Looking for a little frame input/experience
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Looking for a little frame input/experience
I was reading a previous thread about jack stands and where to put them and signs of cracking were getting noticed.
This is what I saw on mine-When I pulled the body,totally stripped frame of all moving parts,I noticed the frame had a lot of flex in it-but no rust at any areas of integrity,when on jack stands at all 4 corners,I could lift 1 corner,all others stayed on stands.
Then,I noticed factory welds only about 1 1/4 long every 16 inches or so.
So,I fully welded the frame seams on top and bottom and is now stiff as could be -no flex at all now.
My question is: did I mess up by doing this for value?
The way I figured is if the frame can't flex-leave it up to the suspension to do its job,and the body seams can't crack anymore.
What are the opinions on this-was it good or bad to do?
Strength vs. originality?
Thanks!
This is what I saw on mine-When I pulled the body,totally stripped frame of all moving parts,I noticed the frame had a lot of flex in it-but no rust at any areas of integrity,when on jack stands at all 4 corners,I could lift 1 corner,all others stayed on stands.
Then,I noticed factory welds only about 1 1/4 long every 16 inches or so.
So,I fully welded the frame seams on top and bottom and is now stiff as could be -no flex at all now.
My question is: did I mess up by doing this for value?
The way I figured is if the frame can't flex-leave it up to the suspension to do its job,and the body seams can't crack anymore.
What are the opinions on this-was it good or bad to do?
Strength vs. originality?
Thanks!
Racer
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 379
Likes: 54
I think you know the answer but I'll say it any way.
If the buyer wants a car that looks original, he'll pass on your car now. But I'm betting your was not a NCRS restoration anyhow.
If you plan to keep it and the welding makes you happy, great.
As to seam cracking, there are many Corvettes with original ski-welded frames that don't crack. If the body work was done competently, the seams won't crack with or without the extra welding in normal use.
If the buyer wants a car that looks original, he'll pass on your car now. But I'm betting your was not a NCRS restoration anyhow.
If you plan to keep it and the welding makes you happy, great.
As to seam cracking, there are many Corvettes with original ski-welded frames that don't crack. If the body work was done competently, the seams won't crack with or without the extra welding in normal use.
Thread Starter
Intermediate
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
I think you know the answer but I'll say it any way.
If the buyer wants a car that looks original, he'll pass on your car now. But I'm betting your was not a NCRS restoration anyhow.
If you plan to keep it and the welding makes you happy, great.
As to seam cracking, there are many Corvettes with original ski-welded frames that don't crack. If the body work was done competently, the seams won't crack with or without the extra welding in normal use.
If the buyer wants a car that looks original, he'll pass on your car now. But I'm betting your was not a NCRS restoration anyhow.
If you plan to keep it and the welding makes you happy, great.
As to seam cracking, there are many Corvettes with original ski-welded frames that don't crack. If the body work was done competently, the seams won't crack with or without the extra welding in normal use.
Every thing so far has been bought from Ecklers,what else am I also missing?
Thanks!
