1971 Corvette Couple
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Murfreesboro TN
1971 Corvette Couple
Hello,
I am restoring a 71 corvette coupe automatic....the frame is in pretty bad shape so i was thinking about replacing it instead of trying to fix this one......i have a chance to buy a 71 complete rolling chassis but it is a standard frame....was wondering how hard it would be to replace the welded in crossmember with a bolt in one for my auto....and if i do that could i still put a standard transmission in the car if i decided in the futer.....thank you for any suppot on this matter.
I am restoring a 71 corvette coupe automatic....the frame is in pretty bad shape so i was thinking about replacing it instead of trying to fix this one......i have a chance to buy a 71 complete rolling chassis but it is a standard frame....was wondering how hard it would be to replace the welded in crossmember with a bolt in one for my auto....and if i do that could i still put a standard transmission in the car if i decided in the futer.....thank you for any suppot on this matter.
Instructor
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 115
Likes: 1
From: New Hartford Iowa
You need to be a good welder to do the bolt in crossmember. You can use an auto or manual with the bolt in crossmember. I am actually in the opposite situation. I have a manual car and an automatic car chassis. I am debating whether to weld in a crossmember for originality sake, or leave the crossmember bolt in for ease of service. My car is about 90% original, numbers matching and I mean all components except carb and master cyl, not just the engine matches the VIN. I don't mean to hi-jack the thread but what does everyone else think?
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Murfreesboro TN
71 corvette coupe
the welding part i am not worried about.....and as yours mine is a numbers matching car....i am just beginning the restoration....i dod however go into this knowing the frame was in bad condition is reason i was interested in this other frame with the exception of the cross member i wasnt sure about.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 4
From: Anderson SC
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,211
Likes: 4,300
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi SM,
I'm curious what the 'rolling chassis' may cost as opposed to finding just an auto frame that you can transfer all your parts to?
When you mention 'numbers matching' I think about keeping the original parts together.
Regards,
Alan
PS: Remember that when you change the frame one of the important parts of 'numbers matching' goes away unless you re-stamp the replacement frame. If I were paying for 'numbers matching' I'd sure check the frame for the VIN derivative.
I'm curious what the 'rolling chassis' may cost as opposed to finding just an auto frame that you can transfer all your parts to?
When you mention 'numbers matching' I think about keeping the original parts together.
Regards,
Alan
PS: Remember that when you change the frame one of the important parts of 'numbers matching' goes away unless you re-stamp the replacement frame. If I were paying for 'numbers matching' I'd sure check the frame for the VIN derivative.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Murfreesboro TN
1971 Corvette
Yea the welding is from a friend who has been welding for 20 years so thats not a problem.....and yes i have only one.....and the rolling chassis (71 confirmed) and two 71 complete doors and rear clip of the body from the firewall back is costing me 2900.00.....the frame is in excellent condition and since the rear half of body is off its was easy to inspect with no rust or rot...well some surface rust.....and the rear half of body which i didnt need is decent with a good windshield frame in case i need one for mine....only thing i was worried about was the weld in crossmember....thank yall
