Wondering about the metal frame that sits sandwiched between the fiberglass body panels. (Doors mount to them, windshield frame, T-Top frame, etc) How much of that can you get at to check for rust/structural integrity without taking body completly apart? I'm just starting a frame off. Anyone w/ opinions on how concerned I should be with this other frame of my C3?

BTW what is the correct name for this frame?

Thanks in advance...

 

This is generally refered to as the "birdcage". I believe the only way to inspect it is to remove the windshield and the body panels attached to it.

Scott

 

You should be able to check most of the birdcage by removing panels. The part you will have problems checking is in front of the pillars (where the door hinges attach), where the firewall is. You can look from inside where the body mount are, that should give you a good idea if its rusted out or not. I just got finished fixing my windshield frames that were rusted, not a cheap thing to do, the rest of the birdcage was in good shape.


[Modified by mpro72vette, 9:10 AM 11/21/2002]

 

I removed my windshield and found the frame rusted through in a few places so I rewelded metal in these areas , painted it really well and reinstalled the glass. In the door hinge area I carefully cut the fiberglass to get at the frame in this area then with nice screws reinstalled the piece on each side. Both sides were rusted. I also gutted the doors and sandblasted and heavily paint the inside. Getting the track and glass back in right was the pits but it need doing.
Good luck but removing the windshield only cost me $25.

 

Yeah - unless you break your WS while removing it - like most of us do.
You need the right tools. A knife and screwdriver won't cut it.

Norval, did you weld in pieces of sheet metal, or fill the small holes with the
weld itself ? My '70 still has a few small holes (1/4" max) that I need to fix in my
bottom corner. I hate to cut away more than I have to - to replace it with new
sheetmetal. What do you think about building up the bead and grinding it back ?

My '75 birdcage was (is) absolute trash from the bottom of the windshield
all the way down and back to the rear of the doors.
Check out the '75 pictures on the web site in my signature.
Do not eat for 1 hour before visiting. May induce vomitting.

As Mark said, a lot of the BC can be seen by removing interior pieces,
like the front kick panels. These show much, as any windshield leak will
drip into this region. Look at the area where the front fender meets the
windshield frame. Does the fender look like it is lifting off the WS frame ?
Can you see rust around the edges, or through the bottom corner of the WS ?
Look up under the dash (or remove dash pads). Bad rot will start to come
through the top left corner, and small rust holes can be seen. If you're feeling
brave, start poking the steel with a screwdriver, and you'll find out real quick
if there is a problem.

Good luck :seeya