69L46vert

Anyone know if new C3 frames are available? Getting ready to rebuild the chassis on my 69. Frame is going to need some attention so I'd like to weigh the option of buying a new frame vs repairing the original in order to simplify things. TIA, Rick

keithinspace

I had looked into a frame a while back. Collier Techologies. I just went their web site...it came up as unavailable, but then it worked. I guess they're still around. They are in Canada near Niagara Falls.

They have a myriad of options for their frames, but without options you can get a basic frame in the $7k range and a STAINLESS STEEL frame in the $16k range.

Considerably more than re-working an old frame, but it is brand spanking new.

If I had a little too much money on my hands, I'd probably go this route.

69L46vert

Thanks KeithinSpace. Wowie! 7k is a lot. I thought I'd go 4K but 7 is outta range. Mine's not that bad but I think I need the crossmember that holds the tranny. Or at least the bottom half of it. Thanks again. Good to know that they are available though, Rick

540 vette

Unless your frame is badly rusted thru that it is useless I would just use that frame and have it blasted and powdercoated. It is alot cheaper to have that done than the 7 grand for a replacement, if you can get one. Remember if you get an after market frame you may need to do some fabricating to get it to fit right.

69L46vert

Thanks 540. I think I'll go that route. I do worry about getting sand out of the frame after blasting. I've done this job before and it's one of the most unpleasant jobs I can think of. We have a blaster near here that does a good job so I'll probably send it his way. I'd rather rub my eyeballs with 80 grit than blast that frame myself.

If I remember correctly, the Chevy Power Book advocates plugging the tooling holes in the frame. (for strength I think) I wonder if maybe I should do that before blasting? Rick

Revi

New frames for approx. $4k. http://www.vetteproducts.net/

Easy Mike

http://www.corvetteusa.com/

540 vette

Thats not a bad deal.

loup68

If I remember correctly, Collier technologies makes aftermarket SQUARE TUBING frames for C-3's. Vette Products of Michigan has the original GM frame dies and makes exact reproduction C-3 frames. By the way, anyone can make repro parts. What matters is do they have a correct assembly jig and correct checking fixture to be sure that the parts are exact and fit. I was in maintenance at MTD, Modern Tool and Die company, Cleveland Automotive plant for 34 years, until they closed our plant. We made all of the metal Vette radiator supports for the 1960-1982 Corvettes, and other Vette parts. The supports, especially the 69-80 are very hard to make right. Lou.

maverickmk

I grew up just a few miles from them. I'll have to check them out when I start digging into this old girl.

69L46vert

Thanks for the replies everybody. Very good info here.

MIKE80

Pricey, but another option.

http://www.sriiimotorsports.com/196382corvette.html

joewill

sandblasting just makes them pretty... consider getting it dipped.. it will cost more but is a lot less labor intensive.. frames rust from the inside out

69L46vert

Sounds like a great option. Wondering if anyone does that within reasonable driving distance from here in Maine

I seem to remember hearing about some of the Chevelle guys who were getting their frames dipped for cleaning and then dipped again for galvanizing. Rick

MIKE80

I had mine dipped and powdercoated.

E12n

FWIW, here's an article on frame swaps...
http://www.corvettefever.com/techart...p/viewall.html