Pillar rust?
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Erie PA
Pillar rust?
I'm looking at a 1972 (My favorite year!) It has everything I'm looking for. The driver door panel and window pillar molding need replaced as does the driver seat cover. The A/C blows warm, but I have no problems with doing my own work.
I found corrosion on the window pillars (Left and right) by the door jamb just before meeting the fender. The question is: Is it salvageable? Would it be more trouble than it's worth?
Note: This will be a daily driver. Collectability is not an issue.
Also, if most of you think this car is a 'pass,' I was considering converting an auto trans to muncie 4-speed trans since I have passed on so many with all the goodies I like. What do you think? What do you know?
Thank you.
Tony
PS. The asking price was $15,500. I offered $12,500. :flag
[Modified by aroussos, 8:58 AM 7/1/2003]
I found corrosion on the window pillars (Left and right) by the door jamb just before meeting the fender. The question is: Is it salvageable? Would it be more trouble than it's worth?
Note: This will be a daily driver. Collectability is not an issue.
Also, if most of you think this car is a 'pass,' I was considering converting an auto trans to muncie 4-speed trans since I have passed on so many with all the goodies I like. What do you think? What do you know?
Thank you.
Tony
PS. The asking price was $15,500. I offered $12,500. :flag
[Modified by aroussos, 8:58 AM 7/1/2003]
Just another Corvette guy
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 8,518
Likes: 3,863
From: Palm Springs, CA.
Re: Pillar rust? (aroussos)
What's the price tag Tony? I've done the windshield frame replacement before, it's not that bad. You can get a good clean used one for a couple of hundred bucks. Welcome to the forum.
Greg
Greg
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,855
Likes: 0
From: Cocoa Beach FL
Re: Pillar rust? (aroussos)
I would say everything depends on how much $$ and time you have. If that's the only rust then I'd think it's probably not too bad and if the price is right then go for it. Door panels can be purchased new for around $250-$300/pair from Wilcox and seat covers are ~$400, more for leather. Also, there are lots of places that specialize in Corvette parts both interior and exterior so you'll have lots of resources.
Just be sure to check the high dollar stuff (suspension, motor, etc.) and weigh their condition against the asking price of the car.
Good luck and welcome to the forum! :thumbs:
Just be sure to check the high dollar stuff (suspension, motor, etc.) and weigh their condition against the asking price of the car.
Good luck and welcome to the forum! :thumbs:
Advanced
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Athens Ga
Re: Pillar rust? (aroussos)
I had to do the window pillars in my 72 and the bottom of the posts as well. you can buy brand new pieces of the window pillars in any of the corvette parts magazines, some welding will be required however, and it is better to err on the side buying the whole piece. You can transfer it from another car that has a good set as well if you find a donor. Either way it won't be too pricey, unless you can't weld like myself and you had to take it to a shop
900$ just for installation! :U
900$ just for installation! :U
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 3
From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
Re: Pillar rust? (aroussos)
If the pillars and windshield frame are getting thin, chances are pretty good the rocker channels are too. You won't be able to change them without lifting the body. Remove the kick panels and inspection panels in the rear fenders for a very close inspection. :cheers:
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2000
Posts: 1,112
Likes: 145
Re: Pillar rust? (aroussos)
Way too much money, IMHO.
There are lots of C3's available at reasonable prices. Take your time and shop around until you find one.
Not long ago, I found a '69, base engine, M-20, no rust anywhere, for $9,000. Driver condition, but the car needed nothing and I can drive it cross-country with no worries.
There are lots of C3's available at reasonable prices. Take your time and shop around until you find one.
Not long ago, I found a '69, base engine, M-20, no rust anywhere, for $9,000. Driver condition, but the car needed nothing and I can drive it cross-country with no worries.
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Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Erie PA
Re: Pillar rust? (Kevin Mason)
Fantastic Kevin!
Where did you find such a car? It made my day to hear the possibility exists. I've waited since 1972 to get one for all the "Right" reasons. Kids are in college and high school near graduation. But, I never fathomed people would be asking so much for cars that need so much TLC.
Thank you,
Tony
Where did you find such a car? It made my day to hear the possibility exists. I've waited since 1972 to get one for all the "Right" reasons. Kids are in college and high school near graduation. But, I never fathomed people would be asking so much for cars that need so much TLC.
Thank you,
Tony
Instructor
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: Honolulu Hawaii
Re: Pillar rust? (aroussos)
Dude , it sounds like alot of $$ check out ebay.com to get an idea of cost.even with piller rust that comes with used C-3's. as hard as it was for me also shop around , use as much time you can before laying down the cash. It's hard for me to follow my own advice. :cool:
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2002
Posts: 1,731
Likes: 22
From: Marietta Ga.
Re: Pillar rust? (aroussos)
Where did you find such a car?
http://www.collectorcartraderonline....chprocess.html
:seeya
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
From: Erie PA
Re: Pillar rust? (72GACRZR)
I found three such cars on collectorcartraderonline.com!
1 in Spring Grove, IL: Dealer said frame was strong as I doug out a pile of apple pie FLAKEY crusty rust and poked my finger through the front cross brace shaped like a 'V.' $13,900 for that one.
The second in Plymouth, Michigan. The driver side pillar was rusty and the frame/swing arm area was coated with fiberglass resin. $15,000 for that one.
The third, the one I was talking about, is from Illinois as well. Frame was acceptable. Both pillars had ample rust cracking through the paint where the door jamb meets the window pillars. $15,000 asking. Still haven't heard if he accepted the $12,500 offer.
All three from the same site.
If you have a line on better vehicles, I'd be glad to take a look. It seems every car I looked at for $15,000 had rust and other problems!
Thanks.
1 in Spring Grove, IL: Dealer said frame was strong as I doug out a pile of apple pie FLAKEY crusty rust and poked my finger through the front cross brace shaped like a 'V.' $13,900 for that one.
The second in Plymouth, Michigan. The driver side pillar was rusty and the frame/swing arm area was coated with fiberglass resin. $15,000 for that one.
The third, the one I was talking about, is from Illinois as well. Frame was acceptable. Both pillars had ample rust cracking through the paint where the door jamb meets the window pillars. $15,000 asking. Still haven't heard if he accepted the $12,500 offer.
All three from the same site.
If you have a line on better vehicles, I'd be glad to take a look. It seems every car I looked at for $15,000 had rust and other problems!
Thanks.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 11,112
Likes: 668
From: SE Pennsylvania
St. Jude Donor '03 thru '26
Oldtimer
Re: Pillar rust? (aroussos)
The repair is going to be pricey, but if that's all the rust there is( And I'd check the whole car real carefully) It's the car you want. :chevy
