Jcpstrat

Here’s some pics of recent activity. Body shop wanted body on the replacement frame so they could finalize door alignment and gaps prior to finishing/painting. Body drop went good and weather permitting it’s going back to body shop for final paint (Marina Blue), this coming week. Yeah!!!

Lifting off original frame.

Lowering onto replacement frame.

Ready for returning to paint shop this coming week. Yeah!!! (Hood and doors are at the paint shop)


Here’s the order of installing items on the body so far. I’m not saying this is the best or only way but just a reference for anyone else doing this type of operation. I’ll continue the list for finishing the car out once it comes back from paint shop and will point out anything that didn't work out as planned, with order of installing.

With body off of frame:

• Install wiper motor
• Install engine compartment J-hooks
• Install shift plate (retainer) under fiberglass tunnel area
• Install tunnel insulation
• Install floor plugs
• Install seat & seatbelt reinforcements and safety straps
• Install throttle linkage under firewall
• Install dust covers in engine comp.
• Install front grille brackets
• Install access panel fasteners to access panel
• Install access panel seal to access panel
• Install battery access panel to driver side wheel well
• Install interior reinforcement behind seats
• Apply undercoat in fender wells
• Install Inner Splash Shield Mount Bracket on pass side
• Install ground strap @ throttle linkage location
• Install A/C compressor
• Prep rolling frame for body drop (remove battery & battery tray)

With body within a few inches of frame mounting pads:

• Install body mounts & shims but don't torque

Install body on replacement rolling frame, then:

• Connect Seat Safety Straps to frame
• Check clearance between the cross member and the floor for > 5/8" clearance. Due to 5-spd transmission it's recommended to have at least 5/8" clearance, otherwise they recommend you buy some spacers from them to install.
• Torque body mounts
• Center gas tank and tighten bolts
• Install Dynamat (I bought a 36 sq. ft. box of Extreme Dynamat and it wasn't enough to do the whole car. It did the passenger compartment floor, roof and doors. Will need more for firewall and rear compartment)

Greg

Nice work!

Hermn59

dr914

so what was wrong with the old original frame?

Jcpstrat

Thanks Greg & Hermn59. dr914 ... basically very heavy rusting. I know from the pic above it doesn't look that bad but besides holes in the frame on both sides like the ones below, tapping with a hammer along the rails had some very thin sounding spots. It's certainly available if anyone good with welding wants a project!

Easy Rhino

Jcpstrat

That's what I thought!

elwood13

Nice progress. Can't way to see the paint.

Roger Walling

What are you going to do about the VIN stamped in the frame?

Jcpstrat

Thanks elwood 13.
Roger ... I've got the original frame number and I've recorded the frame number for the replacement frame. It's not going to be a NCRS correct Vette ... and I would never try to pass it off as one. What would you suggest?

Chuck Gongloff

I have a friend who has restored a number of Corvettes. When he does a frame replacement, he cuts out the section of the old frame containing the VIN stamping...cuts out the corresponding section in the replacement frame, and welds in the section containing the VIN stamp. He's a superb welder. It's undetectable..

Jcpstrat

Rodger ... that's quite an operation. In this case I think you would have to weld a new piece of metal in and re-stamp it cause rust had rendered number undetectible on original frame.

Roger Walling

I am not suggesting that you do it but, there are people that cut out the VIN from the old frame and weld it in to the new frame so that it can not be detected upon inspection.

It saves a lot of paperwork.

Roger Walling

Restamping a frame may or may not be legal but it would be detectable as, at least on my 57, the numbers were pressed in all at the same time and it makes a noticeable depressed dent all along the number. It stamped individually, you would not get that "dent".

In many states,I believe that laws pertaining to VIN's are crafted to prevent fraud and if there is no intent to defraud there is no crime. But it does seem to be illegal in other states. It depends upon how the law is written.
I would like to receive a correction to that statement if it is untrue.

PS, in some states the car may be confiscated and destroyed if the VIV is altered.

Jcpstrat

Interesting ... I noticed the dent that the stamping makes (on my replacement frame), that you mentioned.

Roger Walling

excerpt from https://www.nhtsa.gov/sites/nhtsa.do...vin_errors.pdf
NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION OFFICE OF VEHICLE SAFETY COMPLIANCE IMPORT AND CERTIFICATION DIVISION Revision Date December 28, 2009

"Consumers should be aware that other Federal statutes may make it a crime to change a VIN under certain circumstances. Title 18, United States Code (U.S.C.), Section 511 states that a person who knowingly removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters an identification number for a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part; or with intent to further the theft of a motor vehicle, knowingly removes, obliterates, tampers with, or alters a decal or device affixed to a motor vehicle pursuant to the Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention Act, shall be fined, imprisoned for not more than 5 years, or both. However, there are certain exceptions to the prohibitions of anyone, such action may not constitute a criminal violation of this statute. However, since Title 18 of the U.S.C. is administered by the U.S. Department of Justice, it may be advantageous for a consumer to present such questions to that agency before a VIN is removed, obliterated, tampered with, or altered. Consumers should also be aware that 18 U.S.C. § 2321 makes it a crime to buy, receive, possess, or obtain control of, with intent to sell or otherwise dispose of, a motor vehicle or motor vehicle part, knowing that an identification number for such motor vehicle or part has been removed, obliterated, tampered with, or altered. However, this statute contains exceptions. One of these covers situations in which Other Federal Statutes May Make It a Crime to Change a VIN the removal, obliteration, tampering, or alteration is not a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 511. Furthermore, one exception to 18 U.S.C. § 511 covers situations in which a person “restores or replaces an identification number for such vehicle . . . in accordance with applicable State law.” In light of this, consumers should check with their State’s Attorney General before removing, obliterating, tampering with, or altering a VIN or replacing a certification label that contains a VIN."

I am not a lawyer and I am only quoting info that I have looked up on line.
This may or may not be the exact law in your state.

Jcpstrat

Thanks Rodger!

Jcpstrat

Quick update to show latest at body/paint shop. A Guide Coat (black) is being applied by hand, much like you apply wax with an applicator pad. Then the Guide Coat will be block sanded off. Where any black remains, those areas will be filled to bring up to surrounding surface.

chris ritchie

You may wish to check your state's laws and regulations concerning VINs and frames. In many states, the VIN and the title go with the frame.

ptjsk

Hello John,

The car looks great! Definitely looks like a good job, and exciting times as well.

Keep the pics coming.

Pat