69 Drivers side Pillar post repair and vin

[Kris S.]

Have a friend that recently bought a 69 T-top that has a hole in the drivers side pillar right at the base of the VIN. What is the correct way to repair and replace the VIN. you can still see all the numbers on VIN tag but has damage right at the base. Thanks for your help.

[Mark E.]

Re: 69 Drivers side Pillar post repair and vin

Clarification: Is there rust damage on the A-pillar, VIN tag, or both?

[Kris S.]

Re: 69 Drivers side Pillar post repair and vin

Mostly the A-pillar but some on bottom edge of VIN.

[Michael W.]

Re: 69 Drivers side Pillar post repair and vin

A rotted out A pillar is not a good sign. Most likely the entire pillar post is gone and possibly the entire windshield frame. This is a known weak spot on C3s.

There are legal implications with removing/tampering with VIN tags. Tread carefully.

[David H.]

Re: 69 Drivers side Pillar post repair and vin

A rotted out A pillar is not a good sign. Most likely the entire pillar post is gone and possibly the entire windshield frame. This is a known weak spot on C3s.

There are legal implications with removing/tampering with VIN tags. Tread carefully.

Extensive rust on the A pillar indicates water has been flowing down from the top of the windshield frame. Likely the top windshield frame is also rusted out. Remove the kick panels forward of the hinge pillar and inspect the birdcage for rust. What is the condition of the #2 body mounts?

If the #2 mount area is a rusty mess, then it is also likely the rust extends back along the birdcage rail that runs under the door sill. Water leaks may also have compromised the frame. What is the condition of the frame, especially the kick-up area just forward of the rear tire?

These fixes involve extensive and expensive repairs. Knowing nothing about pre-inspection of Corvettes, I purchased a fixer-upper at auction. I wanted a project and something to learn on. So far, I've gotten an EDUCATION. (And the rust on my car was MUCH less than what you describe.)

Walk into this project with OPEN EYES - the least expensive option at this point may be to walk away.

Dave

ps Have you removed the trim panels covering the top of the windshield frame for inspection? Photos would help comments here.

[Kris S.]

Re: 69 Drivers side Pillar post repair and vin

David, Thanks for the reply. Frame looks good. Have not removed those trim panels. I believe they also look good around the kick panels.