'78 Windshield Frame Replacement Recommendations

[Steve H.]

While replacing the windshield it was discovered that the entire windshield frame is rusted and sections missing completely. I've looked in vain, I might add, for anyone who can do this work in the North Georgia/Atlanta area. So far I've called about 12 body and restoration places (most specializing in Corvettes) and none indicate that they do this. (Which begs the question: What is restoration? But that's another Forum topic) Potential references I receive from them do not pan out. I am really frustrated!

Any recommendations?

[Joe L.]

Re: '78 Windshield Frame Replacement Recommendations

While replacing the windshield it was discovered that the entire windshield frame is rusted and sections missing completely. I've looked in vain, I might add, for anyone who can do this work in the North Georgia/Atlanta area. So far I've called about 12 body and restoration places (most specializing in Corvettes) and none indicate that they do this. (Which begs the question: What is restoration? But that's another Forum topic) Potential references I receive from them do not pan out. I am really frustrated!

Any recommendations?

Steve------

Parts for this repair may be available from CSC Reproductions, Caledonia Classic Cars, and Vette Products of Michigan. One of those may be able to provide advice on a shop that could do the repairs. It's very possible, though, that none exist in your local area. I'm not surprised, at all, that restoration shops you've contacted won't handle this job. I think you'll find that very few will.

This is a VERY difficult repair and, if you find a shop to do it, I think you'll find the cost will be very high. It might even exceed the value of the car. In that case, the problem you have might essentially be "terminal".

I might also add that if you have such a severe problem with the windshield frame, there may be further corrosion in other areas of the "bird cage" (the steel understructure of the passenger compartment of which the windshield frame is a part) or corrosion damage to the door innerds. In addition, you should check the frame and chassis for corrosion damage before deciding on any repair to the windshield frame. There's just no point in throwing good money after bad.

[Steve H.]

Re: '78 Windshield Frame Replacement Recommendations

Thank you Joe,

The car had been sitting idle in my brother's garage for years and I've already put 4 grand into tune-up, brakes, shocks, new radio, tires, etc., but I'm getting the feeling that it might be a lost cause. I think I may just cut my losses and see what I can get for it as parts.

I appreciate you help.

Steve Holtz

Steve------

Parts for this repair may be available from CSC Reproductions, Caledonia Classic Cars, and Vette Products of Michigan. One of those may be able to provide advice on a shop that could do the repairs. It's very possible, though, that none exist in your local area. I'm not surprised, at all, that restoration shops you've contacted won't handle this job. I think you'll find that very few will.

This is a VERY difficult repair and, if you find a shop to do it, I think you'll find the cost will be very high. It might even exceed the value of the car. In that case, the problem you have might essentially be "terminal".

I might also add that if you have such a severe problem with the windshield frame, there may be further corrosion in other areas of the "bird cage" (the steel understructure of the passenger compartment of which the windshield frame is a part) or corrosion damage to the door innerds. In addition, you should check the frame and chassis for corrosion damage before deciding on any repair to the windshield frame. There's just no point in throwing good money after bad.

[Joe L.]

Re: '78 Windshield Frame Replacement Recommendations

Thank you Joe,

The car had been sitting idle in my brother's garage for years and I've already put 4 grand into tune-up, brakes, shocks, new radio, tires, etc., but I'm getting the feeling that it might be a lost cause. I think I may just cut my losses and see what I can get for it as parts.

I appreciate you help.

Steve Holtz

Steve-------


Is this a car that has lived all or part of its life in areas of the country where the roads are salted in the winter?

[Steve H.]

Re: '78 Windshield Frame Replacement Recommendations

Steve-------


Is this a car that has lived all or part of its life in areas of the country where the roads are salted in the winter?

Yes, in Chicago. My brother bought it in 1981 and it had 7,000 miles on it and had always been garaged. It currently has 32,000+ and hadn't been driven 14 years. We got it running, had it shipped down here where I had all the work done. Still needs a rebuilt carb, a new AC compressor (which would have waited till spring) and a couple little things. I even spent $350 for a new retro radio system. I did not have it inspected prior to purchasing. It was my brother and he took meticulous care of it.

I decided to replace the windshield not out of need but just a "sprucing up" as it had a couple nicks and a small crack in the lower left. Should have left the stupid thing alone.

Recommendations as to whom or where I could sell it - as is? I guess as parts or salvage. And I know I'll get pennies on the dollar. The price I pay for not doing my due diligence. Never bought a used car before. Always new and drove until I had at least 150,000 then traded. Just sold my 2000 Ford Focus last month with 216,800 miles. Didn't need it, I now own a Corvette!!! I did have a lot of "great car" and "Nice" comments the few times I did drive it around town though.

Sorry, I'm crying in my soup.

[Edward J.]

Re: '78 Windshield Frame Replacement Recommendations

Steve is the lower part of the of bird cage rusted? if Its just the sides and upper these part are little less work, if the lower part is gone this could be a issue, cleaning and grinding out the Rust and welding these area's might be possible.

[Steve H.]

Re: '78 Windshield Frame Replacement Recommendations

I'm not sure. I got a catch 22 situation. After the removal of the window and discovery of the missing and rusted frame, replacing the windshield is tenuous at best as it is reattached/secured with duct tape. I've been very leery of driving it on the roads. My logic was to find someone willing and skilled in the work who could then inspect the birdcage for an actual assessment of what needs to be done. The car would have to be towed as I live in the north Georgia Mountains and side street traffic speeds are not available.

I remain somewhat optimist of repairs but I also am not interested in towing it 300 + miles for repairs that I am not sure will be within my budget and/or a waste of further time and money.

Can the inspection of the birdcage be done visually sufficiently enough to make a determination or would removal of parts or being placed on a lift be necessary?

[Edward J.]

Re: '78 Windshield Frame Replacement Recommendations

Steve it would have to removed.

[Michael W.]

Re: '78 Windshield Frame Replacement Recommendations

Having been there and done that. I can assure you that something close to a full frame off would be required to remove the old birdcage and replace it.

Count on minimum $10K in labour and parts and double that if you start dealing with 'while we're here' items.

[Joe L.]

Re: '78 Windshield Frame Replacement Recommendations

Yes, in Chicago. My brother bought it in 1981 and it had 7,000 miles on it and had always been garaged. It currently has 32,000+ and hadn't been driven 14 years. We got it running, had it shipped down here where I had all the work done. Still needs a rebuilt carb, a new AC compressor (which would have waited till spring) and a couple little things. I even spent $350 for a new retro radio system. I did not have it inspected prior to purchasing. It was my brother and he took meticulous care of it.

I decided to replace the windshield not out of need but just a "sprucing up" as it had a couple nicks and a small crack in the lower left. Should have left the stupid thing alone.

Recommendations as to whom or where I could sell it - as is? I guess as parts or salvage. And I know I'll get pennies on the dollar. The price I pay for not doing my due diligence. Never bought a used car before. Always new and drove until I had at least 150,000 then traded. Just sold my 2000 Ford Focus last month with 216,800 miles. Didn't need it, I now own a Corvette!!! I did have a lot of "great car" and "Nice" comments the few times I did drive it around town though.

Sorry, I'm crying in my soup.

Steve-------

Unfortunately, once salt-induced corrosion begins, it proceeds inexorably. As I've said I think a million times previously, if a car has been exposed to a "salted" environment, even for a short time, great corrosion damage can ensue. Your situation is a PERFECT example of this. You have a car that has very low mileage and has not been driven in 14 years. But, it undoubtedly lived for at least a short while in a "salted" environment and look what that has wrought. That "short while" is "all it takes".