I am in the beginning stages of a frame off restoration of a 1971 LT1 Roadster.  I have removed the grille in front of the wiper cover but the cover is stuck in the closed position and all of the hinges and linkage are heavily corroded.  Is there a way to remove the cover while it is closed or is it possible to disconnect it from the linkage?

Any Help would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Jim

Greetings, If you look at the passenger side on the firewall is a vaccume type canister with a rubber plug in it. Pull out the plug, and push on the inside with a punch. Don't hit it, Just push on it while lifting the mechanism. Or if you can spray penetrating fluid on it. Work it gentle, they are somewhat fragile.

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Thanks so much for the reply.  If you are referring to the cover actuator, I have already removed it and attempted to push in on the long hex shaped collet that attaches to the actuator rod.  There is zero movement when I do and lift on the cover at the same time.  I have soaked all of the connections in both liquid wrench and freeze off a couple of times a day over the last several days and the cover still is stuck hard.

I'm hoping to be able to remove it while it is still closed but am not able to access the nuts/bolts shown in the factory assembly manual.

Any other ideas?

Thanks,

Jim

Well, I know what I would do, but that may not be your desire. Parts are going to have to be replaced regardless. 

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You may need to reattach the vent panel.  I found out the linkage works better with the panel on.  The linkage on my 72 C3 can be moved up and down manually attaching the threaded link.

Patience will be the key here, unless you want to destroy the cover and start with new stuff. Get you some of this stuff here...GM Heat Riser lube/rust/penetrant, and soak the linkages down well. Give it a few days, and work the cover a little at a time. This stuff can work miracles!

Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56    
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"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"

Totally agree with Joel on using this stuff.  It is simply amazing...!!!  I haven't tried finding it online but have been able to get it at different GM stealerships.

Jim Olson 

"The Toys"...!!!  Save the Wave!

Where I've been in a Corvette...!!!