Birdcage

[Stephen W.]

need info on a c3 birdcage. My 68 coupe will need rocker channels as well as the windshield frame. I can purchase a complete rust free cage from a 1971 coupe. The 71 cage actually has the entire rear clip attached.
My 68 coupe is a 4 speed 7-79 non a/c car.
The 71 coupe is a 4 speed a/c car.

1. are the rocker channels the same for a 68 to 71?

2. Can I use the rear deck from the 71 ( glass color? , rear window)

3. Floor pans? firewalls?

My floors and firewall are all good but my rear deck was repaired years ago.

[Steve Wallach]

Re: Birdcage

Hi Steve,

I have been through this with my 68, It's a MAJOR undertaking anyway you look at it.

I have a set of original 68 channels if you need them, they are slightly pitted but are basically rust free.

The floor pan and firewall are "68 only" I believe, and I'm not sure about the "glass color"?

I also have and extra 68 upper deck and floor pan off of an automatic 68 with AC. If you have a 4 speed vs. Automatic, AC vs. no AC they are different.

To get to the Channels you will need to remove the fenders, front clip, and
striker door panels. If your are really good and have terrific access, you may not have to go that far?

Either way,

Good luck!

Steve

[Patrick H.]

Re: Birdcage

Steve,

I'd be tempted to use the whole rear clip from the 71 and save yourself a LOT of work. By 1971 "some" of the fiberglass had changed to SMC and differed in color. I'd take a close look at that 71. See if any Rockwell stickers are visible from the underside. A 1968 with a Rockwell sticker in the fiberglass saying 3-71 is kinda obvious as a replacement. If it matches, and the stickers are either not obvious or are not present, then use it as-is and complete.

The biggest difference I can "think" of is the heater box area for AC vs. non-AC. You may just graft in a piece of your firewall here, or whatever looks easiest.

Transplanting the whole rear body has to be MUCH easier than removing the pieces you need. If you think you're better off removing metal and chopping up the fiberglass, I'd just buy new replacement metal instead and keep the 71 whole for someone else.

Patrick

[Stephen W.]

Re: Birdcage

Thanks for the help.
I agree using the 71 clip would be easier but the 1/4s would need to be changed anyway so I cannot avoid cutting up the glass. I've decided to keep it all 68 and do it the hard way.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Birdcage

Duh. Forgot about the rear quarters.

Is it less expensive to use the 71 rear than to buy new metal?
Between CSC Reproduction Corvette parts and Caledonia Corvette, I "think" everything is available, at least for the front half.

CSC Reproductions
P.O. Box 16703
Rocky River, Ohio 44116
phone: 440-331-8939
fax: 440-331-1477
e-mail: information@cscreproductions.com

http://www.cscreproductions.com/index2.htm

Caledonia Classic Cars
6331 Ashley Ave.
Belding, MI 48809-9611
888-245-5224

[George W.]

Re: Birdcage

Steve, I have a nice cowl back non a/c '68 coupe, rust free birdcage and rocker channels (even has the complete rear wiring/optic harness in place). The windshield frame has been removed just below the trim tag, but I have another '68 windshield frame. E me for more details if you are interested. G.