If it’s any consolation when I bought my 72 coupe the core support was the same as yours and the front cross member had completely dissolved through corrosion. The bird cage was completely rusted and had very little strength at all. With all those problems the front of the car dipped about an inch below the hood and wobbled when the car moved. Four years later and it’s all been rebuilt - I hope to get the car running and driving this year …. It didn’t make any sense to repair everything but I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute doing it. I really like the videos you post and they have been really useful and motivational too. Please keep posting!
I discovered that the lower 8" of the core support in mine had been stuffed with cardboard and slathered with Bondo to cover the rot. The cardboard got wet over time, and further exacerbated the rust. I had to fabricate replacement sections and rebuild the bottom 8" of metal.
Got to love those hidden challenges... Cause if you didn't buy it new... They're going to get you somewhere on it... That's about guaranteed .... True story...
The rust was probably due to a rotten radiator sitting there for decades...owner topped off with water every day until it finally turned into powder and they had to get an emergency radiator fitted so they could get to work!
Ben, is there some form of drain for these supports? Can a buyer see any on this from the top when looking for a Vette? I'm thinking, if I were to get another C3, I would just pull radiator and put fresh supports in. Thanks again for another informative video.
If I ever win the lottery, I would like to contact you to help me find and make perfect a 1981 Corvette, Red Exterior, Tan Interior. I think with a million or so we could hook that up!! 👍
guessing that there was no factory rust preventative on the support...seems to be a common failure point on C3's, along with #2 body mounts and frame kickups. Rust preventative on Corvettes back then was not a thing.
If it’s any consolation when I bought my 72 coupe the core support was the same as yours and the front cross member had completely dissolved through corrosion. The bird cage was completely rusted and had very little strength at all. With all those problems the front of the car dipped about an inch below the hood and wobbled when the car moved. Four years later and it’s all been rebuilt - I hope to get the car running and driving this year …. It didn’t make any sense to repair everything but I have thoroughly enjoyed every minute doing it. I really like the videos you post and they have been really useful and motivational too. Please keep posting!
Structural radiator hoses... way to go!
I discovered that the lower 8" of the core support in mine had been stuffed with cardboard and slathered with Bondo to cover the rot. The cardboard got wet over time, and further exacerbated the rust. I had to fabricate replacement sections and rebuild the bottom 8" of metal.
Got to love those hidden challenges... Cause if you didn't buy it new... They're going to get you somewhere on it... That's about guaranteed .... True story...
"Eh, it'll be someone else's problem..." LOL
Someone dipped that nose in the Pacific Ocean on one of those California Nights ... Leslie Gore would be so proud.
Wow! Those radiators are HEAVY to start with!
Thanks Ben ❤️
Wow Ben !!! Be safe dude.
Somehow I miss that Oldsmobile. Actually both, the parts car with A/C, too.
"Customer declined all repairs"
The rust was probably due to a rotten radiator sitting there for decades...owner topped off with water every day until it finally turned into powder and they had to get an emergency radiator fitted so they could get to work!
Ben, is there some form of drain for these supports? Can a buyer see any on this from the top when looking for a Vette?
I'm thinking, if I were to get another C3, I would just pull radiator and put fresh supports in.
Thanks again for another informative video.
Wow, I've never seen that. I hope my 74 isn't that bad.
Bubba strikes again.
Yikes man. Thats wild.
Bubba strikes again
And, again...
Bet that made you jump 🤣🤣👍👍
Surprised car is from Cali. That is NY shit.
If I ever win the lottery, I would like to contact you to help me find and make perfect a 1981 Corvette, Red Exterior, Tan Interior. I think with a million or so we could hook that up!! 👍
Maybe.... maybe not... LoL!
guessing that there was no factory rust preventative on the support...seems to be a common failure point on C3's, along with #2 body mounts and frame kickups. Rust preventative on Corvettes back then was not a thing.
Hummm
Hummm...
First!