69 Frame Rust Repair??
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 447
Likes: 5
From: Double Oak TX
69 Frame Rust Repair??
Looking for some advice. A C3 that I'm looking to buy had some frame rust that was repaired with about a 2' Zip frame repair kit. The section repaired appears to be just in front of the driver's rear wheel. I have a few questions, as I have very little frame repair experience.
1. What else should I be looking for as far as wear and tear as a result of a poor job? Will the car pull or have irregular tire wear? Will it cause any type of stress fractures in the body?
2. How bad does it hurt the value of the car (this particular one is a numbers matching, pretty original car)?
3. How quality are these types of frame repair kits?
1. What else should I be looking for as far as wear and tear as a result of a poor job? Will the car pull or have irregular tire wear? Will it cause any type of stress fractures in the body?
2. How bad does it hurt the value of the car (this particular one is a numbers matching, pretty original car)?
3. How quality are these types of frame repair kits?
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,301
Likes: 4,391
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi C,
I agree that unless there's something special about this car why let someone else's problem and uncertainty become your problem and uncertainty… and pay them for that honor.
There are enough rust free cars available to not have to knowingly become involved with one with rust in it's history.
Regards,
Alan
I agree that unless there's something special about this car why let someone else's problem and uncertainty become your problem and uncertainty… and pay them for that honor.
There are enough rust free cars available to not have to knowingly become involved with one with rust in it's history.
Regards,
Alan
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 447
Likes: 5
From: Double Oak TX
Thanks for the feedback. Does it make any difference, that frame was repaired during a frame-off restoration? There's nothing special about the car, but it seems to be in pretty decent shape, except for the part of the frame. I guess that it makes sense that if one part was bad enough to replace, then there's likely other hidden troubles.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,111
Likes: 32
From: Damascus MD
Rust protection
Thanks for the feedback. Does it make any difference, that frame was repaired during a frame-off restoration? There's nothing special about the car, but it seems to be in pretty decent shape, except for the part of the frame. I guess that it makes sense that if one part was bad enough to replace, then there's likely other hidden troubles.
Unless there are a ton of pics documenting the rust repairs, frame condition, and bird cage condition, RUN!
Just my two cents.
Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 822
Likes: 82
From: Columbus OH
I am with the others, unless there are a lot of pictures and documents showing the before, during, and after process, RUN!
Although, if he is paying you to take it off his hands, that is another thing, but I haven't heard of that problem before, except from scrap yards.
Although, if he is paying you to take it off his hands, that is another thing, but I haven't heard of that problem before, except from scrap yards.
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 447
Likes: 5
From: Double Oak TX
I am with the others, unless there are a lot of pictures and documents showing the before, during, and after process, RUN!
Although, if he is paying you to take it off his hands, that is another thing, but I haven't heard of that problem before, except from scrap yards.
Although, if he is paying you to take it off his hands, that is another thing, but I haven't heard of that problem before, except from scrap yards.
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 447
Likes: 5
From: Double Oak TX
I've been looking at C3s for a while, but am really only just now getting serious about buying one. I think I'll take all of the advice and pass on this one. In the long run a little patience will hopefully pay off. Thanks to all for the input.
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
My perspective is that it is all relative.
If you're looking at a fairly original '69 that is in good cosmetic condition, that's a start at least.
If you're talking about a 4-figure price tag on the car, that would be another decent answer.
A 4-figure '69 in otherwise good, driveable condition that has had frame repair in the past wouldn't be the kiss of death for me. I'd be willing to take a look.
If you're into 5-figures, I'd listen to the advice given. Just like everything else, there is the matter of alternatives to consider. I've seen too many nice cars pass through this web site for $15k to consider a put-together car for anywhere near that price.
Personally, if I were repairing the car...CERTAINLY if I had the body off...I would do something different than just repair that one portion. There are still good frames to be had. And as others have said...rust isn't a localized event.
If it's a good deal and you are an informed purchaser, it could be worth a look.
If you're new to this thing or if they want more than a little bit of money, pass and don't feel bad about it.
If you're looking at a fairly original '69 that is in good cosmetic condition, that's a start at least.
If you're talking about a 4-figure price tag on the car, that would be another decent answer.
A 4-figure '69 in otherwise good, driveable condition that has had frame repair in the past wouldn't be the kiss of death for me. I'd be willing to take a look.
If you're into 5-figures, I'd listen to the advice given. Just like everything else, there is the matter of alternatives to consider. I've seen too many nice cars pass through this web site for $15k to consider a put-together car for anywhere near that price.
Personally, if I were repairing the car...CERTAINLY if I had the body off...I would do something different than just repair that one portion. There are still good frames to be had. And as others have said...rust isn't a localized event.
If it's a good deal and you are an informed purchaser, it could be worth a look.
If you're new to this thing or if they want more than a little bit of money, pass and don't feel bad about it.