Valp

Hey guys, my first post here!
I hope someone can point me in the right direction. I finalizing a deal for a 65 roadster. (It's actually pretty cheap). The interior needs a total overhaul, and I don't believe the engine is original. That's okay though, as I've been a technition for Ford for a long time. I know... blue motors! It has a new frame (or a restored original) and suspension. The frame was found and replaced about 10 yrs ago I was told. I believe that since it looks absolutley clean and rust free. My question is, after reading noumerous posts on windshield frame rust, I checked this one out. Sure enough, it's pretty bad. Both sides of the frame are shot, as well as the lower frame where the dash screws in. The side posts where the door hinges are seem to be okay as far as I can tell. ( I took off the kick panels to check). It seems to be a lot of work as I can tell, is it worth it to go ahead with the deal? I'm buying the car for $2500! Can anyone give me a ballpark figure on the repair? (Worse case scenerio). Anything will help.
Thanks,
Vince

vt65

Welcome to the forum Vince, just go up to the top row to search: look for windshield frame or birdcage rot...lots of good reading on the subject...good luck

Bowtyeguy

2500?????????? its worth 5 times that in parts alone. Its hard to guess a price on fixing it but put 10k as a guesstimate.

Gman58

I can't believe that you got much for 2500. I would like to see what you picked up. Bird cage rot is the worst. Greg

67tripwr

2500! I thought I got a deal on my 67 at 13k. My birdcage however is perfecto.

That is a costly repair, but your getting a heck of a deal. It will be worth it if the car is all there.

66jack

I will tell you a price but you are not going to like it...
To repair the birdcage and do a complete restoration...
Hold on too your shorts...
You are looking in the neighborhood of about $5,000,000,000.00
Plus the cost of the vette....$2,500.00

Grand total$5,000,002,500.00:lo l:

I could'nt risist joking with the newbie...
I really have know idea of what the cost will be...

jack

Blk63Vette

Hello

This can be fixed and some forum menbers have fixed birdcage rust and rebuilt their Corvette. Good news parts of the bridcage are sold by a vendor. Bad News it is BIG Bucks to fix this problem because you have to take part all the fibgerlass to replace the metal. I think get a Bottle of Jack Daniels and some Coca Cola and think it through...Works for me..

MiguelsC2

I was going to say pass on the deal. But @ $2500 it's hard to go wrong. I would go see a Corvette body specialist and see what it's really going to cost. 10k is a good start. You could do the work yourself. It will be a long term project.
If buying from the catalogs? The interior restoration can get real costly real fast. I would spend much time shopping swap meets for the interior parts. But get that cage estimated first.
It is real easy to underestimate restoration costs. Depends on how far you want to take it.

Welcome to the Forum. Don't let the old geezers raz you too much.

62Jeff

Welcome,
Depending on where the rust is located, it APPEARS that it may not be a horrible job. This post from Beach Dude details the repairs he made to his 64, over the course of A FEW DAYS which included replacing birdcage elements with new reproduction pieces. You have to get to about post 32 before you start seeing new parts going on, so be patient as you read the thread.

http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...cage-rust.html

Jeff

Valp

Thanks guys,
I appreciate all your help. I am going to totally dismantle the interior before bringing it to the shop. Maybe save some money? I was thinking around $3K to $5K for the frame repair plus the parts. I might be a little off, though! Yes, the car is all there. It has a 63 hood (no prob). It has original side exhaust, though not original to the car, but I like it and will keep it on. It also has 67 style ralley wheels...will be changed to 65 wheels. The interior as well as the top needs total restoration. I can do all the work minus the paint (which should be Milano Maroon), the body work which is all there and intact and only seems to have the typical stress cracks, and, of course the windshield frame. It'll nickel and dime me to death, but for the price, I think I'll do okay. Thanks again guys, it's nice to have contact with people who've 'been there, done that' before.

Vince

LSUvetteguy

Welcome to the Forum. We all try to help each other whenever someone has a problem. And in that spirit I'll offer to give you your 2,500 back for the car if you think that you've made a mistake.

Open the covers just inside the rear wheel wells and check for birdcage rust in that area as well. Of course for 2500, it really doesn't matter what you find, just buy it fast.

gilbybarr

We'll need to see pics of this bargain basement deal.....lets see what we missed!!

robert miller

Give RJ a pm he is a very good guy and will help you with a ton of info on the job.....Yes pic,s of the car please..

Mr D.

If this thread is not complete BS than $2500 is too good of a deal to even question. The car is worth that without a VIN tag or title, the rolling chassis is worth $2500.

Valp

Hey guys, I agree this is a good deal. Just wanted to know what I'm getting into. I assure you this is no BS thread. It's by no means a Barrett-Jackson, Russo & Steele show car, but it is all there. It'll need a lot of work, just needed to know a ballpark figure of a windshield frame repair.....a price I'll be needing for this repair AFTER I get the car. I've heard of repairs from $3K to over $10K for this. I'm not sure why the big spread between figures. Maybe quality? I'll get pics when the deal is completed, although I'm not sure if I can post them since my posting rules say 'you may not post attachments'. I'll have to figure that out. I'm not sure who RJ is, but I would like to pick his brain!

Again, thanks
Vince

62Jeff

R.J. is Beach Dude, the member who replaced his windshield frame in his convertible.

Your membership level does not allow you to upload attachments, but that does not prevent you from linking photos you've uploaded elsewhere.

Check out my reply this morning to another poster, with the same concern...
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/1573096638-post2.html

Valp

Thanks, Jeff
I'll be sure to get pics on CF.

count

Wow, I love these true barn finds!!! Congrats on the car!! One in a million chance, the guy selling you the car probally feels bad for taking YOU for a ride.......I could see him now..." well a 45 year old car just gots to be worth half what I paid......??"

Have fun with it! In regards to the birdcage rust, check with Caladonia Classics, RJ will fill you I'm sure....even if you had to buy a new birdcage and get it installed your still way ahead of the game!

robert miller

Newbie, please read these post if you really want help here. Look at the attachments. If something dont work out on your buy let us know. Almost anyone here will give a little more than this for the car unseen. We are only here to help each other man.....

Valp

thanks, robert. I'll search the threads. It's nice to know people are here to help a newbie! I can't believe the support I'm getting in just 1 day on CF! I appreciate everything. I certainly hope I could return the favor one day!

Thanks!
Vince