Frame flex
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Nov 2014
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
Frame flex
I jacked up my 66 convertible in front of the rear wheels. I noticed the gaps on the doors opened up about 1/2 inch on top and the doors would not close. Apparently the back end dropped considerably because of the weight of the differential and rear suspension. Is this normal on convertibles or is it too much. My frame seems to be in good condition but I realize they rust on the inside even though it looks good on the outside. The thickness of metal seems normal on the inside of the keyholes-its not too thin. Any input would be appreciated.
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 276
Likes: 59
From: Tulsa Oklahoma
I jacked up my 66 convertible in front of the rear wheels. I noticed the gaps on the doors opened up about 1/2 inch on top and the doors would not close. Apparently the back end dropped considerably because of the weight of the differential and rear suspension. Is this normal on convertibles or is it too much. My frame seems to be in good condition but I realize they rust on the inside even though it looks good on the outside. The thickness of metal seems normal on the inside of the keyholes-its not too thin. Any input would be appreciated.
My rear door gap gets tighter on the ground. My car lived on the west coast most of its life.
Safety Car
Joined: May 2014
Posts: 3,783
Likes: 655
It's completely normal especially a convertible, if the car is going to be lifted for a while support the rear a little bit under the suspension or tire with a car ramp then let it down.
A coupe body will actually hold the frame more rigid, the coupe structure is tougher than you think.
A coupe body will actually hold the frame more rigid, the coupe structure is tougher than you think.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 2,892
Likes: 168
From: Middletown Ohio
2016 C1 of Year Finalist
My 57 door gap opens about 1/8 to 1/4 inch when I put it up on my 2 post lift.
The flexing does not cause any problems with the paint or door gaps once it is back on the ground.
The flexing does not cause any problems with the paint or door gaps once it is back on the ground.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2015
Posts: 17,571
Likes: 3,460
From: Fresno California
All convertibles will 'open up' when raised on a lift where their suspension is allowed to hang. (conventional lifts, not 4 post storage lifts). My full-frame all steel '67 GTO does it, my '61 Corvette does it, and every customer ragtop I've raised for the past few decades does it. An open tray is not as rigid as a box with a lid, pure and simple.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
Team Owner
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 44,644
Likes: 1,827
From: Huntsville AL
Needless to say he is now 8 months into a frame off.