How horrible is it to replace the frame?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,023
Likes: 1,181
From: La Mesa CA
How horrible is it to replace the frame?
I have previously posted about my car being wrecked. The frame needs to be replaced. One option is to replace it with a stock frame. Several guys I have talked to have told me, "Don't do it. It is too hard a job. It will take you forever." So how horrible is it?
Glenn in San Diego
Glenn in San Diego
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 7
From: Fort Pierce Florida
I'm doing my second frame-off. Not too bad. Just try to stay away from the "while I'm here" where you start adding this or that or the "I've spent this much money so I might as well do this." I'm HORRIBLE about that.
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,023
Likes: 1,181
From: La Mesa CA
I am just trying to think through my options as I am dealing with the insurance company. They will probably total the car out. They will then offer me the car back at a fairly cheap price with a salvage title. My tendency is to walk away from the car, as I don't want to spend my time parting it out. It appears the frame is damaged so much that it can not be easily fixed. Thus the question about replacing it.
Pro
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 550
Likes: 2
From: smithfield nc usa 27577
It is not hard to do....but it takes time.
If you can get help it can even be fun.
Once its done you know your car.....I think every vette owner should have to take thier car apart and put it back together
What it your car worth to you?
Do you love it enough to fix it?
You could always buy it back and sell it on as is.....you dont have to part it or fix it....you have options.
If you can get help it can even be fun.
Once its done you know your car.....I think every vette owner should have to take thier car apart and put it back together
What it your car worth to you?
Do you love it enough to fix it?
You could always buy it back and sell it on as is.....you dont have to part it or fix it....you have options.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 7,123
Likes: 433
From: Gladstone MO
C3 of Year Finalist (appearance mods) 2019
Your insurance company may let you buy the salvage and not change anything with the title. I'd check. I did that once on a Camaro, fixed enough of the damage to drive it, then traded it in.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Every 2027 Corvette Engine Explained
Joe Kucinski
Designer Imagines A Corvette That Looks More Like a Corvette Than the Corvette
Verdad Gallardo
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 4,023
Likes: 1,181
From: La Mesa CA
Several things come into play here. But to simplify, I know that the car was in pretty good shape before it was wrecked. In fact, it was too original, HA HA. But the wreck and salvage title would allow me something to mod away without guilt. But...I don't want to pour good money and time after something that is over my head. I done a number of projects before, and the last thing I want to do is get overewhelmed by a project.
Last edited by gleninsandiego; Feb 18, 2007 at 11:58 PM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 2,231
Likes: 7
From: Fort Pierce Florida
Several things come into play here. But to simplify, I know that the car was in pretty good shape before it was wrecked. In fact, it was too original, HA HA. But the wreck and salvage title would allow me something to mod away without guilt. But...I don't want to pour good money and time after something that is over my head. I done a number of projects before, and the last thing I want to do is get overewhelmed by a project.
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 4,876
Likes: 1
From: Jersey Shore Exit 98
I don't think its as bad as you are hearing, or thinking. A lot of members do frame off restorations all the time. Your doing the same just replacing the frame w/a new one. The trouble comes when you start replacing everything else. That's when the time & most important the $$ spending doesn't stop. Make a plan and stick to it. Replace your frame, clean and reuse old parts and replace only what needs to be replaced. G/L post pic's. 
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
All body-offs turn into full restos ... if you wanna keep the vette.
I am entering year 5 of my body-off. You lose interest after a while,
but then you get it back .... and it takes a long time with all the
"while-I'm-at-its".
I am entering year 5 of my body-off. You lose interest after a while,
but then you get it back .... and it takes a long time with all the
"while-I'm-at-its".