Rust repair on windshield header

[Calvin C.]

I have a 72 convertible driver, solid car. In changing windshield I found (of course) rust. The windshield frame and birdcage are solid just surface rust and one spot that rusted trough. Has anyone had success with rust conversion and patching a rust hole with something other than a weld. Searched threads but didn't find anything. thank youCal

[Tom L.]

Re: Rust repair on windshield header

When I had my '72 painted a similar problem was found. The shop cut out a piece, welded a patch in and ground it smooth. Seems OK but how would I know since it's now covered. I may have before and after pics if you're interested, let me know if I should search for them.

[Calvin C.]

Re: Rust repair on windshield header

When I had my '72 painted a similar problem was found. The shop cut out a piece, welded a patch in and ground it smooth. Seems OK but how would I know since it's now covered. I may have before and after pics if you're interested, let me know if I should search for them.

I'd be interested in seeing the pics, I can weld it, but the metal in that area looks dicey, yet most of the metal work is solid.Cal

[Tom L.]

Re: Rust repair on windshield header

72 vette 002.jpgIMG_0008.jpgThese are the best two I could find, I thought I had better. Hope they help.

[Calvin C.]

Re: Rust repair on windshield header

[ATTACH=CONFIG]51150[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]51151[/ATTACH]These are the best two I could find, I thought I had better. Hope they help.

They do thankscal

[Joe L.]

Re: Rust repair on windshield header

I have a 72 convertible driver, solid car. In changing windshield I found (of course) rust. The windshield frame and birdcage are solid just surface rust and one spot that rusted trough. Has anyone had success with rust conversion and patching a rust hole with something other than a weld. Searched threads but didn't find anything. thank youCal

Cal------


I think that welding is the only effective way to repair the windshield frame. If the perforated section of the frame is small, a patch can be fabricated and welded in. If the pillar post is more severely compromised, I think the best solution is to obtain a new reproduction section and weld it in.

[Calvin C.]

Re: Rust repair on windshield header

Cal------


I think that welding is the only effective way to repair the windshield frame. If the perforated section of the frame is small, a patch can be fabricated and welded in. If the pillar post is more severely compromised, I think the best solution is to obtain a new reproduction section and weld it in.

The header is solid. So I will cut out cancer and weld patches.

Thanks
cal

[Jim T.]

Re: Rust repair on windshield header

[ATTACH=CONFIG]51150[/ATTACH][ATTACH=CONFIG]51151[/ATTACH]These are the best two I could find, I thought I had better. Hope they help.

Tom I have experienced windshield frame rust. You may have finished yours by now, but I wanted to tell you about a hole that will allow water into the interior. The piece under where the fender support is shown in your first picture that attaches to the upper fender that is missing in your picture. Under the fiberglass support is a manufacture cut hole that will allow seeping water into the interior of your car. I replaced the pieces of metal under the fiberglass fender support when I did the rust repair on my 1970. Even the new pieces I received from the Chevrolet dealership parts department had the same cut/stamped holes. I had my holes on the two new pieces welded closed after installation and before I attached the fiberglass fender supports. The fiberglass fender supports mounted to these pieces do not keep the water from leaking into the holes and into your Corvette.

[Tom L.]

Re: Rust repair on windshield header

Jim, thanks for the FYI. Yes the car's been done for a while but the body shop that did the work made the same observation and closed the hole. At the time I didn't fully understand why this was necessary and the "patch" that was put on didn't look pretty. I was a little annoyed but it was buried under everything anyway so I let it go. Fast forward 7 years and I understand much more. Not sure that the patch done in the best manner but I'm glad the hole was closed. There were MANY body panels replaced on y car, I guess you could say I "saved" it and it will no longer see much water any way. Have fun!

[Bill L.]

Re: Rust repair on windshield header

Calvin,

My 70 had very little rust but did have a couple small holes in the windshield frame. Nothing structural. I am guessing the rust from washing it since it lived in the Texas desert and there was no rust elsewhere. I researched and ended up going with POR15 and POR15 putty. Wish I had taken pics. There was also some minor pitting on the corners and that was taken care of with the POR 15.

If you opt for this route just do the preparation exactly as described in the instructions. I highly recommend this method as an alternative to welding.

Bill