Birdcage Repair

[Glen C.]

Good morning from ice covered Atlanta,

I've been looking at a 1968 coupe I'm interested in and had an inspection performed on the car. The car will need a lot of work but one thing that concerns me is that the inspection turned up evidence of rust in the windshield pillars. I'm realistic enough to know that working with the birdcage is beyond my abilities and would have to be farmed out to a professional. I know the cost will vary depending on what's found when the car is disassembled but can anyone tell me what kind of cost I'm looking at in the worst case scenario?

As usual I really appreciate everyone's help and advice.

Glen

[Michael W.]

Re: Birdcage Repair

Replacement of a birdcage can run 5K in labour plus the cost of the cage itself.

BTDT.

[Chuck S.]

Re: Birdcage Repair

...can anyone tell me what kind of cost I'm looking at in the worst case scenario?...

Without actually digging into the car to see the full extent of the damage, I'll be surprised if anyone can provide a number that's close to being reasonably accurate.

My observation is that rust is more likely to occur around the bottom of the windshield, and that's true regardless of how dry the climate has been. If it's up in the pillars, and visible to surface inspection, it's likely rusted through from inside out. I expect you're at least looking at replacing the entire windshied frame, and maybe much more. Considering this and other hidden damage, you are looking at $$$$ to repair that bird cage in my opinion.

No disrespect to 68 owners...they have my admiration...but 68 has to be one of the most difficult Corvettes to restore. With the experience I've gained in NCRS and just getting older, if I had known what I was letting myself in for when I bought my car (70), I would probably have just kept shopping. And, my car was in highly original, but heavily used condition. Unless 68 MY has special meaning for you, I would probably advise you to just keep looking.

What did your inspector recommend?

[Michael G.]

Re: Birdcage Repair

Glen,

Having done numerous restorations over the years have dealt with two cars needing rust repair or treatment. One vehicle rust was located just below the windshield, the other lower bird cage just in front of the wheels. Both instances I would consider slightly over minor and didn't get into major work....$$$. Nonetheless did the repair myself with help of neighbor who supply some welding.

Consider this....these cars getting to be 30 to 40 + years old and IF you don't have the skill set to do majority of the work or repair keep looking. You may have to pay more for one having lesser issues.....however in the long run, big picture, you'll be lesser frustration ahead...IMO.

[Paul J.]

Re: Birdcage Repair

Glen,

There's a lot on this in the archives. Here's just one thread of many:

https://www.forums.ncrs.org/showthre...epair&uid=4339

Stamped parts are available for the different sections.

Don't forget that it's always worse than it looks. But they can usually be repaired unless maybe it looks like the one Michael Ward posted. That's a replacement job, and it will cost $$$$ if you can't do the work yourself.

Paul