Hi
I just finished introducing myself in that forum, and I already have a bad question. They redirected my here

I have a 75 Vette, that has a rust problem. Here is the question I posted in the intro forum

"I had an opportunity to get a closer look at the car today. Is it worth continuing the project if I have to replace the frame and birdcage? How much would it cost to get replacements? Would a '71 frame fit my '75?"

Any thoughts?

Thanks

 

1975s are not particularly sought after in the"collectible" market... they're to be driven and enjoyed. Frames are (relatively) inexpensive, pretty available and body mounts, floors and the like are available as well. Re-introduce yourself here, describe the car (PHOTOS!!!!!), and give us an idea of your automotive skill set, workspace, motivation (is this a family heirloom???), etcetera... we're here to help, advise and kibitz. If it was free or mostly so, or if it was your Dad's dream car, or you lost your virginity in it it might mean a bit more to you than the pure market value.

 

The rear section of the frame (last 12 inches or so to give room to make it strong) would need grafted onto the 71 frame IIRC. The rest would work fine.

If you get it cheap enough, anything is fixable. Just keep in mind a 75 is never going to be worth more than about 10-15k IMO if really nice. It will probably cost double that to do all that work and replace what needs replacing. Essentially a frame off and body off cage restoration. Basically you would be rebuilding the car from nothing.

 

If you have access to a good condition 71 frame you could sell it and buy 2 good condition 75 frames. The chrome bumper frames are much more scarce and it would be a total waste of a 71 frame to cut it up and modify it when 75-compatible frames are much more readily available. In other words, don't spend the time and money to hack up a 71 frame when you can buy a 75-compatible frame for much less $.



Rick B.

 

http://www.71corvette.com/frames.html

 

To replace both the frame and birdcage is financial suicide. Replacement components alone might run 5K or more. If that doesn't bother you, have fun.

 

A frame replacement is essentially a very large disassemble/reassemble project. Purely mechanical. To replace any portion of the birdcage gets into some serious disassembly of the body and in some cases precision welding. A large birdcage repair or swap is a HUGE job requiring some pretty solid auto body repair skills. Any extensive work needed to repair the birdcage becomes cost prohibitive unless you can do the work yourself. There's no way this could be justified if market value is considered. OK if you enjoy a challenge, bring another back from the brink.

 

HI Guys

Thanks for all the brutaaly honest responses - that is why I asked.

In response to Markids77 - here are some photos of the poor beast





I never intended to buy a 'Vette, but I was stupid enough to searcg kijiji for cars for less than $2K, and this one jumped out.

And here is a link to my previous project.

http://www.locostusa.com/forums/view...php?f=35&t=775

I like to think I am fairly handy in the garage, and while I am not doing this to enter Barret Jackson I haven't got funds to burn. The car was $1200 with a rebuilt engine, almost complete interior and solid front underbody. The '71 frame is $900, (the change in rear x-member is a bit more extensive than I had hoped) and I maybe able to pick up a birdcage for $400. So for $2,500 I think I have a solid vette, in 3 pieces that needs a lot of TLC but hopefully not too much more $$$$.

I have no sentimental attachment to the car, my wife seems fairly excited about it though. If anyone out there knows where I can get a better start for $2,500 I am all ears. If anyone knows where I can get a 75 frame for less than $900, I am all ears.

This is a challenge no doubt. I want to explore all my options before quitting.

Thanks again, and keep the comments coming.

 

i would get out... if that car was only 2K, then you should get at least that when selling..

 

How about pics of the rust issues which concern you? How do you know you actually need a frame and a birdcage?

 

I will try and get pictures, but in summary:

On the passenger side the body mount at the base of the A pillar is a bit rough, the triangulation at the base of the windscreen is gone, I think the top and bottom corners on the windshield frame have been replaced.

On the drivers side the entire frame from the A pillar to the rear wheel is rotten, the base of the windshield is rotten, I think the windshield vertical pillar has been replaced (badly). The windscreen doesn't seem to fit very well, lots of sealant in the body corners

Neither of the rear body mounts are attached

I have found (on this forum ) a 77 frame and a 74 birdcage in good condition for what I think are reasonable prices.

May involve some road trips though

 

Greasy:

I bought my 76 for 3250.00
The frame is good, slight rust on windshield pillars.
Motor is 30K fresh, runs and does not smoke.
Bumpers are toast, body is near perfect. Seats and rugs need new.

I will be lucky to only have 7-8K total investment when done and my car will only be worth that amount.

There are better cars than yours available for less than 3-4K.

I would part the thing, make a little more than you spent and put it down on a little better car. IMO.

 

If you have to replace the birdcage its not really worth the effort unless you are looking for a challenge. People climb mountains and just have a photo of them selves standing at the top when their done. When your done with this at least you will have a car. It will amaze you how fast these projects consume cash. The obvious things you count on are one thing but there will be more.

 

I think you could easily double your car/parts cost in repair materials and sundry other items required to complete your rehab. For instance, I have $200 just in primer alone on my 1977 project.Even if you hit eBay up for a $50 gallon of lacquer based primer surfacer and a $80 gallon of PPG Omni acrylic enamel single stage (these are real, current listing prices BTW) you will still have about $400 or so in paint materials and sandpaper etc. Add another $100 to $150 for fillers, epoxies and glass for body repairs. You will require some pretty exotic adhesives if the cage/nose get replaced... bonding agents and the special mixing guns to apply them are spendy too.

Visit some supporting vendor's sites and price out the bad body mount replacements, the rubber and hardware kits to bolt the tub back down with, a latex body seal kit and whatever else you have noticed so far the thing might require when you completely disassemble the chassis... like new shocks, suspension bushings, front end/steering componentry. If the car has sat for a few years figure rebuilding the brake system in at the front end so there's no bad surprises later.

All that said, don't allow all this to scare you off of this project if you love the car... but be darned certain you love the car because you will open the biggest, nastiest can of worms you can imagine if you botch the job here. Birdcage replacement surgery is a huge undertaking in time, and physical labor. It will start with building both a body lift structure, and a dolly to put the shell on while you work on it and the frame. You need dry storage for at least 3X the space the car occupies now while it is apart and a heated workspace free of the wife's ride and the kid's bikes all winter long so consider that as well. You will end up with a hand built hot rod which you will know down to the last nut... and be a happy guy... if you love it enough to get all the way to the end.

 

I should have read your link before composing the last post... it seems you have the logistical thing fairly well in hand. Nice work on the Locost "Lotus"!

 

As much as I like projects, I would not tackle this car because it will be worth less than you have in it not counting your labor when you are done. If this were a chrome bumper or a c2 then yes, but the reality is for what you will spend you are better off with a better car for a few thousand more.

 

Go show your wife a nicer Vette...both of you will be happier in the long run!

 

If that's the rust that you can see there is bound to be more. 75's are nice cars but it really doesn't make sense to go forward with this project. I think that i would part it out. You will get all of your money back plus. Also during this process you will be able to identify all the problem areas if you decide to purchase another vette.

 

I don't know where you are located, BUT here in Texas I have a nice straight 75 frame and a nice rust free 79 birdcage for sale. No rust or issues on either piece. You cant beat texas metal that's for sure. PM me if interested.

BTW, The above posters are correct. don't kill a 71 frame for a 75 vette. There are too many 75 frames around. Why not just use a correct one?

 

Sounds like you would be better off finding another vette with a good frame and birdcage and using this one as a donor car. Maybe something with some body damage or bad parts where this is good.