1971 Corvette
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Murfreesboro TN
1971 Corvette
I am starting my first frame off restoration on a 1971 Corvette T-top car. The frame is in fairly bad shape as far as rust goes, with some rust holes in the bottom of the frame. I am looking at just buying a already restored frame and then building it up using my orginal parts plus buying whatever i need. Will only a 1968-1972 frame work for these body styles or will a newer one work too without major modifications. The car right now is a orginal all NOS car so using a different year frame is not my first choice. Thank You.
Safety Car
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 3,736
Likes: 94
From: I buy all my days at the same place where the girl sells her nights
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,454
Likes: 328
From: Indy Indiana
There are different levels to answer your question, you can buy a new frame for your year for 3500-4000, or buy a used one in good shape for 2K and have it dipped and painted/powdercoated for around a grand... then you have hauling and other worries..
then move your chassis components after rebuilding and cleaning up and painting over to your fresh frame....
or you can buy an entire rolling restored chassis ( real expensive)..
or there are services that will replace the parts of your frame that needs it and you get back pretty much a well restored frame....
other years will work with modifications, but those mods will cost you.. it is easiest to just stay with a 69-72 frame.
also beware frame rust usually means birdcage rust and windshield frame rust and radiator support rust.... you really have to be financially and emotionally into this car and have the time to work on it when you run into issues that might set you back for a year....
then move your chassis components after rebuilding and cleaning up and painting over to your fresh frame....
or you can buy an entire rolling restored chassis ( real expensive)..
or there are services that will replace the parts of your frame that needs it and you get back pretty much a well restored frame....
other years will work with modifications, but those mods will cost you.. it is easiest to just stay with a 69-72 frame.
also beware frame rust usually means birdcage rust and windshield frame rust and radiator support rust.... you really have to be financially and emotionally into this car and have the time to work on it when you run into issues that might set you back for a year....
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,173
Likes: 4,250
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi SM,
I think Joe made some good points.
If you're really serious about restoring your "original" 71, I think you need to get as correct and as good a condition frame as your budget permits. There are reproduction frames now available.
Regards,
Alan
Here's a couple of pictures of my 71's chassis and running gear.
I think Joe made some good points.
If you're really serious about restoring your "original" 71, I think you need to get as correct and as good a condition frame as your budget permits. There are reproduction frames now available.
Regards,
Alan
Here's a couple of pictures of my 71's chassis and running gear.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Murfreesboro TN
1971 Corvette
There are different levels to answer your question, you can buy a new frame for your year for 3500-4000, or buy a used one in good shape for 2K and have it dipped and painted/powdercoated for around a grand... then you have hauling and other worries..
then move your chassis components after rebuilding and cleaning up and painting over to your fresh frame....
or you can buy an entire rolling restored chassis ( real expensive)..
or there are services that will replace the parts of your frame that needs it and you get back pretty much a well restored frame....
other years will work with modifications, but those mods will cost you.. it is easiest to just stay with a 69-72 frame.
also beware frame rust usually means birdcage rust and windshield frame rust and radiator support rust.... you really have to be financially and emotionally into this car and have the time to work on it when you run into issues that might set you back for a year....
then move your chassis components after rebuilding and cleaning up and painting over to your fresh frame....
or you can buy an entire rolling restored chassis ( real expensive)..
or there are services that will replace the parts of your frame that needs it and you get back pretty much a well restored frame....
other years will work with modifications, but those mods will cost you.. it is easiest to just stay with a 69-72 frame.
also beware frame rust usually means birdcage rust and windshield frame rust and radiator support rust.... you really have to be financially and emotionally into this car and have the time to work on it when you run into issues that might set you back for a year....
Former Vendor
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 766
Likes: 3
From: Charlotte North Carolina 704-394-5150
Rock and roll! Everybody hit the mark on advice to you. joewill touched on the one area that you REALLY need to be concerned about. A frame is no big deal other than $$$$, they are obtainable and they are what they are. Either new or used frames are basic part to replace when you have it removed. The "birdcage" and windshield frame on the other hand are another story. REALLY inspect you inner steel structures for rust. This "birdcage" is the backbone of the body. If you have a great frame and an inferior "birdcage", You really don't have much other than problems that are going to haunt you. Also make sure all underbody retainers/gussets that are solid aluminum riveted to the undercarriage are in good condition. In the condition that the frame is in, I am sure that they will need replacing. Good luck and keep all of us informed on your progress.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Murfreesboro TN
1971 Corvette Coupe
Just getting started in the corvette resotration i have decided on buying a frame already prepped. I have found one but it is a 69 out of a auto coupe. I think it will fit but i am not sure. My question is should this fit or will it need any modifications to accept my 71 auto body. Also in the pictures it looks like the center crossmember for the transmission is a bolt in one. I have not looked very closely at mine yet but it looks like the one in my vette is welded in. Are they bolt in models and welded in ones as well....Thank You Jason
Safety Car
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 4,454
Likes: 328
From: Indy Indiana
a 69 should fit once you get the 69 you can place them side by side and check and recheck all the measurements...
your 71 is automatic and the crossmember is welded in? it should be a bolt in since it is automatic.. from what I hear, all automatics have the bolt in crossmember for ease of installation...
your 71 is automatic and the crossmember is welded in? it should be a bolt in since it is automatic.. from what I hear, all automatics have the bolt in crossmember for ease of installation...
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