1964 Coupe bird cage sill

[Jack J.]

The underneath of my sill is extremely rusted. Looking up into the sill's channel and the rocker brackets up inside, the rust is extensive. I would like to know what others have done in their restorations. I originally thought I had a game plan, changing my mind from silica sand to coal slag( Black Diamond ) with the idea of compressor blasting. It would be great, if it were possible,
to remove the entire sub assembly and have it acid dipped and e- coated. But again, it's not going to happen. My biggest dilemma
now. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thank you, Jack J.

[Harry S.]

Re: 1964 Coupe bird cage sill

Jack, I had the same problem on my 63 passenger side sill support. We carefully and neatly cut away the fiberglass for reuse. Then determined how much of the sill support was rusted, cut it out and replaced the metal with a piece of reproduction sill support metal.

After cleaning up the weld and reinstalling the fiberglass it is almost impossible to spot the repair.

[Gary J.]

Re: 1964 Coupe bird cage sill

But is the rust just limited to the sills? May be other problems as rust around the windshield and door pillar hinges. I hope not because that is another can of worms.

[Jack J.]

Re: 1964 Coupe bird cage sill

Again, I'm talking about the sill underneath, the part you would obviously see if the car was up on a hoist. Surely, others have addressed this same situation. Just looking for some goods ideas. I'll probably go with my original plan of compressor blasting with some sort of media because of all the crevices and the limited access space. Michigan Winter weather and 50 years have taken their toll on the sills' appearance. Thank you, Jack J.

[Harry S.]

Re: 1964 Coupe bird cage sill

Jack, what in my reply didn't address your problem.