Bird cage and VIN plate

[Thomas H.]

I always knew that one day I would do a body off on my 71 LS5. I also knew that the bird cage has some issues that would need to be addressed at that time. As you can see in the picture, there is an area of rust that is right at the lower rivet on the VIN plate. When I go to repair it, how do I go about handling the VIN and the associated rivet(s)?

For those inquiring minds, I expect to be removing the front clip and probably the firewall to repair the cage if necessary. The lower sections around the door hinges and body mounts are still very solid as is the entire frame. The rust seems to be more prevalent at the top corners of the windshield and this area around the VIN plate.

Right now I'm doing my research, planning and calculating ($$). I don't expect to start this for another year, maybe more. We'll see though, I'm itching for a winter project now that I have the 60 back on the road.

Tom

[Richard E.]

Re: Bird cage and VIN plate

Rivets are available in Hemmings and on ebay...usually 2 for $40

[Monte M.]

Re: Bird cage and VIN plate

I really admire you guys. Out here in California we see a car with rust as a parts car. The work some of you guys are doing is really art. People like you really are to be praised for the work you are doing.
My 63 spent its first five years in Michigan before coming out to California. It had a little work around the bottom of the front window. It took a day to complete. I felt good about doing it right, but you guys are in another league all together.
We all do whatever is thrown at us, but I just wanted to point out how great it is to see you save a car.
Keep us posted on how it is going. I am very interested in following along. I am sure I can learn something from you.
Best of luck,
Monte

[Thomas H.]

Re: Bird cage and VIN plate

I really admire you guys. Out here in California we see a car with rust as a parts car. The work some of you guys are doing is really art. People like you really are to be praised for the work you are doing.
My 63 spent its first five years in Michigan before coming out to California. It had a little work around the bottom of the front window. It took a day to complete. I felt good about doing it right, but you guys are in another league all together.
We all do whatever is thrown at us, but I just wanted to point out how great it is to see you save a car.
Keep us posted on how it is going. I am very interested in following along. I am sure I can learn something from you.
Best of luck,
Monte

Monte,

It will be a bit before I really get going on this. For now the car is solid and very reliable as I spent the better part of 2 years rebuilding the drivetrain and suspension from stem to stern. It runs and drives great.

This car was from MI also. The fact that it was a tired, but very original big block car helped me decide that it is worth doing what it takes to keep it alive.

Tom

[Monte M.]

Re: Bird cage and VIN plate

Tom,
I have a 72 big block 4-speed, A/C red car with black interior. It had a few body issues that were pretty easy to fix. It just took time to fix the things that were done wrong a few years ago.
The nice thing was that the previous owner let the car sit in his garage for eleven years before I bought it in 89.
The option is a big part of why I decided to take the car on. By sitting so long the car had less than 36,000 miles on it when I bought it.
I spent a lot of time on my 63, so I did not get around to the for a while. Because of that, the 72 just turned 40K not too long ago.
I drive my cars as much as I can. My son helped me a lot on the 72 and now he knows what to do. When I pass the car will need a once over again and this time he can do it. The truth is he is putting some of the miles on the 72. That is what they were made for.
I have not let him have free reign with the 63 yet. Maybe in time.
Good luck with the car. I am glad you are enjoying it by driving it.
Monte

[Paul J.]

Re: Bird cage and VIN plate

Tom, it's pretty straightforward. Carefully drill out the rivets and remove the tag. The only way to properly repair this is to reach all of the metal on the birdcage in this area. Replace the tag with the rivets Richard suggests. But you've probably figured this out. It sounds like you already knew this.

Paul

P.S. If you're concerned that some future buyer or judge might get concerned about this, keep a photo record.