rust around the windshield frame is one of the things you need to be concerned about when looking at 70 cars.
Looking specifically at the VIN tag area takes a bit of experience because there's a difference between just a rust colored stain because the car is 45 years old and actual rust development and maybe penetration.
After looking at the tag area you really want to continue looking a few inches further down the a-pillar where it meets the cowl for signs of rust problems there as CLS3 mentions.
There are other places on the birdcage and frame that are rust prone too but that gets into a much more involved explanation of where and how to look for rust.
There are plenty of cars without rust problems available, and people to help you determine IF a car is rusty, so there's NO reason to buy a rusty car.
Good Luck with your search.
Regards,
Alan
Here's a picture of that connection between the a-pillar and cowl which you should be looking at. Here the glass is out which makes it easy… but you can also see it pretty well with the glass installed.
Last edited by Alan 71; May 15, 2016 at 07:45 AM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 6,900
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From: melbourne florida
2023 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
When my windshield was out there was a ring of what I call rust residue, there was no rust anywhere. I cleaned it up with a fine scotch rite and painted it.I expect over time it may reoccur.but mine is never in rain and kept in a garage.
