cicch95

Hello. I am going to take a look at a 75 coupe. It is a "project" of course, but I am just wondering what in particular to look for. I always hear about the "bird cages"....can someone elaborate on this?

Thanks,
-Rick

FinnShark

Bird gage is basically the steel support structure for the body panels and gives the strength and stiffness to car with the frame. You have to check the bird gage for rust. Best places to look for that is the windshield pillars. You can see some of the bird gage from outside the car by looking to the gap between windshield and the interior pieces that are wrapped around the pillar. That is one of the places where the rust lurks... Also it's good to check the frame for rust. Check the condition of the frame on the front of the rear wheel. There shouldn't bee any rust in there either.

Oherwise it's pretty much like looking for any other used car... Check if the engine is numbers match, more important if you like to restore it totally one day or if it's L-82. You can check if it was originally a L-82 car by checking the VIN, if fifth code is T it's an L-82, if fifth code is J it is base L-48 car. If it's numbers match original L-82 convertible with 4-speed then you have something to be interested at...

crazydalys

I would check the floorboards for rust. My 1976 the frame is in good shape, but the driver-side floor board is pretty rusty. Wish I would've checked for that when I purchased mine.

trotter73

The rad support is another rust area to check.

markdtn

76-77 can be espicially bad on floor rust. Don't think 75 has a metal floor though.

GTR1999

Rick, drive over to URI and see my son. He has a 75 L-82 4 speed car that we went through last year. If the car is local maybe he'll check it out with you.
Gary

cicch95

Thanks guys! Gary, the car is in Ashaway, RI. I might just talk to him!

-Rick

GTR1999

Ok Rick, I don't know where Ashaway is but if you want,PM me and I'll get you the contact info. I may up that way for the Thompson CT swap meet on 11/6 btw.
Gary

bertmeister

Hey Rick, is that the brown one on Maxson Hill Road? If so, it's about a mile down the road from me. Let me know when you're going to check it out. If the owner is willing, you can bring it to my garage and get it up on the ramps to check it out. I took a quick look at the car a couple months ago. Couldn't really get under it at the time so I don't know how the frame is.
Todd

cicch95

Todd.....it is a white one! Not sure exactly where it is yet. I think I am going to check out an 80 first!

Gary....are you going to Stafford this weekend?

-Rick

GTR1999

Rick,
I hope to get to Stafford on Sunday but it will be a last minute thing. I'm waiting on a MIG gun liner to come in so I can get back to welding my front control arm brackets and supports.
Be sure to check the cars out good, the 75 has a better differential them the 80 but the rest of the car isn't that different. Come down to which body style you like.
Gary

GTR1999

Rick,
I hope to get to Stafford on Sunday but it will be a last minute thing. I'm waiting on a MIG gun liner to come in so I can get back to welding my front control arm brackets and supports.
Be sure to check the cars out good, the 75 has a better differential then the 80 but the rest of the car isn't that different. Comes down to which body style you like.
Gary

SteveG75

Rick,
Mine is finally running and available. Let me know if you need another set of eyes.

BTW, I can show you a nice case of rust expanding a seam in the radiator support.

cicch95

Steve,
Your car looks good! Where was the pic taken?

-Rick

SteveG75

Harbour Court (New York Yacht Club, my stepfather is a member) in Newport.

cicch95

Well...you need to take a cruise down to this end of the state some time before winter!

-Rick