Need Help with 66 Coupe Birdcage

[Richard T.]

Does anyone have access to a bare C 2 coupe birdcage? I'm trying to help a good friend who lives in Finland repair his 66 BB coupe after an accident. I was able to get most of the parts he needed in the tri state area, crate them up and ship. He has finished the chassis and is now trying to get the birdcage back in shape so he can mount the roof and rear clip.
The car was hit in the passenger door area so that side of the cage was mangled pretty good . He now needs two measurements to proceed and will probably need some more as he proceeds. There isn't any dimensional information available for the cage as it was jig assembled and welded.
My friend has excellent welding and fabricating skills so with a little help from us he can get his car back on the road. So if you have access to a decent undamaged birdcage please let me know , any and all help appreciated ! Rich

[James G.]

Re: Need Help with 66 Coupe Birdcage

Back in February 2014, a fellow on Corvetteforum did a great photo story on his 65 coupe restoration. And his BIRDCAGE repair was extensive. Check their website for the ''whole story''. I know he can help you

[Stewart L.]

Re: Need Help with 66 Coupe Birdcage

There is no upper body data available for these years from any of the companies that supply auto body repair upper body frame specs. You would probably have a couple of options. Find a known good birdcage and get measurements from that or take measurements from the good side of his car and transfer them to the damaged side. I think by doing that and taking some cross measurements on his birdcage he would be able to get it pretty close. Even after doing that, the measurements aren't that critical like they would be on the frame where alignment and tracking are involved. He would need to mock up the cage pieces he is reinstalling or straightening and fit the fiberglass and doors. Once he gets the fiberglass to fit, the doors with weatherstrip on to seal, and windshield fit, he can take it apart and weld up the birdcage.

[Richard T.]

Re: Need Help with 66 Coupe Birdcage

Appreciate it, we're trying.