Frame Shopping - Kick up rust

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Nov 24, 2010 | 11:30 PM

S&S_ShovelHead

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Instructor

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 133

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Frame Shopping - Kick up rust

Im looking for a frame to replace my rotten 74 frame. I went to look at a 73 frame today. It looked really good except there was some minor flaking in the rear kick ups where the trailing arms go. I was thinking I could weld a patch in the hollow to fix this (lots of good metal left). Added some pics, all you can really see once the flakes were removed were a couple of small holes. I was thinking Ill probally have issues with any frame I look at this old. Comments?

Nov 25, 2010 | 10:33 AM

HerFirstVette

Instructor

Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 197

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From: Lansing MI

I have a 73 project going and we just stripped the frame of all parts. I have a frame/fab expert coming over to evaluate my "issue"...that being rust holes near the drivers side kick-up. Once he gives me the price/verdict I will know if we're going to fix or buy a replacement. Personally, I'm OK with buying replacement sections or having him fab new parts. If that's not an option then I'll start shopping the southern states. There's no point in trying to find a parts car (frame) here in Michigan. (IMO)

I'll be following your post for sure.....

Nov 25, 2010 | 10:25 PM

72LS1Vette

Safety Car

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 4,883

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From: North Easton Mass

If there are holes in the trailing arm pockets there may be other rust issues in the differential crossmember. I would do some banging on that frame with a pointed hammer to see if there are any other weak spots. If there are a lot of thick scale chunks in the inside of the frame the metal has thinned quite a bit and may not be strong enough structurally even if it's not rusted out.

Rick B.

Nov 26, 2010 | 10:59 AM

BBCorv70

Melting Slicks

Joined: Apr 2007

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From: Tolland CT

Anyone consider a new frame? I found a posting in the C2 section where a statement was made that this vendor bought the original tooling from the supplier for GM. Complete frames are available as well as pieces.

http://www.vetteproducts.net/

Nov 26, 2010 | 11:07 AM

S&S_ShovelHead

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Quote:

Originally Posted by BBCorv70

I looked at those but that price is more than Im looking to spend.

Nov 26, 2010 | 11:25 AM

eastltd

Drifting

Joined: Jul 2006

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From: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario

There are differences in the 73/74 frames. In addition to the kick-up repair, you will have to modify the rear rails for the 74 bumper.

Depending on the extent of damage to your original frame, it may be just as easy to fix as the replacement 73 frame.

Here are a few shots of the repair we did on our 73. If you need more details, just ask.

Kind Regards,
Ian

Nov 26, 2010 | 11:59 AM

leadfoot4

Team Owner

Joined: May 2001

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From: Western NY

Quote:

Originally Posted by S&S_ShovelHead

I looked at those but that price is more than Im looking to spend.

While I understand budgetary considerations, you also have to consider A) your personal safety; and B) the cost of the other parts/components/systems that could be jeopardized by a questionable frame.

I don't know what the cost of that particular frame is, but isn't there an outfit by the name of Collier Technologies that's also re-popping C-3 frames?