Frame Off
Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 596
Likes: 3
From: Felton Ca
Frame Off
Is there a true definition of a frame off. From powder coated to painted frames and a myriad of new or nos parts. Is is buyer beware or can everyone who claims to have a frame off car for sale be an expert. I know there are many experts on the forum but not everyone that rebuilds these cars operates with the same level of expertise. Greg
Race Director
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 11,039
Likes: 2,591
From: Del Boca Vista FL
To me a body off frame (or Frame Off) means that the body was removed from the frame, the vehicle received a total drive line rebuild, total suspension rebuild, fuel supply system replaced, brake system (including lines) repaired/replaced and proper reassembly of the body to the frame.
If all you did was lift the body, replace the body mounts and sit it back down it doesn't qualify.
Rich
If all you did was lift the body, replace the body mounts and sit it back down it doesn't qualify.
Rich
Pro
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 595
Likes: 2
From: Beaver Penna.
When I hear the term "frame off", I expect the entire car to be rebuilt to the highest standards in the industry...."all" parts new, rebuilt and or refurbished to those standards. But, it is always BUYER BEWARE! I've looked at some frame off restorations that....well, let's just say it was a waste of their time and money.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2009
Posts: 5,442
Likes: 64
From: 50 kilometers outside Oslo Norway
I think to call it a frame off is that the body have been lifted off the frame and frame sandblasted and painted. The same goes for the the body.
Never thought of frame off just to replace body mounts. That is for sure "not" wgat i think of when i hear the term frame off.
Never thought of frame off just to replace body mounts. That is for sure "not" wgat i think of when i hear the term frame off.
Last edited by TheSaint; Dec 17, 2009 at 04:59 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 10,977
Likes: 19
From: Canboro Ontario
When I hear the term "frame off", I expect the entire car to be rebuilt to the highest standards in the industry...."all" parts new, rebuilt and or refurbished to those standards. But, it is always BUYER BEWARE! I've looked at some frame off restorations that....well, let's just say it was a waste of their time and money.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 6
From: Arizona
When I hear the term "frame off", I expect the entire car to be rebuilt to the highest standards in the industry...."all" parts new, rebuilt and or refurbished to those standards. But, it is always BUYER BEWARE! I've looked at some frame off restorations that....well, let's just say it was a waste of their time and money.
Again...And I would include the frame work as stated by TheSaint.
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2004
Posts: 24,202
Likes: 17
The entire chassis, should appear as new, is my thoughts on frame off!
You should study the way GM built the chassis, and painted everything!
When I framed off my 72 Lt1 Vert, I powder coated every single piece of black metal on the car for durability. Like the half shafts were not painted, but I painted with a mild cast color to look like steel. I am not a stickler for a 100% NCRS chassis resto, but can handle it no problem.
It does take much time to study up on it, but there is so much to learn!
I would recommend corvette chassis restoration guide 1953-1972
Last edited by 67tripwr; Dec 17, 2009 at 08:19 PM.
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Thread Starter
Pro
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 596
Likes: 3
From: Felton Ca
Curious
I asked this question because I was interested in the true definition of
"Frame off". I look at a lot of cars that are frame off restorations but it seems that the attention to detail does vary. Thanks for the input and keep it coming. Greg
"Frame off". I look at a lot of cars that are frame off restorations but it seems that the attention to detail does vary. Thanks for the input and keep it coming. Greg
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 29,063
Likes: 1,839
From: cookeville tennessee
You got that right! I have seen allot of people doing frame off work on this forum. Much of the work isn't correct, or not even made to look correct! To each his own, it's just not what I would do.
The entire chassis, should appear as new, is my thoughts on frame off!
You should study the way GM built the chassis, and painted everything!
When I framed off my 72 Lt1 Vert, I powder coated every single piece of black metal on the car for durability. Like the half shafts were not painted, but I painted with a mild cast color to look like steel. I am not a stickler for a 100% NCRS chassis resto, but can handle it no problem.
It does take much time to study up on it, but there is so much to learn!
I would recommend corvette chassis restoration guide 1953-1972
The entire chassis, should appear as new, is my thoughts on frame off!
You should study the way GM built the chassis, and painted everything!
When I framed off my 72 Lt1 Vert, I powder coated every single piece of black metal on the car for durability. Like the half shafts were not painted, but I painted with a mild cast color to look like steel. I am not a stickler for a 100% NCRS chassis resto, but can handle it no problem.
It does take much time to study up on it, but there is so much to learn!
I would recommend corvette chassis restoration guide 1953-1972
What ever you do do it correct 100%. Just dont half way do any part of it. Then it will pay off in the end...
P.S. Also will come out better if you take your time...
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 922
Likes: 2
From: Delta BC
At the end of the day a proper "frame off" should have been fully documented by the builder. I have taken about 400 pics of my job so far. I have a pic of every single piece before and after and also after it has been restored or replaced and reinstalled on the chassis. I have pics of all date codes and all serial numbers. I have also kept every receipt and made a list of items that were restored vs items that have been been replaced. I think my job will be far better assembled than it would have been at the factory. Every nut and bolt has been properly torqued and checked.
Cheers,
Bob
Cheers,
Bob
Drifting
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 1,973
Likes: 5
From: Valrico Florida
Body off (after all, you do remove the body) is an incomplete description. There could be a restoration in which the chassis is brought back to factory new. It could be a restoration with some upgrades to factory parts like bushings and springs, etc. Or, it could be a radical modification using only the factory frame and aftermarket suspension and drive train. All of these could be classified as a "body off" but should be followed by a brief description of the nature of the chassis when completed.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,241
Likes: 6
From: Arizona
I am getting the distinct impression that some folks are saying that unless the car is restored numbers correct, then it's not a "frame off Resto"!
I take Frame off to mean that "every" aspect of the car has been reworked, rebuilt, upgraded, replaced or what ever was necessary to make it properly function as new or preferrably better than new.
Taking the "body off" is the best way to do that!
Does that mean all those beautifully built (From the ground up) hot rods and modified street rods are not really cars or done improperly because they don't look and work exactly like factory models???
Am I misunderstanding what some of you guys are saying?
I take Frame off to mean that "every" aspect of the car has been reworked, rebuilt, upgraded, replaced or what ever was necessary to make it properly function as new or preferrably better than new.
Taking the "body off" is the best way to do that! Does that mean all those beautifully built (From the ground up) hot rods and modified street rods are not really cars or done improperly because they don't look and work exactly like factory models???
Am I misunderstanding what some of you guys are saying?
Racer
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 282
Likes: 20
From: Angleton, Tx
To me a body off frame (or Frame Off) means that the body was removed from the frame, the vehicle received a total drive line rebuild, total suspension rebuild, fuel supply system replaced, brake system (including lines) repaired/replaced and proper reassembly of the body to the frame. :
IMHO- A frame-off is usually mentioned when the car has the body removed and some resemblence to factory finishes was used in addition to the information Birdcage gave. Seems to me that it would not have to be a numbers correct, but correct appearing car. A resto mod is typically a frame-off due to the modifications being made
