1968 Corvette two-top roadster Frame off-on-off restoration
02-13-2016, 10:08 AM
#1
1968 Corvette two-top roadster Frame off-on-off restoration
Per the title:
1. Frame off: body is removed from frame and stored while entire drivetrain, motor, corners, suspension are removed from frame.
2. Frame is restored, made more rigid, powder coated and modern drivetrain, motor, suspension and corners are installed.
3. Frame-on: body is replaced onto the frame to allow for perfect gauging while flaring the fenders to accommodate huge, new rubber. And a custom hood mod.
Question: Does the frame come BACK OFF to allow for very thorough painting or does it stay on for the paint job, endangering tens of thousands of dollars worth of parts to paint overspray exposure.
Note: the extra work to remove the body from the frame for a second time isn't a factor.
Thanks, Brett
1. Frame off: body is removed from frame and stored while entire drivetrain, motor, corners, suspension are removed from frame.
2. Frame is restored, made more rigid, powder coated and modern drivetrain, motor, suspension and corners are installed.
3. Frame-on: body is replaced onto the frame to allow for perfect gauging while flaring the fenders to accommodate huge, new rubber. And a custom hood mod.
Question: Does the frame come BACK OFF to allow for very thorough painting or does it stay on for the paint job, endangering tens of thousands of dollars worth of parts to paint overspray exposure.
Note: the extra work to remove the body from the frame for a second time isn't a factor.
Thanks, Brett
02-13-2016, 12:19 PM
#2
Race Director
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I've seen it done both ways. I've done 2 frame offs and always painted the car on the frame. I was more concerned about trying to get a freshly painted body back on the frame risking damage to the paint. I just covered everything carefully that I did not want paint or overspray on. Worked out fine.
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brettbixlbixl (02-13-2016)
02-14-2016, 08:33 AM
#4
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Kind of a stupid question coming.......How hard is it to get all the plastic off the frame with the body on?
02-14-2016, 09:59 AM
#5
Racer
We can always count on Alan to post pictures when questions arise Super
02-14-2016, 11:52 AM
#6
Melting Slicks
Hi RR,
Remember the only place the body touches the frame is at the 8 body mounts.
I put a small slit in the wrap at each body mount so that when I pulled on the plastic it started to split at the slit and was released.
You could pull all the plastic off in 10 or 15 minutes if it was a race.
But, I spent a couple of days doing it because the plastic traps some amount of body shop dust in the folds and I carefully vacuumed that as I removed the plastic because I didn't want that dust to settle back on the car or end up in my garage.
For me the restoration wasn't about seeing how fast I could do it.
Regards,
Alan
Remember the only place the body touches the frame is at the 8 body mounts.
I put a small slit in the wrap at each body mount so that when I pulled on the plastic it started to split at the slit and was released.
You could pull all the plastic off in 10 or 15 minutes if it was a race.
But, I spent a couple of days doing it because the plastic traps some amount of body shop dust in the folds and I carefully vacuumed that as I removed the plastic because I didn't want that dust to settle back on the car or end up in my garage.
For me the restoration wasn't about seeing how fast I could do it.
Regards,
Alan
