when is it time for frame off
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 157
From: Miami, FL
when is it time for frame off
So what are the indications that you feel your 40 yr. old car needs to have it's frame refinished. I'm getting back int he market and I know my last corvette had surface rust throughout but was a solid frame. It made me uncomfortable to get caught in rain and any condensation in the garage was another stress factor.
What would you say are the drivers indicating it is time to frame off at least for the purpose of rust proofing?
What would you say are the drivers indicating it is time to frame off at least for the purpose of rust proofing?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
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From: Sunrise FL
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
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From: Boca Raton Florida
Surface rust is no big deal at all, go ahead and treat it with POR15, Rustbullit or any good rust encapsulation paint. There are frame treatments available that get applied inside the frame useing an injection system.
Some frame repairs require access to all parts of the frame, that requires body off. New #2 body mount pockets, rocker channel replacement, those pretty much require body off. Other than that, no real reason I can see. I needed #2 pockets AND rocker channels.
Some frame repairs require access to all parts of the frame, that requires body off. New #2 body mount pockets, rocker channel replacement, those pretty much require body off. Other than that, no real reason I can see. I needed #2 pockets AND rocker channels.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Kissimmee fl
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St. Jude Donor '07
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From: Crossville TN
It's time to take the body off:
1. When the body mounts are totally rusted out and need to be rebuilt;
2. When the frame is badly rusted or damaged badly from an accident;
3. When you intend to have the car judged by NCRS or Bloomington Gold and you care about the results;
4. When you are just too '****' to "leave well enough alone".
Other than those 4 reasons, I can't think of another "good" one to remove the body.
1. When the body mounts are totally rusted out and need to be rebuilt;
2. When the frame is badly rusted or damaged badly from an accident;
3. When you intend to have the car judged by NCRS or Bloomington Gold and you care about the results;
4. When you are just too '****' to "leave well enough alone".
Other than those 4 reasons, I can't think of another "good" one to remove the body.
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Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
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From: Westminster Maryland
Hi,
I think there's a difference between having a car that has enough rust on the frame and birdcage that lifting the body make doing a thorough repair easier and restoring a car.
I think an "off-frame restoration" is required when you want to have a "completely restored car".
Two VERY different things in the time, work, and costs involved.... but also in the result.
Hard to imagine but some people actually enjoy the off-frame restoration process.
Regards,
Alan
I think there's a difference between having a car that has enough rust on the frame and birdcage that lifting the body make doing a thorough repair easier and restoring a car.
I think an "off-frame restoration" is required when you want to have a "completely restored car".
Two VERY different things in the time, work, and costs involved.... but also in the result.
Hard to imagine but some people actually enjoy the off-frame restoration process.
Regards,
Alan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
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From: Hinckley OH
Since you say you are going to get back into the market, you can save yourself a lot of work, money and worry if you find a car that has already had the rust issues on the frame, fuel lines and brake lines addressed by a previous owner.
But to answer your question, I think the body off should be done while you only have surface rust issues to address. Don't let it get to the point where you need major frame or birdcage repairs.
But to answer your question, I think the body off should be done while you only have surface rust issues to address. Don't let it get to the point where you need major frame or birdcage repairs.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,693
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From: Miami, FL
Since you say you are going to get back into the market, you can save yourself a lot of work, money and worry if you find a car that has already had the rust issues on the frame, fuel lines and brake lines addressed by a previous owner.
But to answer your question, I think the body off should be done while you only have surface rust issues to address. Don't let it get to the point where you need major frame or birdcage repairs.
But to answer your question, I think the body off should be done while you only have surface rust issues to address. Don't let it get to the point where you need major frame or birdcage repairs.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 2,709
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From: Savannah GA
Please define what you consider to be "original". Since these frames were stored in piles outside while they awaited assembly some surface rust is indeed factory original. Unless the car spent its entire life in a plastic bubble that rust would only continue as a natural function of the aging process. These untouched cars, to me, wear that patina like a badge of honor.
If on the other hand you consider "original" to mean looking approximately like the day it rolled out of the factory then at least some restoration is definitely in order and how much you do is a question only you can answer.
If on the other hand you consider "original" to mean looking approximately like the day it rolled out of the factory then at least some restoration is definitely in order and how much you do is a question only you can answer.
Melting Slicks
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From: Southbound
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You mention you owned a car with surface rust on the frame. Most of us are in the same boat. You say the frame was solid. Ditto for most of us. You say you may interested in purchasing the car a second time. Should that occur, you are likely to find the frame on the car is as solid as when you owned it and, depending on what the POs may have done, might still have the surface rust.
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 1,693
Likes: 157
From: Miami, FL
My argument would be that the decision to undertake a frame off restoration and all that a project of that size is going to entail should never be based solely on the purpose of rust proofing the frame.
You mention you owned a car with surface rust on the frame. Most of us are in the same boat. You say the frame was solid. Ditto for most of us. You say you may interested in purchasing the car a second time. Should that occur, you are likely to find the frame on the car is as solid as when you owned it and, depending on what the POs may have done, might still have the surface rust.
You mention you owned a car with surface rust on the frame. Most of us are in the same boat. You say the frame was solid. Ditto for most of us. You say you may interested in purchasing the car a second time. Should that occur, you are likely to find the frame on the car is as solid as when you owned it and, depending on what the POs may have done, might still have the surface rust.
