C3 -- Have you seen this?

[David C.]

I have this curious cut on the cowl frame fiberglass on my '73.
I'm not sure if it's simply some sloppy work on the body build at the assembly plant, or someone did this afterwards (a possible body work repair attempt?). Am really just curious if anyone has seen this on another car.

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[Mark E.]

Re: C3 -- Have you seen this?

I haven't seen this on another car. Any evidence of other bodywork?

The good news is this is easy to repair.

[Jimmy P.]

Re: C3 -- Have you seen this?

Hi Dave,
Interesting. I took a look at my 73 cowl and did notice a slight notch along the edge on the driver side, like they were starting to dig in too far but stopped. Not near the center though. It does have a sharp edge. Not as pronounced as yours. I'm thinking probably sloppy work at the factory. What body work would be needed in that location? I notice that piece of thin material under the center section.... what is that? Metal? I can't say that I notice it on my car.

[Robert G.]

Re: C3 -- Have you seen this?

I will check mine and get back to you.

[Keith K.]

Re: C3 -- Have you seen this?

My 74 has this cut as well - it is on both sides but more pronounced on the driver side - not as deep as yours. I have seen it on other cars as well.
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[Lawrence M.]

Re: C3 -- Have you seen this?

74 Coupe I ordered in December 73, took delivery early March 74 Vin#18168. Photo taken Memorial Day 74. It appears the factory had different ways of t******* the underlying fiberglass. Probably depending on who was working that operation on any particular day.



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[John S.]

Re: C3 -- Have you seen this?

I’ve also noticed similar cuts on a few different C3’s to varying degrees. Here’s a couple shots of my ‘73, not too bad but still evidence of some cutting, believed to be factory.

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In addition to the photos, I did find this reference in my trusty AIM. It appears there may have been an additional section of the FG hood surround that was cut away after the bond was made to the top of the firewall. Looks like it was attached on the ends and three sections in the center span, perhaps we are seeing remnants of that procedure. Not sure if this pertains to earlier/later C3’s, perhaps others will chime in.

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[Jimmy P.]

Re: C3 -- Have you seen this?

Hi John,
Yeah, I noticed that in the AIM.. Could you only imagine, being the guy on the line that drew the short straw for that duty?
Cutting away that area with a jigsaw all day long ugh! No wonder we're seeing what we see here...

[Robert Y.]

Re: C3 -- Have you seen this?

Dave, I have a 73 with the 454 engine and looking at my cowl, it looks similar to yours. It looks on mine as if someone took a gallon sized bucket and just poured it in there. The man I bought my car from bought it new and told me nobody had ever done any work on it other than the repaint. I'm sure they wouldn't have done this.

[David C.]

[John S.]

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[Mark E.]

Re: C3 -- Have you seen this?

Well, I learned again that just because I haven't seen it doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

What an appalling example of GM workmanship. If I saw this upon delivery, I would have asked for it to be repaired.

[Mark F.]

Re: C3 -- Have you seen this?

So, the burning question I have had looking at all of this is:
Why did this have to be done?

[John S.]

[Mark E.]

Re: C3 -- Have you seen this?

LOL, apparently the word “t r i m m i n g” is being censored !!

I didn't know it was a naughty word until I visited this forum.