Body off restore or not? Need some thoughts.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 107
Likes: 11
Body off restore or not? Need some thoughts.
Greetings all,
Well, I knew I was wading in waist deep when I bought a 1979 corvette that had been in a front end collision. That being said the frame is sound from a corrision standpoint and only 1/4" out of line which I will get straightened. I will be changing the front clip as part of the repair process which I understand is some work in itself.
To get certified in Canada the mechanic has indicated that the body mounts will need changing because of the condition of the bushings. He has also said the brake lines and fuel lines will need replacing.
I have been reading a number of posts and I think this work is possible (not easy) if I loosen the mounts and lift the car on either side. I understand that if I snap bdoy mounts 2,3,5, or 6 I have no choice but to pull the body to repair the frame.
So general thoughts on body off versus body lift given what I need to do? Believe me I know the body lift opens a whole other range of issues.
Also besides penetrating oil on the bolts anyone ever tried heat and cold on the mounts to break up the rust prior to removal.
Cheers,
Bernie
Well, I knew I was wading in waist deep when I bought a 1979 corvette that had been in a front end collision. That being said the frame is sound from a corrision standpoint and only 1/4" out of line which I will get straightened. I will be changing the front clip as part of the repair process which I understand is some work in itself.
To get certified in Canada the mechanic has indicated that the body mounts will need changing because of the condition of the bushings. He has also said the brake lines and fuel lines will need replacing.
I have been reading a number of posts and I think this work is possible (not easy) if I loosen the mounts and lift the car on either side. I understand that if I snap bdoy mounts 2,3,5, or 6 I have no choice but to pull the body to repair the frame.
So general thoughts on body off versus body lift given what I need to do? Believe me I know the body lift opens a whole other range of issues.
Also besides penetrating oil on the bolts anyone ever tried heat and cold on the mounts to break up the rust prior to removal.
Cheers,
Bernie
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
I may be missing something here, but if I understand what you're saying, you have to replace lines and body mounts as a result of the collision. Correct?
I would not attempt to do one side and then the other. I think you have no choice but to pull the body.
I would not attempt to do one side and then the other. I think you have no choice but to pull the body.
Burning Brakes
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 1,201
Likes: 2
From: Frederick Md
I too think you will need to pull the entire body off the car....
My only problem is that this is NOT going to be inexpensive and the costs may well put you underwater as far as value goes... Restoring a 79 is not a nickle cheaper then restoring a C1 or C2 which both would allow you to recover your money ...
Bob G.
My only problem is that this is NOT going to be inexpensive and the costs may well put you underwater as far as value goes... Restoring a 79 is not a nickle cheaper then restoring a C1 or C2 which both would allow you to recover your money ...
Bob G.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 107
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Sorry, I do not need to pull mounts and replace lines as a result of the collision. They need doing simply they have not beed done before.
In terms of value, I have read that the 79 is not the most desirable year but its mine now and I have to decide what I am going to do with it.
Are you steering towards the body off given the effort to run the lines with onyl a partial lift?
In terms of value, I have read that the 79 is not the most desirable year but its mine now and I have to decide what I am going to do with it.
Are you steering towards the body off given the effort to run the lines with onyl a partial lift?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 6,664
Likes: 162
From: columbia city in
if the gas lines are not bad why change them ?if the metal brake lines are not bad why change them. i would replace all the rubber lines .the body bushings are not that hard to replace.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 107
Likes: 11
Terry,
I would prefer to leave the lines alone but the mechanic indicated that in order to get the car certified (which is a precursor to getting it on the road) the lines will need to be changed.
You say bushings are not hard but I assume that is only if you can get the bolts out without issue.
I would prefer to leave the lines alone but the mechanic indicated that in order to get the car certified (which is a precursor to getting it on the road) the lines will need to be changed.
You say bushings are not hard but I assume that is only if you can get the bolts out without issue.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,626
Likes: 140
From: Kanuckistan
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
Greetings all,
Well, I knew I was wading in waist deep when I bought a 1979 corvette that had been in a front end collision. That being said the frame is sound from a corrision standpoint and only 1/4" out of line which I will get straightened. I will be changing the front clip as part of the repair process which I understand is some work in itself.
To get certified in Canada the mechanic has indicated that the body mounts will need changing because of the condition of the bushings. He has also said the brake lines and fuel lines will need replacing.
I have been reading a number of posts and I think this work is possible (not easy) if I loosen the mounts and lift the car on either side. I understand that if I snap bdoy mounts 2,3,5, or 6 I have no choice but to pull the body to repair the frame.
So general thoughts on body off versus body lift given what I need to do? Believe me I know the body lift opens a whole other range of issues.
Also besides penetrating oil on the bolts anyone ever tried heat and cold on the mounts to break up the rust prior to removal.
Cheers,
Bernie
Well, I knew I was wading in waist deep when I bought a 1979 corvette that had been in a front end collision. That being said the frame is sound from a corrision standpoint and only 1/4" out of line which I will get straightened. I will be changing the front clip as part of the repair process which I understand is some work in itself.
To get certified in Canada the mechanic has indicated that the body mounts will need changing because of the condition of the bushings. He has also said the brake lines and fuel lines will need replacing.
I have been reading a number of posts and I think this work is possible (not easy) if I loosen the mounts and lift the car on either side. I understand that if I snap bdoy mounts 2,3,5, or 6 I have no choice but to pull the body to repair the frame.
So general thoughts on body off versus body lift given what I need to do? Believe me I know the body lift opens a whole other range of issues.
Also besides penetrating oil on the bolts anyone ever tried heat and cold on the mounts to break up the rust prior to removal.
Cheers,
Bernie
Don't get the body off if you don't have to, you'll be opening the Pandora box.
Been, there, had to change the frame, ended up rebuilding the whole damn car piece by piece.
That being said, it might be easier to have the frame straightened with the body off (no expert, just a thought).
Body mount can be changed with body on, and for the fuel lines, if you go the rubber of teflon hose way, you can also do it that way.
I didn't get the part about snapping the body mount, bushing and body mount are different things, your bushing can be toasted and still have body mount in good shape. Post picture on the forum, tons of people will chime in will good advices. Picture's worth thousands of word.
Good luck, and whatever the year, it's the most desirable since it's yours, all the care you'll put it will make it even more so.
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Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 107
Likes: 11
Denpo,
I have been in touch with Ken and he has a clip. I have been trying to get a sense of how much workj I have ahead of me before i get to the clip. That is why I am trying to get some ideas here.
Will post some pics later.
Curious about your comments re teflon hose. I assume that will pass safety in Ontario.
My comment about the body mount is based on what I have been reading in the forum. To change the bushings you need to change the body mounts. If you snap mounts 2,3,5, or 6 they are tapped into the frame so you will need to remove that section of frame to repair.
I have been in touch with Ken and he has a clip. I have been trying to get a sense of how much workj I have ahead of me before i get to the clip. That is why I am trying to get some ideas here.
Will post some pics later.
Curious about your comments re teflon hose. I assume that will pass safety in Ontario.
My comment about the body mount is based on what I have been reading in the forum. To change the bushings you need to change the body mounts. If you snap mounts 2,3,5, or 6 they are tapped into the frame so you will need to remove that section of frame to repair.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 107
Likes: 11
Battsup,
Not looking for the quickie necessarily. I want this car to be reliable when I stomp that gas. I have to explore further but it looks like a section of brake line is disintegrated completey.
Not looking for the quickie necessarily. I want this car to be reliable when I stomp that gas. I have to explore further but it looks like a section of brake line is disintegrated completey.
Race Director
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 11,814
Likes: 9
From: Science Bitch! Mississauga, Ontario
Canadian Events Coordinator
Bernie, check out the Canadian section of the forum before you make any moves.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=97
Les
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/forumdisplay.php?f=97
Les
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Cruising
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
From: henderson nv
I have done fuel and brake lines at the same time I did the body mounts. You only need to lift the body high enough to remove and replace the mounts. As for tips on rusted bolts, soak the threads and nuts with pb blaster the day before and add heat if needed. All of this can be done in a weekend, good luck.
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
I think your mechanic is just "stumping" for some [unnecessary] business. It is a conflict of interest that your mechanic is also the person providing the inspection on your car. Dump him quick! Then call your local BMV (or whatever that is in Canada) to get a reference for a qualified inspector to look over your car. I would highly suspect that he won't have any problem with your metal fuel and brake lines, unless there is heavy corrosion, pitting, or physical damage to them. The flexible (rubber) brake lines at the calpers should be changed for your safety and you car's well-being, anyway. But you don't need the body off for that.
If any of the body mounts are severely rusted, they will need to be repaired. Otherwise, that should be unnecessary, also.
So: 1) find a good, qualified inspector to look over the car and recommend what needs to be done; and 2) find a reputable mechanic who can do ONLY the work that is required.
If any of the body mounts are severely rusted, they will need to be repaired. Otherwise, that should be unnecessary, also.
So: 1) find a good, qualified inspector to look over the car and recommend what needs to be done; and 2) find a reputable mechanic who can do ONLY the work that is required.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 107
Likes: 11
Good thoughts.
I have already contacted another mechanic. The issue is not the body mounts themselves but the bushings which the other mechanic has indicated can need changing to certify if they are in tough shape.
Also a portion of one of the lines is rotted away. I have to explore some more to see if this has been re-routed. This was done with fuel lines on the other side removing steel and replacing with rubber.
I have already contacted another mechanic. The issue is not the body mounts themselves but the bushings which the other mechanic has indicated can need changing to certify if they are in tough shape.
Also a portion of one of the lines is rotted away. I have to explore some more to see if this has been re-routed. This was done with fuel lines on the other side removing steel and replacing with rubber.
