Frame rust advice
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,912
Likes: 12
From: Schaumburg (Chicago) Illinois
Frame rust advice
Need some insight. How much corrosion is too much on a frame? I have looked at a 68 frame and it seems like some spots are pretty good, some are more rusted. I don't know how to balance a realistic view of what a 40 year old cars frame should look like with a restorable frame. I am in Chicago so cars around here have seems some weather at some time in their life. There are some areas with big flakes but I dont think they are soft, at least it doesn't yield with my thumb pushing on it. Although I believe there is one spot that may be bad, the cross brace on the front by the engine.
Anyway looking for guidlines, pictures of good - no good. Anything is appreciated. I have verbally committed to buy the car and will doa final insoection before doing the deal. No advice fast.
Thanks in advance!
P.S. windshield pillars look good!
Anyway looking for guidlines, pictures of good - no good. Anything is appreciated. I have verbally committed to buy the car and will doa final insoection before doing the deal. No advice fast.
Thanks in advance!
P.S. windshield pillars look good!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,529
Likes: 27
From: Auburndale Florida
2025 C2 of the Year ('64-'66) Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'07-'09
This frame condition is critical in a Vette!!
Get the car on lift, inspect the frame carefully. Inspect the underside of the body panel for any obvious repair and damage. Rust problems occur in the frame area in front of the rear wheels, the kickup, crossover and side frame rails (behind the rocker panels).
Use a hammer and tap on the frame to discover weak or soft spots. A few taps and you know the difference between solid metal and soft or rusted areas. Use a srewdriver and probe around.
Any holes of soft spots in these areas, I would avoid the car. nless you are prepared for extensive frame repars or relpacemet
Pull the kick panels off and inspect that area for rust and problems. This gives you an idea of the birdcage.
There are alot of area to inspect when buying a Vette
Do a search, there are posts that present a comprehensive check list.
Best of Luck
Get the car on lift, inspect the frame carefully. Inspect the underside of the body panel for any obvious repair and damage. Rust problems occur in the frame area in front of the rear wheels, the kickup, crossover and side frame rails (behind the rocker panels).
Use a hammer and tap on the frame to discover weak or soft spots. A few taps and you know the difference between solid metal and soft or rusted areas. Use a srewdriver and probe around.
Any holes of soft spots in these areas, I would avoid the car. nless you are prepared for extensive frame repars or relpacemet
Pull the kick panels off and inspect that area for rust and problems. This gives you an idea of the birdcage.
There are alot of area to inspect when buying a Vette
Do a search, there are posts that present a comprehensive check list.
Best of Luck
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 872
Likes: 3
From: Cortlandt Manor New York
I agree with Mbeeman350 take a hammer and go a tapping. The frame can look good with paint and undercoating hiding a problem but it can't hide the sound or the feel. If the frame is rusted it may be able to be repaired but you need to know what you got before you jump in.
There is no such thing as a commitment to buy unless they have got your money. If the frame is bad and the seller did not disclose that it is cause to void the sale and get your money back if they have it.
There is no such thing as a commitment to buy unless they have got your money. If the frame is bad and the seller did not disclose that it is cause to void the sale and get your money back if they have it.
Instructor
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 235
Likes: 0
From: Fort Wayne Indiana
I just looked at a 72 and the frame is gone where the frame/kick up/trailing arms meet. Any ideas what this would take to fix? I know its like opening a can of worms. But when the guy calls me back at least Ill have some figures to throw at him for a fair price. $2000? $5000?
Thanks.
Thanks.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 2,529
Likes: 27
From: Auburndale Florida
2025 C2 of the Year ('64-'66) Finalist - Unmodified
St. Jude Donor '03-'05-'06-'07-'09
Originally Posted by kursed56
I just looked at a 72 and the frame is gone where the frame/kick up/trailing arms meet. Any ideas what this would take to fix? I know its like opening a can of worms. But when the guy calls me back at least Ill have some figures to throw at him for a fair price. $2000? $5000?
Thanks.
Thanks.
To repair even more (either way you have to remove the body)
Running from this car PRICELESS
Seriously though, if the frame has issues then the birdcage has issues, usually the bottom of the doors are rusted....and the list goes on.
I have had rusty cars and theres alwasy a surprise. Find a better candidate to buy. In the long run it will appreciate more in value and your life will be a whole lot better.
Remember the bitterness of poor quality outlasts the sweetness of low price....
