Header Bar (2 part)

[Michael B.]

Seems several people are at the same point with header bar questions.

To Tom, I have the number for the 2 part SEM epoxy at the office if that helps you. Fuzor is the one most people are recommending but it's not carried everywhere. The SEM product needs a gun as does the fuzor. The SEM product however does not require the fibreglass be prep'ed with an epoxy glue.

After a couple weekends I've pried off the badly rusted old header bar, and tookl a bit of fibreglass with, but did not beak anything or penetrate to the front.

1. Is it best to use the header adhesive as a filler for the lost fibreglass/SMC (it's a 77) or use a long strand bondo to fill first.

2. The original '77 header bar had steel bars welded as re-enforcement on top of the main bar. The replacement was formed to match the offset where the additional gauge would have been. Does it make sense to bond or weld a steel plate behind - the replacement steel seems a bit thin to me by itself.

Thanks all for the expertise.


Michael B.

[Tom L.]

Re: Header Bar (2 part)

Michael,

Thanks for the offer for the part number, but I have plenty of it. I just wasn't sure if I should use it.

Regarding the replacement reinforcement, I bought a replacement from Zip assuming that I would damage the original beyond repair while removing it. The gauge of the replacement part was too thin. Fortunately, the original came off without any damage and was in pretty good shape.

Before you start welding stuff to a replacement piece, try calling Contemporary Corvette at (215) 788-8693. It's a Corvette junk yard in eastern PA. You may be able to get an original in good shape for a reasonable price.

Tom

[Michael B.]

Re: Header Bar (2 part)

Hi Tom,

Actually the replacement did come off a donor car from my favourite shop in Denver, so it's original but it appears to not be from the same year. I suspect it came off a later model year. The Gauge of the steel is similar (I don't have it in front of me) to original except it is missing the re-enforcing plates.