[DeTomaso] Window Channel...

[MikeLDrew at aol.com]

In a message dated 10/26/11 21 19 17, detomasoregistry at gmail.com writes:


> 
> This is an eye opener, login to the Registry to see this. 
> (Thanks go to Michel in Canada for these pics.)
> 
> I wonder if this is Tsunami-related damage, radiation damage or what just 
> due to
> the coastal environment of Japan.
> 
> http://www.provamo.com/Members/Registry/RegistryImages/RTHPNMT05098/RTHPNMT
> 05098.asp
> 
> 

That's a bit extreme, but it's not at all unusual.   I would say the 
overwhelming majority of original, non-restored Panteras have a lesser degree of 
rust in the windshield channel.   That's why changing a windshield is a 
non-trivial exercise most of the time.   When you bust your windshield, normally 
it's a simple job for a glass shop to pop the old one out and the new one 
in.   I maintain that you should be prepared to find some, perhaps significant 
amounts of rust in the channel when you pull the glass out, especially if 
you live in a climate where the windshield gets wet.   

If you drive with your wipers turned on, you're probably well along the way 
to having this kind of issue.   That means that a windshield change turns 
into a major epic, as the dash needs to be removed, then the rusty metal cut 
out, new metal fabricated from scratch and welded in, then thoroughly 
rust-protected before the new glass can go in.

My car was rusty when I bought it; the windshield channel was pretty well 
shot most of the way around.   I just looked through my 200+ restoration 
photos looking for a good 'before' photo, but I don't have any.

Here's another sad truth--the channel around the rear quarter windows also 
rusts.   There is supposed to be a drain hole at the bottom of that channel, 
but it often plugs up and then water collects there and rusts it away....

Mike