Windshield frame rust

[mikester]

Alright, I've spent a lot of time reading up on past posts and only seen one or two on rust in the area I'm looking at on my poor little '74.


It's the lower windsheild corners, bummer eh?

So, my question is related to the pic attached.



That's what I have to fix, and I think it actually goes into the seam too...on the inside it isn't so bad and I think following good advice and using some POR-15 or Zero Rust inside will work out well, but it's these exterior corners that I need some serious advice on.

Thanks so much in advance.

The Mikester
mikester@socal.rr.com

[derek_sf]

first, you're going to have to take your windshield out no matter what fix you do. something tells me you have a lot of rust behind the seal to fix also.

complex fix would be to cut it all out and weld in a new piece. if you want to be adventurous I can supply you the piece you'll need.

easier fix would be to take out window, blast window channel, grind out the rust you show in our pic as best you can, treat with picklex 20 (http://www.picklex.com/), prime with epoxy primer, finish off with a good filler, prime again, and then paint.

[mikester]

Yeah,

Removing the windsheild is my next step, It needs replacement due to a crack anyway.

My worry was actually welding a new frame in. I'm not a welder and I've never tried it. I was considering trying my minor floor pan repair (that is pretty minor - just a patch or two) but this is a lot different I think.

Is repairing it a fine enough alternative?

I would really like this not to come back and bite me again as it is now.

Thanks for the response and advice.

[derek_sf]

if you haven't welded before, I wouldn't take this on as your first project, could be tricky. I think this can be repaired fine with the other steps I gave, the key to it not coming back is the metal conditioner and the epoxy primer. I see there is one small hole already, how "stable" is the metal there. can't tell from the pic how weak it is. if you want some really pro advice, go to the forum at www.autobodystore.com and post your pic there. it's poplulated by many pro body guys who love this sort of thing.

[mikester]

Yeah, I agree - I don't think this is a good first or second welding project.

Walking straight is issue enough for me much less welding straight.

I have already posted a message on the autobodystore.com, thanks for mentioning it though. Makes me feel like I'm on the right track.

I really want to save this girl and this is so far the worst I've found.

[mikester]

"worst that I've found"

....famous last words...can't believe I said 'em.

[mikester]

Forgot to answer the "Stability" question.

Well, I don't know how good a judge of that I am.

Except for the hole or two that is there, it seems almost stable. I'll know a little more when I get the windsheild out.


I have this problem on both sides and will try to get a better picture up tomorrow.

Thanks again.

[derek_sf]

car looks good, for sure worth saving. if you don't get much action on your post tomorrow, put "Len" in the subject. he's the owner and very helpful, not to mention super smart when it comes to this sort of thing. follow that board for a couple weeks and you'll really start to learn the body/paint stuff, very active forum.

[mikester]

Here's some slightly better pictures - sorry they aren't entirely better but my darned 1 Megapixel camera....well...enough...

http://speedyg.socal.rr.com/Photos/Rust/

That's the link.

[derek_sf]

I saw phil's response on the autobody forum. he's one of the more respected people on there. having a pro do it won't be cheap I imagine. do you have a sandblaster? I think if you get it all prepped it'll be easier to see what the damage is. like phil said, those holes will get larger. I would do this next and then make a call for the next step. it all depends on what the final result you want, just to stop the rust or have a perfect "by the book" repair done. the guys on the autobody forum to everything the "right" way.