[mrcleanr6]

ok, i would like some other opinions from you metal guys on repairing this 67 firebird rear window channel. as you can see in the pics it looks like swiss cheese. its basically like this all the way around. if you notice there are small tabs about every 8 inches all the way around to hold clips that the window trim attaches to. if possible i would like to somehow keep these intact.

[baddbob]

If this car is a keeper I would replace the rotted out areas with new metal. The filler panel below the rear window is available as a reproduction. The areas in the sail panel and roof will need to be fabbed. It would be really tough to save those clip studs. I usually replace them with the screw in style after the area is shaped perfect. Trying to do any sanding around those studs is a PITA! I just went through this on a 69 Camaro. Make a template for stud location reference before you tear into it. Use the reveal mouldings to check and verify the window opening shape is right as you go. If done right it will last forever- I've never seen a failure on any I've done. Spray the backside of the repairs with a cavity wax like 3M's rustfighter when all the work is done. Tedious work for sure, but to do it right IMO the swiss cheese will need to be removed.

Nice cleanup work with the blaster.

If you're not worried about longevity, you could just apply two good coats of epoxy primer and glass the holes shut with everglass, then a cavity wax on the backside----------but I'm sure there would be signs of failure down the road. How long would it last?????

There's very limited access for panel bonding any metal to the backside, especially on the roof area, besides the surface would need to be prepped for the adhesive which would make it impossible. Panel adhesive wouldn't be an option here IMO. Bob

[mrcleanr6]

thanks, thats what i was thinking. i definately dont want any failures so metalwork is going to be the way to go here. when i removed the glass someone had already repaired it once with fiberglass. i was able to pull the pieces of glass out with my fingers so you can see that worked well!!! i didn't know the tabs were avail as screw in replacements. that makes life easier, i can just replace them when done. thanks for the tips bob.

[baddbob]

No problem. If you coat the backside of the repair areas well it should last a lifetime. Bob