Advice on windshield frame repairs?

[Sambo42]

Hi all

I started to clean up the windshield for Sofia yesterday and found rust in the top corners that I don't like the look of. I think I'll have to tackle it - I'm assuming this means a significant repair and then re-chroming. Any advice? The photo below is just the tip of the iceberg....



Most of the frame looks good. Spider-point have a new frame.... for 1200 euros. Not considering that option for fairly obvious reasons....

[azruss]

The windshield frame is indeed chromed. If you want that back original, it means repairing the rust, grinding and sanding down to paint quality finish then rechromed. A lot of work just to get to the chrome stage. Other option is to have it painted or powdercoated. Dont know if that would be any cheaper.

[vandor]

Maybe getting another windshield frame would be easier.

[Sambo42]

It's worse than I thought after taking out the glass....





The rust is 3 dimensional...the chrome is the only thing holding the frame in its original shape. I'm going to try a possible source of second hand frames tomorrow, but not that optimistic. Other option is to rebuild - the steel looks like it's 3mm thick and if I tackle the replacement in small pieces I might be able to keep the shape right. I'm not that fazed by the rechroming, the bigger problem is likely to be whether my skills are up to preserving everything in its right orientation. I have a friend I might be able to lean on with some better metalworking skills than mine. I have to admit I wouldn't mind giving it a go....

[vandor]

Where are you located? In the US it should be easy to find a good WS frame.

[fiat218]

I got one just sitting getting ruined

[narfire]

Maybe getting another windshield frame would be easier.

No kidding.
Looks like quite a number of cars being parted out....

[Sambo42]

I got one just sitting getting ruined

I would love to have it - if there's any way it could be posted to australia....!

[fiat218]

Let me see if I can get a windshield box from some place or make something. I will get u a photo today

[vandor]

It won't fit within the size parameters of the Post Office, max size to AU is 79" in girth.
You'd have to ship it UPS/Fedex/DHL or somesuch.
We get a discount from Fedex, but it'd still be expensive.

[azruss]

have the seller take some measurements. I have certain frames that only fit certain gaskets. theyre not all the same.
(click on pix and open in a new tab to see the whole thing)

[fiat218]

I don't have one, I thought I did,but I threw them

[Fi8spider]

That looks well and truly screwed! Sambo, where abouts are you ?

Should be able to track something down on this big old island. I'm sure a couple were wrecked in Melb over the past couple years, I can get the word out, I also have a feeling that somebody in Bris has access to a body with possibly a frame still on it.

Anyway, PM sent with my contact details if you need a hand tracking one down.

Cheers
CC

[Sambo42]

Thanks Fi8spider - will call. Sam and Charlie have one for $400 (needs plating) but I haven't checked which year and will need to take my micrometer to check that the gasket will fit OK.

[Curly]

I might be able to help
PM sent.