1975 chev rust issue under windshield - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

c10 custom · 07-21-2014, 12:11 AM

Hi everybody i am looking at a 1975 chev shortbox truck and the body looks good except for 2 quarter size rust holes under the front windshield i was
wondering is this something that can be fixed fairly reasonably i appreciate the replys thank you

donut · 07-21-2014, 04:25 AM

Pics may help, also what's your skill set?
Odds are it's a cut/patch deal (welding may be required) removal of the windshield may help. Expect the rust to extend further than what can be seen.

cadillac_al · 07-22-2014, 12:13 PM

I work on rusty Squares all the time and never had one rusted by the windshield. If it has rust up there then I would worry that the floor boards and rockers and cab mounts might be shot. I would look it over real close before buying it.

Your41Plague12 · 07-22-2014, 02:08 PM

It's common for water to get in due to a faulty windshield gasket, through the cargo light if the truck has one, or also through the clearance lights on the roof. I know this because my 83 was rotted under the windshield, at both corners of the back window, a lot of the firewall, both floor pans, the cab braces and supports, rockers, cab corners, etc. There really wasn't much left. It's repairable, but I'd look into finding a new cab. Typically if it's rusted there, you have much worse problems that aren't easily visible.

donut · 07-22-2014, 06:50 PM

My '73 had some good size rust holes under the windshield gasket. (old plow truck with no floorboards...) 30+ years of Maine winters took their toll.
Obvious places to look are the cab corners, inner/outer rockers. These may have already been repaired at some point.
Even my '86, which is a southern truck, has holes in the cab corners and the cowl pinch weld to the firewall. The cowl was neglect on the former owners, imo.

50seven · 07-22-2014, 09:15 PM

I've put patches in front lower windshield/gasket areas and yeah might as well plan on at least 3 times the size of what originally looks like needs to be fixed. There is supposed to be a drain hole under each side of the windshield rubber gasket (about an 1/8" diameter). This hole might get plugged, maybe salt gets trapped, possibly paint scratched from a previous window install and that area can rust.

Depending on how long the area is leaking it can rust right into the dash around the VIN.

Post some pictures.

07-21-2014, 12:11 AM	#1
c10 custom Registered User Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: Lethbridge Montana Posts: 259	1975 chev rust issue under windshield Hi everybody i am looking at a 1975 chev shortbox truck and the body looks good except for 2 quarter size rust holes under the front windshield i was wondering is this something that can be fixed fairly reasonably i appreciate the replys thank you

07-21-2014, 04:25 AM	#2
donut Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,593	Re: 1975 chev rust issue under windshield Pics may help, also what's your skill set? Odds are it's a cut/patch deal (welding may be required) removal of the windshield may help. Expect the rust to extend further than what can be seen. __________________ '86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400 '73 K-20 350/350/205 (sold ) I'm kinda like duct tape- no real purpose, but handy to have around.

07-22-2014, 12:13 PM	#3
cadillac_al Registered User Join Date: Oct 2013 Location: Maine Posts: 2,376	Re: 1975 chev rust issue under windshield I work on rusty Squares all the time and never had one rusted by the windshield. If it has rust up there then I would worry that the floor boards and rockers and cab mounts might be shot. I would look it over real close before buying it. __________________ 76 Chevy K20 76 GMC K15 77 Chevy C10 77 Chevy K10

07-22-2014, 02:08 PM	#4
Your41Plague12 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2010 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 1,009	Re: 1975 chev rust issue under windshield It's common for water to get in due to a faulty windshield gasket, through the cargo light if the truck has one, or also through the clearance lights on the roof. I know this because my 83 was rotted under the windshield, at both corners of the back window, a lot of the firewall, both floor pans, the cab braces and supports, rockers, cab corners, etc. There really wasn't much left. It's repairable, but I'd look into finding a new cab. Typically if it's rusted there, you have much worse problems that aren't easily visible. __________________ Steve Member of the Foot Pedal Club '83 Chevy K20: 6" Rough Country, 3" Performance Accessories BL, Bushwacker Cutouts, 38x15.50 Mickey Thompson Baja Claws, 350 HP 350 crate engine from Jegs, Turbo 400

07-22-2014, 06:50 PM	#5
donut Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,593	Re: 1975 chev rust issue under windshield My '73 had some good size rust holes under the windshield gasket. (old plow truck with no floorboards...) 30+ years of Maine winters took their toll. Obvious places to look are the cab corners, inner/outer rockers. These may have already been repaired at some point. Even my '86, which is a southern truck, has holes in the cab corners and the cowl pinch weld to the firewall. The cowl was neglect on the former owners, imo. __________________ '86 C-30 dually, 454/tbh400 '73 K-20 350/350/205 (sold ) I'm kinda like duct tape- no real purpose, but handy to have around.

07-22-2014, 09:15 PM	#6
50seven Registered User Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Out There Posts: 88	Re: 1975 chev rust issue under windshield I've put patches in front lower windshield/gasket areas and yeah might as well plan on at least 3 times the size of what originally looks like needs to be fixed. There is supposed to be a drain hole under each side of the windshield rubber gasket (about an 1/8" diameter). This hole might get plugged, maybe salt gets trapped, possibly paint scratched from a previous window install and that area can rust. Depending on how long the area is leaking it can rust right into the dash around the VIN. Post some pictures.



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