Frame questions...*Pics*
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Mississauga Ontario
Frame questions...*Pics*
Been awhile since I've been on the forum....Sold my last Vette about 2 years ago. I am looking at a 77 right now; the oringinal owner was told that the car has frame issues....I am no expert and I am not sure how bad it really is. The owner have me some pics, and although he missed some of the key areas this gives a general idea of the condition of the frame. The rest of the car is very good oringal paint, full documentation....I'd appreciate your opinions on how bad this really is, and how much it will take to get it repaired.
Thanks
Zack
Thanks
Zack
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Hmm. I would look closely at the kickups. That is bad but not terrible looking from here. It is definately a project. The oil leaks are a good thing, Exhaust been changed with a hi flo cat.
Good candidate for a frame off
Good candidate for a frame off
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 5,752
Likes: 4
From: Austin Texas
From the looks of it, the frame is rusted pretty bad, so is the floor pan. An expensive repair (3-5 k minimum to replace the frame). Also, when the frame is that bad, the windshield frame and "bird-cage" structure is also rotten....I would look for another Vette and report back. G/L
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
The rust holes that are visible in the second pic from the top look like they are in the rocker channels. Take off the square panel that you can see in the trailing arm pic and see how much rust is inside. Also take off the 2 front kickpanels inside the car and look at the mounts. If there is a lot of rust flake in there it came from above, meaning the windshield frame.
It is pretty much impossible to repair the frame without removing the body. There are repair sections available for every part of the frame that I can think of but you need to have the frame in a jig to cut out the bad sections and weld in the new ones. Good used frames are more commonly available for later model Vettes - if you really like the car you could find a frame for several hundred dollars and swap it. A badly rusted birdcage will mean lots of body work also.
Rick B.
It is pretty much impossible to repair the frame without removing the body. There are repair sections available for every part of the frame that I can think of but you need to have the frame in a jig to cut out the bad sections and weld in the new ones. Good used frames are more commonly available for later model Vettes - if you really like the car you could find a frame for several hundred dollars and swap it. A badly rusted birdcage will mean lots of body work also.
Rick B.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,062
Likes: 44
From: flemington n.j.
Zack,
If you look closly at photo #2 you will see extensive rust damage to the inner sill plate (look at area between frame and rocker moulding in photo). If you removed the interior kick panels I would not be surprised if you found major rust damage to the body structure (aka birdcage). This car not only has frame issues it also has rust issues to major components of the body. In my opion you should forget this one and continue searching.
If you look closly at photo #2 you will see extensive rust damage to the inner sill plate (look at area between frame and rocker moulding in photo). If you removed the interior kick panels I would not be surprised if you found major rust damage to the body structure (aka birdcage). This car not only has frame issues it also has rust issues to major components of the body. In my opion you should forget this one and continue searching.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 763
Likes: 42
From: Detroit MI
St. Jude Donor '05-'06-'07-'08-'09-'10
If you buy this car, you will be doing the following within the next few years or as soon as you try to repair any part of the chassis and realize that things just kinda crumble right in your hand.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Mississauga Ontario
Thanks for all the advice....You've all be very helpful. As much as I'd like another Vette, I've already got a frame off restoration going on a 48 MGTC. But, I was wondering what do you think this car would be worth? considering the frame is bad...I know prices vary depending on location, but anyon got a general idea?
Thanks
Thanks
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Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 45
Likes: 0
From: Mississauga Ontario
Think I'll end up passing on this one....Wish I had a photo of the top of the car to post....It really looks good from above, looks can be deceiving huh?
Thanks to everyone for all your help, saved me a headache
Thanks to everyone for all your help, saved me a headache
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 0
From: Chandler Arizona
St. Jude Donor '08
Originally Posted by FirmCamaro
Think I'll end up passing on this one....Wish I had a photo of the top of the car to post....It really looks good from above, looks can be deceiving huh?
Thanks to everyone for all your help, saved me a headache
Thanks to everyone for all your help, saved me a headache
Race Director
Joined: Nov 1999
Posts: 10,643
Likes: 8
From: Foxfield CO 1970 Convertible
Just another opinion. That frame is really bad....I agree with the others not to purchase it.
If you still really want the car as a project, it would be cheaper to get a new frame and just put the body back on. Fiberglass doesn't rust!
If you still really want the car as a project, it would be cheaper to get a new frame and just put the body back on. Fiberglass doesn't rust!
