Birdcage / Windshield frame inspection?

[ChrisMiami]

I'm hoping to get to the point where I am inspecting a 69 convertible to purchase, so I was curious if anyone had any suggestions on how to evaluate the windshield frame for integrity. IDK if the "bang on it and see if rust falls out" technique will be sufficient.

Thanks!
Chris

[nwav8tor]

Yeah, that's hard to evaluate unless you take all the interior trim and dash & panels out. One thing to be sure to do is take the interior floor vent panels off and check the lower door hinge pillars for rust. If rust is there, chances are the windshield frame has it to. However, no rust on the hinge pillars doesn't necessarily mean that the windshield frame is rust-free. That's what my experience was - no rust on the hinge pillars but the lower corners of the windshield frame had rusted through...