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Chassis Restoration Guide

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Old Feb 1, 2017 | 12:50 PM
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Default Chassis Restoration Guide


I plan to start the frame off restro/modification of my 1973 Coupe soon. One of the manuals that is widely suggested on the forum is the "Corvette Chassis Restoration Guide 1953 - 1972". Will this illustration help me at all since I have a 1973? Were there significant changes in the chassis in 73 that would make this manual un-beneficial? I already purchased the AIM, shop manual, parts catalog, wiring diagram and owners manual for the 1973.

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Old Feb 1, 2017 | 01:03 PM
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Hi ocb,
Yes, most of the information in that book will apply to your 73 frame also.
It's not the most wonderful book in the world, but it contains some information and pictures/illustrations that are useful.
For example, there's some nice information about specific fastener sizes and locations that's not readily available elsewhere.
When working on an old car you really can't have too much information!
Regards,
Alan

Last edited by Alan 71; Feb 1, 2017 at 01:04 PM.
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Old Feb 1, 2017 | 01:58 PM
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Thanks Alan. I agree, you can't have to much information. Will this guide assist me as I prepare to lift the body i.e. what I need to disconnect, unbolt and remove etc?
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Old Feb 1, 2017 | 02:28 PM
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Hi ocb,
No it won't help at all with the body lift.
It's mainly photos of the frame and suspension components. It'll help you understand just what you're seeing once the body is off and you start working on/restoring the frame/chassis.
I don't know that there's an actual published list of things to disconnect before lifting but on occasion there have been threads about the subject.
Have you made a search?
Regards,
Alan
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Old Feb 1, 2017 | 02:59 PM
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Thanks again. I'll purchase the book as it sounds like a good reference guide. I have followed several threads here regarding restorations and what has been disconnected when doing the body lift. When I lift mine, I plan to start a detailed thread for each step from start to finish with detailed photos for future use by others. Greg
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Old Feb 1, 2017 | 03:13 PM
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FWIW: Noland Adams had a body lift workbook and video for C2s. You may be able to find copies available. Try the NCRS site. While there are obvious differences, the body lift process is similar for C2 and C3.
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Old Feb 1, 2017 | 04:05 PM
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Hi Greg,

"I plan to start a detailed thread for each step from start to finish with detailed photos for future use by others."

I think this would be well worth the effort it will take. People often ask about a list to follow…. and you'd be able to help them.
Regards,
Alan
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Old Feb 1, 2017 | 11:35 PM
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Hey OCB, we are practically neighbors I am in Concord. I have a 68 coupe project I pulled the body off almost a year ago. As Alan notes the book is not a how-to guide but I think it was worth purchasing. It has information I have not really seen elsewhere. If you were doing a NCRS type restoration (I am not) I think it would be really helpful. I found a body-off check-off list somewhere on the web and did buy one of the Noland Adams books which was OK. Due to the state of my car when I got it (engine out, front clip off) I think my body lift preparation was easier than most. Really this forum has the best info, it can take time to find of course. Google is your friend! Good Luck, its a big project but a worthwhile endeavor.
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Old Feb 2, 2017 | 12:25 AM
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Hey Neighbor, We spend a lot of time in the Concord/Walnut Creek area. I'm doing a restro/mod on my 73 and my plan is to strip the frame and rebuild the entire car. It will be a long term project. Research, research, research...
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