hunt4cleanair

While you're thinking about next steps...take a minute and tell us about the tools you've used to pull the frame apart? Looks like you have three aluminum jacks so you must have access to some nice stuff. It would be interesting to learn what specialty items you've had to use during your frame off.

Chadillac2000

That's some solid advice. After doing some research, it looks like I need to make some decisions on the front/rear suspension and then pull the trigger there so I can work towards getting a rolling chassis.

I have access to quite a few tools. Our garage has 7 full sized tool boxes of miscellaneous stuff my father and other family members have collected over their lives. 4 sets of quality jackstands, 3 jacks, countless wrenches, sockets, screwdrivers, 100 gallon air compressor with 15-20 air tools, engine hoist, MIG welding equipment, torch. There will be a few things I'm sure we won't have over the course of the project, but we've pretty much got anything we need, especially with a little ingenuity.

Tim 1973

Keep the post coming with lots of pictures.. I'm in the middle of a frame off on my 73 here is what I did.

I sent the trailing arms and rear diff off to have rebuilt. The trailing arms went to vansteel

http://www.vansteel.com/index.cfm?fu...&SubGroup=1810

I sent the Rear diff to Vtech for rebuilding. I used their Box service (they sent me a box to ship it in)

http://www.vtechcorvette.com/



The rear spring I used a composite spring from VBP
The Front spring I used a coil over spring also from VBP

http://www.vbandp.com/

All 3 companies did a good job and are very responsive.
I'm not advertising for any of the companies just letting you know what I did and my experience with the company.

Chadillac2000

I spent most of Monday and Tuesday getting the last bits removed from the frame, removing all attached bushings and disassembling the upper and lower control arms. But the good news is that this morning I was able to drop the car off to get sandblasted and powder-coated. $700 for the entire frame, cross-members, front tube, upper control arms, and lower control arms. Should be done early next week.





I was also able to remove the front bumper and headlight/bumper assembly.

Chadillac2000

I should be getting the frame and other components back from being sandblasted and powder coated here in the next few days, so I thought it was time to start ordering some parts so we could start assembling a rolling frame here soon.

I went with the deluxe front rebuild kit with rubber bushings (didn't want to deal with the noise problems down the road and I'm looking for comfort over performance in this case) which includes: 4 Tie Rods Ends, 2 Tie Rod Sleeves, 4 Ball Joints, Ball Joint Rivets, 8 “A” Arm Shaft Bushings, Front Stabilizer Link Kit, 2 Upper Control Arm Bumpers, 2 Lower Control Arm Bumpers & 1 Heavy Duty Idler Arm.

With the 10% forum discount I opted for a set of KYB GR-2 shocks all around as well.

I'll be sure to post pictures as the parts start arriving and when we receive back the freshly powder-coated pieces.

Tim 1973

Don't forget your fuel lines and brake lines. I put these items on before putting the suspension on. If yours were in the shape like mine were I did not have a choice but replacing them. I believe having the suspension out of the way makes it easer with the brake/fuel lines. Also remember you have 3 lines part of the fuel lines. When I ordered mine I somehow forgot the line on the Drivers side.

Chadillac2000

I'll definitely include these in my next order. I appreciate the advice.

Mine weren't in awful shape, but it'd much easier to just replace them and have peace of mind rather than spending all the time cleaning the old ones and making sure they aren't clogged, cracked, leaking, etc.

Chadillac2000

I didn't have too much time to dedicate to the Vette this weekend, but I was pretty excited to receive a portion of my first shipment from Willcox. Only took a few days for the deluxe rubber bushing kit for the front end to arrive and hopefully the shocks will show up soon.



I was also able to liquidate some of the stuff we had taking up stuff in our garage, so I was able to pick up some new tools. With a 20% off coupon, I was able to pick up this full size sandblasting cabinet for only about $160 dollars. Unfortunately, assembly was required and took forever, but eventually it was complete. Still need to rig up the shop vac to the dust port and rewire the power for the light. The AC adaptor was broken out of the box, but Harbor Freight refused to exchange just the power adaptor. They wanted the whole unit back, which just wasn't an option after I'd spent so much time assembling everything. Hopefully this will help cleaning up some of the smaller parts for painting, etc.

Tim 1973

I got the same unit from HF and my adapter was also bad.. I had to chance the siphon tube as it would collapse and not allow media to the gun.

I just ordered my AC system from Vintage Air this morning. Hope it arrives so I can get the inside in and wired.

Chadillac2000

Well after going in for a second time and complaining, they have one being sent to me. I'll keep an eye out for the siphon tube collapsing once I start using it. How'd you fix it?

I haven't done any research on the air components of my project yet. I'm interested to see how much of the OEM equipment still works properly as I continue through this process. It's always exciting receiving more parts.

Speaking of, my KY-B Excel shocks for all four corners came in today. Still waiting on the powdercoater though so we can go retrieve the frame...

Tim 1973

I used flexible wire conduit. It will not collapse. You can get at Home depot. I have removed all the vacuum systems in my 73 so I have to replace the system with a all electric AC system. I'm wiring the dash so its a good time to get all the AC systems in. I put coil overs in the front by VBP, Have not put shocks on the rear yet but plan on purchasing bilistein shocks

Chadillac2000

Sounds like a nice solution. I may look into that.

I've contemplated getting rid of the vacuum system in this one as well.

All those VBP goodies look very nice, but most of their stuff (or the HD Bilstein shocks) don't really fit my bill when I'm just looking to flip this car ultimately.

Tim 1973

Mine will be another Sunday driver.. Putting a 454 LSX in it..

Changing the headlights to electric is easy.. about 2 hours of work.

Jazzmaster

Thank you so much for sharing all this Wow!!!! what a journee i may give this a try!!!!

maverickmk

I've been looking at this same unit for a while now. Let me know what you think of it. I plan on tearing into my car next summer when it gets too hot to drive it here in Florida.

Nice work by the way. I'm envious as I don't think doing a body off the frame will be in the cards for me financially. Looking forward to the ongoing progress.

Tim 1973

here is a link to help

http://http://mcspeed.homestead.com/Our_Products.html

maverickmk

It looks like they are out of business.

Chadillac2000

That's exciting stuff. Hopefully one day I'll have the means to do this to the 77 I plan on keeping forever. You've definitely intrigued me with thoughts of switching to electric headlights though, I'm already having problems with the ones on my 77 and I'd love to avoid future problems with this one.

All you have to do is jump. Then you really have no way out. Just go for it!

I'll definitely let you know how it holds up. It seems this is another instance of you get what you pay for, only to a lesser degree. From reviews, it sounds like this sandblasting cabinet serves its purpose, but isn't going to wow you with its quality or long-term dependability.

And yep, looks like that site doesn't offer that kit anymore unfortunately.

Tim 1973

I posted the link as it gives you step by step instructions, brackets are easy to make. You can go to the Junk yard or get the motors o on ebay. I went to pick and pull and got everything I needed for $20.00 took mine off a 93 firebird.

Chadillac2000

This definitely seems like I something I'm going to look into when I get around to it on my 77. Not worth the extra work on this one.