A friend of mine bought a project 56 a couple years ago to do a restomod project on. The car was incomplete, and the body is rough, but the frame that came with it is mint.
He's going to sell it and he asked me what it was worth, I have no idea so I thought I'd ask here. It does have the VIN still on it.

Any thoughts?

 

They used to be worth more than they are now. A lot of C1 frames / chassis are showing up for sale as people are converting them to Resto-mods.

Even Top Flight / Bloomington Gold cars are be resto-modded these days.

A mint 56 bare frame might get $1500 or so to the right buyer. A rolling chassis is worth a bit more, maybe $2K range.

Any idea what the VIN number is?

 

I think Ed is somewhat optomistic, but also correct. The RIGHT buyer (and right is the key here) may be willing to give $1500. I'm thinking that in today's market, $800-1000 would probably buy a nice frame.
From 55 up through 62, all bare frames are virtually identical. Beginning with the 57 frames, additional brackets were welded on and later frames had additional holes/weld nuts added to the rear cross member. But otherwise, the base frame is the same for 55-62. For example, a 62 frame can quickly be converted into a 56 frame simply by cutting off a few welded-on brackets, welding some holes shut and grinding and smoothing the welds. Of course, when finished, there is still the issue of the stamped VIN in the replacement frame. That can also be easily fixed, but I AM NOT going to discuss that in an open forum!!!

Now, with all of the above said, let's look at one more significant frame related item to consider. A LOT of these early cars had severe frontend damage, which included not only damage to the frame, but also the cross member. MANY people here are aware that the ENTIRE front cross member/suspension of the 53-63 Vette and 49-54 pass cars are the same. But some folks may not know that. Cross members ARE NOT, repeat, ARE NOT serialized, thus, they can be swapped with ZERO method of linking a particular cross member to a particular car. In the world of Corvettes, almost ANYTHING that is common between Corvettes and Chevy pass cars will bring a premium price if it is known that the buyer wants if for a Corvette. Whereas if the buyer wants the part for a pass car, the price is almost always very reasonable. So, if a person has a mangled front cross member on a 53-62 Vette, then the quest for a straight one should be for a pass car cross member and adjoining suspension parts.
Vette and pass car frontend parts that are 100% interchangeable are:
Upper A-frames
Lower A-frames
Spindles
49-52 spindle supports (kingpin location on 53-4 pass car supports is different)
51-54 pass car brake backing plates/hardware
Steering linkage, arms (L&R and center) are different between Vettes/pass cars
ALL rebuild parts from the aftermarket vendors is the same for Vettes/pass cars, EXCEPT one thing. The Vettes have 2 left and 2 right tierod ends. Pass cars have 1 left and 1 right tierod end (the other side on pass cars is fixed-non adjustable).

Tom Parsons

 

Hey, thanks for all the info, I will pass it on. I don't know the VIN right now. The frame is stacked in his shop along with a couple C2 frames. I'm busy with racing this weekend, but I'll try and get over there next week and post up the VIN.

 

Hi,
Would you happen to know what year and condition the c-2 chassis are? I could possibly use a 67 coupe frame. Let me know if you wouldn't mind. Thanks Mike Anderson (317)729-2418 fleagle14@embarqmail.com

 

I know at least one and maybe both are 63 frames. He didn't mention selling them but I will ask him next time I talk to him.

 

Tom is correct on all points, including the fact that my estimate is optomistic. Like I said, it has to be "to the right buyer" (i.e. someone who really wants a 56 frame, and only a 56 frame).

I am interested in knowing the VIN if you get a chance.

 

Well, just to close this thread out, I went and talked to him the other day and to get the VIN and when I told him what it was worth, he said he'd just rather keep it. Thanks for the info guys.