Frame Shopping - Kick up rust
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
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?
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 197
Likes: 0
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.....
I'll be following your post for sure.....
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
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.
Rick B.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
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/
http://www.vetteproducts.net/
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 133
Likes: 1
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/
http://www.vetteproducts.net/
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 6
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
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
Team Owner
Joined: May 2001
Posts: 87,375
Likes: 1,593
From: Western NY
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?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,189
Likes: 111
From: Tolland CT
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?
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?
Here's a link to their web site... http://www.colliertechnologies.com/
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