chucktn

Noticed I've got some rust with holes on the brace on the side of the support that faces the back of the car but the bottom of the brace is still solid and and corners look to be in good shape. Cleaned with a wire brush and painted but I'm concerned about it being weakened. Any thoughts on bolting on a bar to support it verses having to remove and replace?

HABIT

I'm Batman

Replace it. They usually rot from the inside out, so if you have holes the metal is likely toast.

Glassbowtie77

I bought one in nice shape that only needed some light sanding to remove surface and a fresh coat of paint off of ebay for $175.00.

Jud Chapin

I bought a new one from GM for my '76 a few years ago for about $275 or so. I don't know if they are still available or not. I'd replace it if I were you.

CorvetteDave01

I cut out all the bad metal in mine and welded in new, ground it down and painted it. Took a day, but it cost $0.

Scott Marzahl

I'd take a awl and try poking it in those lower sections and corners to see just how solid it is. That is a major support structure for the front of the car. I also cut out the rot and welded in new pieces.

Maymyvetteliveforevr

You must have been lucky enough to have access to a metal bending machine and a welder. Most don't.

I'm Batman

I built a new one using angle iron and the top of the old one. I don't recommend it, and if I hadn't been going with a non-stock A/C condenser I probably would have just bought a new one for $350.

ZD75blue

Hey, before I hammer form this stuff... are the lower corners available?

The back half of mine is rotted out... at least the lower corners.

I'm Batman

I've never seen patch pieces for the radiator surrounds. Generally, by the time they're holed the structural integrity of the lower portions is gone.

ZD75blue

Luckily only the back half of mine is sketchy. I've started forming out of 16 gauge... since I've got a few sheets of that around. Rig is out of welding gas, and got .040 flux core to use...

Come one, someone tell me a harder way to do this project!

Good news is, 16 gauge won't rust out any time soon.

I'm Batman

A harder way? Build one out of angle iron and flat bar stock. DB can testify to how long it took me to get it tweaked to fit right and actually installed in the car.