What would you do...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 154
Likes: 9
From: Plano TX
What would you do...
So here is the situation. I have a 1969 4 speed 350/350 convertible(see pic), and recently pulled the engine and transmission in order to have them worked on and it was revealed that there was FRAME DAMAGE!!!! It is a beautiful car, but the damage is worrisome as it was not previously disclosed or noticeable that there was any prior damage.
So I would like to find a replacement rolling chasis or frame, and would like to know what years would fit a 1969 small block convertible?
Will a 1968 small block frame fit the 69?
Will a coupe frame fit a convertible frame?
Any other issues that you could foresee?
Regards,
John
So I would like to find a replacement rolling chasis or frame, and would like to know what years would fit a 1969 small block convertible?
Will a 1968 small block frame fit the 69?
Will a coupe frame fit a convertible frame?
Any other issues that you could foresee?
Regards,
John
Last edited by Swimtexan; Dec 7, 2014 at 12:54 AM.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 154
Likes: 9
From: Plano TX
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,273
Likes: 4,366
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi John,
Car looks very nice in the picture!
I realize you're shocked and concerned about this frame discovery.
But as Fred and Mick said it's really impossible to get an understanding of the situation and offer some meaningful advice without some pictures of the area that concerns you.
There's no difference between a coupe or convertible frame, and only slight differences between a 68 and 69 frame.
So, post some pics and maybe it's not too bad.
Regards,
Alan
Car looks very nice in the picture!
I realize you're shocked and concerned about this frame discovery.
But as Fred and Mick said it's really impossible to get an understanding of the situation and offer some meaningful advice without some pictures of the area that concerns you.
There's no difference between a coupe or convertible frame, and only slight differences between a 68 and 69 frame.
So, post some pics and maybe it's not too bad.
Regards,
Alan
Racer
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 329
Likes: 55
From: Winfield West Virginia
2015 C3 of Year Finalist
We need pics. The C3 frames often tend to look a bit crude in certain areas. Possibly what you are seeing is considered normal by folks who have more experience with these frames.
Jim
Jim
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 2,094
Likes: 298
From: Midlothian VA
Yup, photos of the frame damage or photos of the real car, the one you posted looks to nice for us to believe it has significant frame damage
.
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,900
Likes: 3
From: Nixa Missouri
it was revealed that there was FRAME DAMAGE!!!!
My question is, who did the revealing and what was there reasoning they divulged to you the frame was in such a damaged state?
Now if the frame is hanging by a tread then that's a no brainer.
This is why a few pictures would help here to help you out.
My question is, who did the revealing and what was there reasoning they divulged to you the frame was in such a damaged state?
Now if the frame is hanging by a tread then that's a no brainer.
This is why a few pictures would help here to help you out.
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Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
Check out my bats 69 build thread for pictures,
My frame had rust holes, not bad but holes I opted to get a 68 chassis modded, mod it a bit more and swap them out,
But I have had many vettes, one had frame issues, it wasn't something that would be a safety issue it just was a hire out from the front end being able to get aligned, a special A arm part fixed that,
If my car didn't have holes in the frame and could be aligned and didn't crab down the road, if the wheel well spacing, gaps etc were not too bad I wouldn't get too worried about it,
I agree some picture are needed, my tech showed my both on my 68 chassis and his 79 the ugly things done when these cars are built, you might be thinking something normal is damage...it's not like you had any signs of it before yanking the engine did you?
My frame had rust holes, not bad but holes I opted to get a 68 chassis modded, mod it a bit more and swap them out,
But I have had many vettes, one had frame issues, it wasn't something that would be a safety issue it just was a hire out from the front end being able to get aligned, a special A arm part fixed that,
If my car didn't have holes in the frame and could be aligned and didn't crab down the road, if the wheel well spacing, gaps etc were not too bad I wouldn't get too worried about it,
I agree some picture are needed, my tech showed my both on my 68 chassis and his 79 the ugly things done when these cars are built, you might be thinking something normal is damage...it's not like you had any signs of it before yanking the engine did you?
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Nov 2013
Posts: 154
Likes: 9
From: Plano TX
Pics of the damage
[ATTACH]
[/ATTACH]
notice the top corner of the frame. see the buckled portion above the corner. These were taken today off my gopro and a picture from the paused frame, sorry for the blurry pic. will upload from camera next visit to the car.
[/ATTACH]notice the top corner of the frame. see the buckled portion above the corner. These were taken today off my gopro and a picture from the paused frame, sorry for the blurry pic. will upload from camera next visit to the car.
Last edited by Swimtexan; Dec 7, 2014 at 12:45 AM.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
...What would you do...
I do not see what you see in the pics but, to be honest, the pics leave much to be desired.
Last edited by Easy Mike; Dec 7, 2014 at 09:03 AM.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,453
Likes: 88
From: Easton Pennsylvania
The damage looks to have been on the L/F crossmember. Looks like the left frame rail was pushed inward toward the centerline of the chassis and was pulled back out by a frame guy with either not enough experience or no idea of how to walk a frame back out after its hit. If the car tracks well and it aligns well, Then an experienced frame guy can repair the repair for you so it would look factory. Which would be what I would do. Or just replace the frame and be ready for all the mission creep that you will encounter while doing so. Not a bad thing but can be expensive.
This looks like the area the OP is writing about.
This looks like the area the OP is writing about.
Last edited by persuader; Dec 7, 2014 at 09:58 AM.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 3,363
Likes: 32
From: Bowtie, Pennsyltucky
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15,'21
I would measure the distance between the axle centers to make sure they are even and square, then wire brush the area to check for cracks. If they check out okay, paint it up and call it good.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 1,453
Likes: 88
From: Easton Pennsylvania
Whoever pulled the frame left an ugly wrinkle , Which is what the OP is concerned about. And I agree , It looks bad and can hurt him at resale time. Thats the kind of thing happens when a frame guy pulls a frame rail cold instead of using a little heat along will a pull in the right strategic place and angle. Im over simplifying but you get the picture.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 4,399
Likes: 793
So here is the situation. I have a 1969 4 speed 350/350 convertible(see pic), and recently pulled the engine and transmission in order to have them worked on and it was revealed that there was FRAME DAMAGE!!!! It is a beautiful car, but the damage is worrisome as it was not previously disclosed or noticeable that there was any prior damage.
So I would like to find a replacement rolling chasis or frame, and would like to know what years would fit a 1969 small block convertible?
Will a 1968 small block frame fit the 69?
Will a coupe frame fit a convertible frame?
Any other issues that you could foresee?
Regards,
John
So I would like to find a replacement rolling chasis or frame, and would like to know what years would fit a 1969 small block convertible?
Will a 1968 small block frame fit the 69?
Will a coupe frame fit a convertible frame?
Any other issues that you could foresee?
Regards,
John
This should get everyone talking.
R
Team Owner
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 37,637
Likes: 3,118
From: Crossville TN
Take your car to a reputable frame shop and ask them to provide an estimate for making a 'servicible' repair. If you aren't going for an NCRS ribbon, just get it fixed....WELL...and move on. Don't assume that you have to replace the frame (you won't), nor that it will take big buck$ to repair. A good shop can do wonders for resonable funds.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 30,995
Likes: 99
From: Ontario
Take your car to a reputable frame shop and ask them to provide an estimate for making a 'servicible' repair. If you aren't going for an NCRS ribbon, just get it fixed....WELL...and move on. Don't assume that you have to replace the frame (you won't), nor that it will take big buck$ to repair. A good shop can do wonders for resonable funds.
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,482
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
I agree. Can't see anything, but the pics are of the crossmember and not in the area the OP posted.