Phlash

I recently purchased a 72 BB Roadster and checked the frame over closely before buying ( frame, trailing arms, etc. were fine), but didn't check the windshied support. Reading over several topics in the forum makes me wonder how bad I could have messed up if it is rusty. What all and where all do I need to check for this. Also what all is involved in the repairs if it is rusty.

Phlash 72 BB Roadster :confused:

MoneyPit

Just pull the pillar molding. I thought mine was bad, but after I pulled the pillar molding, I found that it was the metal backing on the molding. Also. If you really want to know, you can pull the dash. However, this can be a PITA and it is a one day job probably. You can also take a few screws out and pull the header molding. For a quick and dirty check, get a light source and go around the windshield molding (you can see some???? rust through the glass), but beware, if you see lots of flakes of rust, it is probably the back of the pillar molding. Hope it helps.

Guest

If I am going to look at one that is for sale I take a gallon of water with me and pour it down the pillar posts.If the carpet gets wet you have rust.You really can't tell how bad unless you do what Money Pit posted. Chuck

Chris@VetteFinders

The water test will not tell you if you have rust for sure. It may have been repaired with silicone or some other stop gap measure. The only sure was is taking off the molding or removing the windshield.

Mine looked fine from behind the molding, but I was very surprised how rusty it was from the windshield side.

Phlash

I have spent the last few hours taking Moneypit's advice. Took the inside molding off and the passenger side dash panel off. Found nothing on the passenger side. On the driver side I looked under the dash the best I could and could not find any signs of rust, but did fine a hole on the pillar about two inches above the VIN behind the trim. The hole is about 3/16 inch diameter after I probed it with a very bent screw driver. The metal around it was scaling back for about a half inch downward. Then took my air hose and blew it out to dislodge the the rust. Looks like I may need to have the windshield removed and check for further damage. Everthing seems solid other than the this spot. What suggestions do the forum members have and how serious is this?

Phlash 72 BB Roadster :rolleyes:

MoneyPit

Most suppliers sell sections of the frame. I know ZIP has a section in its catalog for these sections. Mine is not that bad, so here is what I am going to do.
I have a friend in the paint/body biz. We are going to take the windshield out. If you don't know anyone, search your phone book for a mobile service that will come to your house or shop. Once out, I am going to blast the frame. Barring any significant holes, I am going to tack anything small or weld in any larger pieces. Then I am going to apply copius amounts of POR-15. With any luck the glass want have shattered getting it out, and I can re-install the windshield.

Phlash

Thanks Moneypit,

Looks like my winter project has a new item. Fortunately it doesn't look too bad yet. Unless it is a lot worse than I think, I should be able to fix the damage myself. I still feel like I got a good deal considering the overall condition of the 72 BB Roadster, A/C, TH400, PS, PB, hard and soft tops. :seeya