repair of windshield pillars?

[barracuda]

Hello again to you all. I was wondering if anyone has had any experience in repairing the inside part of the windshield pillars I have rust in mine at the area where the vin tag is riveted to it. Any suggestions or insight would be greatly appreciated!
David.

 

[69MyWay]

David,

There are really good ways, and temporary ways of fixing this. The windshield must come out. I would also suggest removing the top dash pad and top corner fender trim. Now you will be able to get a better look. Some people will go ahead and cut the upper cowl/wiper tray out exposing the metal structure. Now you can weld in new pieces.

Another option is to clean it out with the glass removed. Gind and treat the area with rust killer. Then mix and fill in as much water proof "liquid metal" or other equivelant body filler as possible. Prime, paint, install the glass, and keep and eye on it.

Here is a shot of what I did. Can you guess which way I went?

 

[barracuda]

reproduction parts

Do they make reproduction metal for the repair?
Thanks!
David.

 

[69MyWay]

There are several vendors that offer them. There may only be one company that sells them.

I do a lot of business with Paragon Reproductions. You can go through the portal at the top of the page and start searching.

You can no longer legally buy vin rivets. So, be very carefull removing your old ones. One good trick is to get in behind them with a dremel and knock them loose from the bottom. Slide them on up and out and save them. When you fix the frame you will be able to epoxy them back down.

Back when I did mine you could still buy them. Not so anymore. Or at least with the vendors I deal with.