Thinking about doing an off frame restoration
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 2
From: Meriden CT
Pops bought our car when I was 15.
10 years and probably $50k+, we've got a killer driver. Its a HUGE undertaking to do a frame off.... You'll find something around every corner you'll want to fix or correct.
I must say, the time spent with him working on it is priceless.
10 years and probably $50k+, we've got a killer driver. Its a HUGE undertaking to do a frame off.... You'll find something around every corner you'll want to fix or correct.
I must say, the time spent with him working on it is priceless.
Racer
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 297
Likes: 0
From: Eden Prairie MN
Lot's of good comments here and I'll add mine. I did my frame off in about 3 months (didn't need any body work, just chassis rebuild) It's straightforward to remove the body, but as some said, in all probability you'll end up cutting some bolts. When you get there, we all have our best methods.
My underside is better than new and once it's apart it's a lot of fun to put back together. All new and clean. I even blasted it in my front yard (most of the grass has grown back).
Go for it and do the lift outside. I only had 9 feet and did it in the garage but used 2 engine hoists and that worked OK.
Regards,
Randy
My underside is better than new and once it's apart it's a lot of fun to put back together. All new and clean. I even blasted it in my front yard (most of the grass has grown back).
Go for it and do the lift outside. I only had 9 feet and did it in the garage but used 2 engine hoists and that worked OK.
Regards,
Randy
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 5,814
Likes: 414
From: Pittsburgh suburbs Pa.
Thanks to all!
I have read all your replies with great interest. Easy Mike your statement that your intent is not to discourage me, only to ensure me that I understand the size and scope of the project was very much welcomed. Yours and the other's comments is what I was wanting. bjlk your offer to be there as well as many others to help guide me through are very encouraging.
I am sure I can do the work its the fear of the unknown. I have never tackled such a big project that could have such disastrous results. To take such a good car that is basically sound and pleasing to the eye and maybe have the front clip break off scares me. Is this a much bigger endeavor than I am allowing myself to believe because I want to do it.
I have been working on (on and off) cars everysince my Uncle started me out on Model A's when I was 14. I did most of the work putting my 68 back together. I was 20 years younger hope I have gotten smarter will let the Grandson get his hands dirty.
I have a 2 1/2 car garage with a 8' celing. If I do build a hoisting device is this high enough? I will have to clean out some of my wood working tools. I have a good selection of hand tools, a buzz box welder, and a friend has a wire welder. No oxy-acetelene torch. Since I don't have an easy way of hoisting the body is it a bad idea to lift by hand(s)?
RSTR90 you asked where is Grayville, Il? In Southeastern Il. on the Il. In. border. The last town on I-64 going East. About 45 mins. from Evansville, In. I have been to you city a few times. It takes me about 3 to 3 1/2 hours to make the drive but I drive slow just ask anybody. Are there any Fourm members from around this area? I may need to buy a hoisting device and body dolly.
What frame off reference book should I buy? Is there a Fourm Thread on removing the body I should read? Does one of the members have a site I need to visit? Is the rusty body bolts my biggest challenge?
The decision has not been made yet but I am heavily leaning toward removing the body. I will try and get you guys some pictures of my car as it is now. The car will be my Grandson's.
I have read all your replies with great interest. Easy Mike your statement that your intent is not to discourage me, only to ensure me that I understand the size and scope of the project was very much welcomed. Yours and the other's comments is what I was wanting. bjlk your offer to be there as well as many others to help guide me through are very encouraging.
I am sure I can do the work its the fear of the unknown. I have never tackled such a big project that could have such disastrous results. To take such a good car that is basically sound and pleasing to the eye and maybe have the front clip break off scares me. Is this a much bigger endeavor than I am allowing myself to believe because I want to do it.
I have been working on (on and off) cars everysince my Uncle started me out on Model A's when I was 14. I did most of the work putting my 68 back together. I was 20 years younger hope I have gotten smarter will let the Grandson get his hands dirty.
I have a 2 1/2 car garage with a 8' celing. If I do build a hoisting device is this high enough? I will have to clean out some of my wood working tools. I have a good selection of hand tools, a buzz box welder, and a friend has a wire welder. No oxy-acetelene torch. Since I don't have an easy way of hoisting the body is it a bad idea to lift by hand(s)?
RSTR90 you asked where is Grayville, Il? In Southeastern Il. on the Il. In. border. The last town on I-64 going East. About 45 mins. from Evansville, In. I have been to you city a few times. It takes me about 3 to 3 1/2 hours to make the drive but I drive slow just ask anybody. Are there any Fourm members from around this area? I may need to buy a hoisting device and body dolly.
What frame off reference book should I buy? Is there a Fourm Thread on removing the body I should read? Does one of the members have a site I need to visit? Is the rusty body bolts my biggest challenge?
The decision has not been made yet but I am heavily leaning toward removing the body. I will try and get you guys some pictures of my car as it is now. The car will be my Grandson's.
on hand to keep them in a good mood because it's a slow process. You will start lifting and discover that there is still something fastened and will have to set it back down. With a hoist, you can just take your time.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 288
Likes: 1
You guys are wonderful. I had about 20 replies some
with offers of informational help. I will be drawing on
that well because I (and the wife) have decided to
remove the body from the frame. I am not sure just
when I decided but I started cleaning out my garage
yesterday. Not sure just when I will start on the car.
I have to order some books and do some reading and
research, build a dolly and with winter coming on (it
gets real cool here in southern Il. and all I have for
heat in the garage is a barrell wood burner). Before
I start we will have to take the old vette out for a drive.
Does anyone know of a Corvette shop around Evansville
IN. I used to drive to Carbondale, Il to a shop and buy
parts but think they are no longer in business.
Again thanks to all of you.
Charlie
with offers of informational help. I will be drawing on
that well because I (and the wife) have decided to
remove the body from the frame. I am not sure just
when I decided but I started cleaning out my garage
yesterday. Not sure just when I will start on the car.
I have to order some books and do some reading and
research, build a dolly and with winter coming on (it
gets real cool here in southern Il. and all I have for
heat in the garage is a barrell wood burner). Before
I start we will have to take the old vette out for a drive.
Does anyone know of a Corvette shop around Evansville
IN. I used to drive to Carbondale, Il to a shop and buy
parts but think they are no longer in business.
Again thanks to all of you.
Charlie
