C3 Windshield Frame Rust

[Patrick H.]

Re: C3 Windshield Frame Rust

I sent this link to Mike separately after the board crashed for a while last evening.

http://www.corvette-restoration.com/

This site has pages of reference on how one owner fixed his 1971, including the birdcage.
It's a very interesting site.

[Michael B.]

Re: C3 Windshield Frame Rust

Jim,

I'd really like to see those photos. I'll PM you with my email address.

I made several calls yesterday trying to find someone within 500 miles that had experience repairing this kind of rust. No success yet so I'm going to learn all that I can about this type of repair before deciding if I'll do it myself or look at trailering it to one the shops up North.

Thanks,

Mike

[Michael B.]

Re: C3 Windshield Frame Rust

To provide an update to what I've discovered so far.

CSC Reproduction Parts in Corry, PA is the nations only manufacturer of the metal reproduction pieces that comprise the windshield frame. They are the suppliers to all the well known retailers. CSC was not aware of any shop in Texas that has experience with this type of repair.

Wilcox Corvette published an article explaining how they do this repair. In it they included pictures of a custom jig they use to ensure the assembly of the replacement pieces are replaced in the exact location as the old frame. I think that is the best idea I've read so far. However, they did not address repairing the lower windshield corners hidden behind the fender tops. For that advice I referred to Lindsay Porter's "Chevrolet Corvette Restoration Guide" as suggested in Dave Houlihan's reply to my initial post. Mr. Porter's book includes a photo showing exactly where to make the cut in the fender. That is also how Jim Trekell made his repair at the advice of his body man. Tom Ames suggested the same procedure.

I'm not ready to start this repair just yet but when I do I think I will purchase the required parts from CSC, build a jig bolted to the floor using the threaded holes for the seat tracks, and purchase a spot welder on EBay. Fortunately, I have a rust bucket 71 parts car that I can practice on the fender cuts.

After all, how difficult could this be, right (ha ha)?

Mike

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 Windshield Frame Rust

To provide an update to what I've discovered so far.

CSC Reproduction Parts in Corry, PA is the nations only manufacturer of the metal reproduction pieces that comprise the windshield frame. They are the suppliers to all the well known retailers. CSC was not aware of any shop in Texas that has experience with this type of repair.

Wilcox Corvette published an article explaining how they do this repair. In it they included pictures of a custom jig they use to ensure the assembly of the replacement pieces are replaced in the exact location as the old frame. I think that is the best idea I've read so far. However, they did not address repairing the lower windshield corners hidden behind the fender tops. For that advice I referred to Lindsay Porter's "Chevrolet Corvette Restoration Guide" as suggested in Dave Houlihan's reply to my initial post. Mr. Porter's book includes a photo showing exactly where to make the cut in the fender. That is also how Jim Trekell made his repair at the advice of his body man. Tom Ames suggested the same procedure.

I'm not ready to start this repair just yet but when I do I think I will purchase the required parts from CSC, build a jig bolted to the floor using the threaded holes for the seat tracks, and purchase a spot welder on EBay. Fortunately, I have a rust bucket 71 parts car that I can practice on the fender cuts.

After all, how difficult could this be, right (ha ha)?

Mike

"Hold my beer and watch this."

[Michael B.]

Re: C3 Windshield Frame Rust

I've actually said that a time or two, but never on my first beer.

Mike

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 Windshield Frame Rust

I've actually said that a time or two, but never on my first beer.

Mike

Sorry Mike, I just couldn't resist.

I once saw a early C3 Corvette in a shop where they were replacing the entire A-pillar Top to bottom.

I also once saw a C6 with the entire interior, including dash board, out.

In each case I had nightmares about those cars for weeks afterwards. No one should be exposed to that kind of pornography.

[Michael B.]

Re: C3 Windshield Frame Rust

Terry,

Nothing to be sorry about. I was serious; I've actually said that. Sometimes it worked out and I returned for my beer, other times not so good.

But each time I learned something. Like never to ask a drunk friend to hold my beer.

That C3 sounded like some really bad "car porno".

But seriously, I think with the proper preparation I've got a high probability of success on this repair. If I'm wrong and I totally screw it up, then I'll humbly tuck my tail between my legs and trailer the car to some distant out of state shop and say "Fix It". Success will cost me half as much, failure twice as much. The worst case is I'll have a new spot welder and a lighter wallet.

What could possibly go wrong?

Mike

[Terry M.]

Re: C3 Windshield Frame Rust

Terry,

Nothing to be sorry about. I was serious; I've actually said that. Sometimes it worked out and I returned for my beer, other times not so good.

But each time I learned something. Like never to ask a drunk friend to hold my beer.

That C3 sounded like some really bad "car porno".

But seriously, I think with the proper preparation I've got a high probability of success on this repair. If I'm wrong and I totally screw it up, then I'll humbly tuck my tail between my legs and trailer the car to some distant out of state shop and say "Fix It". Success will cost me half as much, failure twice as much. The worst case is I'll have a new spot welder and a lighter wallet.

What could possibly go wrong?

Mike

Seriously. I wish you luck. You are right = this is how we learn.