Dads Car
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 20
From: Central Michigan
Hey bubs-My 68 was originally a MI car (Flint area, Clio to be exact) and belonged to my dad at one time (long story!). I knew nothing about Corvettes, and jumped right in. I had no idea a fiberglass car could have so much rust! But after a five year frame-off resto I finally got my car on the road, and I don't regret for a second all the work and $$ I've put into it
I live about an hour and a half from you, I may be able to come take a look at it & point out the areas I had trouble with (I hope your rocker channels aren't rusted out
)
Good luck & we're anxious for pics
I live about an hour and a half from you, I may be able to come take a look at it & point out the areas I had trouble with (I hope your rocker channels aren't rusted out
)Good luck & we're anxious for pics
Pro
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 660
Likes: 1
From: Springfield Tennessee
St. Jude Donor '09
Man if I was there I'd be all up in the way to help out.
As far as rebuilding, think of it this way, it's something my Dad used to tell me......"It don't matter how fast you get there, it's what you look like when you arrive".
With the physical distance between us, I'm there for you on this one man.
As far as rebuilding, think of it this way, it's something my Dad used to tell me......"It don't matter how fast you get there, it's what you look like when you arrive".
With the physical distance between us, I'm there for you on this one man.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Rocklin California
Images for "682xlr8"
HERE IS A LINK TO THE VETTE PROJECT PICS:
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/inde...albumId=815568
THIS SHOULD WORK, LET ME KNOW IF IT DOESNT
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/inde...albumId=815568
THIS SHOULD WORK, LET ME KNOW IF IT DOESNT
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 20
From: Central Michigan
Pics link works fine. Boy all that rust brings back some memories! Once you pull the body you will find more
My 68 was already disassembled when I got it & the frame repaired, but I still had to replace the rocker channels, both doors, both lower control arms, much of the rear suspension, and almost all of the small metal parts that are riveted to the underbody due to rust. Not trying to sound discouraging, just letting you know what to expect.
Looks like you're getting ready to pull the body soon. This weekend?
My 68 was already disassembled when I got it & the frame repaired, but I still had to replace the rocker channels, both doors, both lower control arms, much of the rear suspension, and almost all of the small metal parts that are riveted to the underbody due to rust. Not trying to sound discouraging, just letting you know what to expect.
Looks like you're getting ready to pull the body soon. This weekend?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Rocklin California
Dads Car
I'm still fighting with body mounts 
. Not sure when I will be able to try to lift the body. Yes, that is spray foam on the radiator. They, the folks back in Michigan, tried to seal the radiator to the crossmember better. 
I will post more pics as we progress. Thanks again for all the encouragement. 682XLR8, if you want to take a ride up I will gladly pay for gas, and what ever.
Bubs
. Not sure when I will be able to try to lift the body. Yes, that is spray foam on the radiator. They, the folks back in Michigan, tried to seal the radiator to the crossmember better. I will post more pics as we progress. Thanks again for all the encouragement. 682XLR8, if you want to take a ride up I will gladly pay for gas, and what ever. Bubs
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 20
From: Central Michigan
The body mounts on my 68 were cut with a torch, so that's an option if all else fails
I'd be happy to come on up, no need for you to pay for anything, but I'd rather it be a Sat or Sun when I'm not watching my daughter(wife usually, but not always works weekends), and preferably I can bring the 68
May want to look for a place in Sac that does sandblasting, as well as check out Recycle Row in Rancho Cordova for a yard that deals with classic Vettes. There are a few other guys here on the Forum from your area hopefully they'll chime in with thier input. Also check out the Nor Cal section of the Forum
Keep us posted
I'd be happy to come on up, no need for you to pay for anything, but I'd rather it be a Sat or Sun when I'm not watching my daughter(wife usually, but not always works weekends), and preferably I can bring the 68
May want to look for a place in Sac that does sandblasting, as well as check out Recycle Row in Rancho Cordova for a yard that deals with classic Vettes. There are a few other guys here on the Forum from your area hopefully they'll chime in with thier input. Also check out the Nor Cal section of the Forum
Keep us posted
Instructor
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 108
Likes: 1
From: Holton Kansas
Yes you do have your work cut out for you. My Brother bought a 71 convertible (no rust issues) from Michigan on EBAY 3 years ago.RIGHT!!!!!!!! I had heard of the rust issues but never had to deal with it. After installing windshield frame, rockers metal, mounts etc. and a different frame (You could push your finger through the frame.) Yours can be fixed with time and money. Just do a little at a time. I am sure you will have times that you will get discouraged. But in the long run the sentimental value will over cast the cost. Sounds like 682XR8 has had some experience in that field and will be able to offer you some good advise. Keep us posted. Good Luck to You.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 176
Likes: 0
From: Rocklin California
Dads Car
Well, I have tried the PB soak, no luck. I even tried with a plasma cutter, but after almost setting fire to the car I gave up on that idea. I'm open for any and all suggestions. HELP!!!!
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 4,367
Likes: 59
From: FL
Most of what you showed looks bad, but isn't really. The important pictures are those right in front of the rear wheels. This one below is from the wrong end. You need pictures of that area by the jack stand on the left.
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/inde...5568&i=7502528
Test that area by tapping lightly with a small hammer or the end of a wrench. If it rings about the same the length of that side rail, it is probably sound. If it thuds near the back (under the back of the door), then it is soft.
Check that area for rusted through spots and even jab it with a screwdriver. A sound frame won't be hurt, but a soft one might punch through.
If that happens, you can either get the frame repaired or replace it.
I've seen lots of them get scaly looking in the back under the gas tank but they were actually solid. It is from the junk thrown up in the winter snows and such. Most is removed in sandblasting the frame and don't significantly hurt the car.
Under the back of the door is the place to be concerned. Check it. And post some picture of that area.
http://viewmorepics.myspace.com/inde...5568&i=7502528
Test that area by tapping lightly with a small hammer or the end of a wrench. If it rings about the same the length of that side rail, it is probably sound. If it thuds near the back (under the back of the door), then it is soft.
Check that area for rusted through spots and even jab it with a screwdriver. A sound frame won't be hurt, but a soft one might punch through.
If that happens, you can either get the frame repaired or replace it.
I've seen lots of them get scaly looking in the back under the gas tank but they were actually solid. It is from the junk thrown up in the winter snows and such. Most is removed in sandblasting the frame and don't significantly hurt the car.
Under the back of the door is the place to be concerned. Check it. And post some picture of that area.
