Hello all,

I have a base 69 Coup that is Cortez Silver with a dark blue vynl(spelling?) top. I haven't peeled back the top yet,but I can see & feel crunchy areas of rust under the vynl top. Some of this rust is near the rear window frame edges.

The car is now stored in an open ended barn with a car cover over it when I'm not working on it.

What are my options if rust has eaten away at the rear window frame as I fear?

Thanks in advance for your input...

Regards,
Mark P.

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69 Camaro Coup-My Granny bought new in 1969!
Cortez Silver/drk blue interior
327/210hp
Powerglide trans.
Ugly & skinny tires!

Mark, you already mentioned it, you will need to remove the vinyl top to repair these areas, and they will prob need some welding. Also check inside that area on anything that might be affected by welding. Maybe you'll only need to remove as far as the heat from the welder will go, if the rest of the roof seems good and your not going to repaint the entire car. If you go this way you need to cover everything really good because the grinding and welding will easily damage the rest of your car, and keep a fire extinguisher at hand! If these are the only areas, and you have the money you could also farm it out to a profesional shop.

Btw. Do you have any pics of your car? Mine is also a base coupe, cortez silver 327/210, dark blue interior but no vinyl roof and i really like the vinyl but i have never seen a dark blue roof on a silver car...

Hello Dutch69Camaro,

Thanks for the reply. Yes, I know the vinyl top has to come off soon (I'm almost afraid to look under the top) http://www.camaros.net/forum/eek.gif The entire car needs a re-paint.

Otherwise, I have one small rust spots down low on the passenger side door and some minor rust pitting on the right rear quarter panel. I will try to get some digital pics of my Car soon so you can see the Cortez Silver/Dark blue top scheme.

Take care,
Mark P.

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69 Camaro Coup-My Granny bought new in 1969!
Cortez Silver/drk blue interior
327/210hp
Powerglide trans.
Ugly & skinny tires!

[This message has been edited by Granny's 69 (edited 03-15-2002).]

Hey Mark, what are the #'s off the car?

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Steve - Central Ohio Camaro Club (http://www.ohiocamaros.com)
'69 Camaro RS/SS-350 - Daytona Yellow
'95 Camaro Z-28 - Sebring Silver
click here to see my webpage ---> My Camaros (http://home.columbus.rr.com/mccorry) (updated 3/7/02)

I suspect that some of the crunchiness might be dried and crumbling glue. You might find some filler and I have no doubt that you will find rust. You will probably find rust in areas where vinyl cracks exist, in the front pillar areas and upwards toward where the pillars meet the roof, and all along the front and rear edges of the roof. I had a vinyl top once. I took it off and found many things that really ruined my day. If I was in your boots, I would take all of the vinyl off myself, or at least witness removal. You will have a better chance to see what problems await you. Make sure you think about your options before you take it off. If it sits in a barn right now, then maybe you won't be pressed for time. Don't let the exposed roof sit in the elements.

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68 SS Full Resto Project
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Options in case of rear window area rust:

1. Fabricate sheet metal patches to replace corroded metal. Patches must be formed according to contour specs of the frame ledge. It must be welded into place by someone who has experience piecing sheet metal together. This is not easy. In fact I recommend against it. I've successfully made patches using sheet metal, various tin snips, cut-off wheel, die grinder, small to large hammers, 5" and 6" vise, pencil & paper, multi-fold aluminum foil sheets, and scissors. It's a pain.

2. Replace your rear quarters and rear window valance with new metal. Best and most expensive choice. I abandoned the first option in favor of this option.

3. Use a patch product combination such as POR-15 and fiberglass sheeting. (I wouldn't do this). I did it on my trunk and it came out like you might imagine. However, rod magazines that get paid to advertise say it works great.

BTW, such rust was another item I forgot to mention that you would most likely find under your vinyl. Actually, this area is really under your glass and chrome trim. I anticipate you will find plenty of rust here. Be prepared. Get a cold six-pack ready to help you relax once you discover what's underneath.

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68 SS Full Resto Project
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