leigh1322

Getting serious about the frame-off on my 72 this summer. Last summer I had hand surgery so about all I could do was make plans and buy parts. Sucked. I am off all summer (teacher) so let's see how much I can get done this time. Since I need birdcage repair this has turned into a frame-off, but space seems tight in a two car garage.This is what I have come up with so far, any one have any more ideas?

• Cleaned out garage. Non C3 stuff got banished to the shed.
• Storage boxes and shelving has helped but space is at a premium.
• Cut a hole and added attic stairs to utilize the attic space for parts storage.
• Bigger compressor, more electric outlets and flourescent lights added.
• Last summer it was 90 degrees in there by 10am and I never got much done in the heat, I just can't stand it anymore at 63.
• So the big plan is to get it comfortable out there so I can work all day long, all summer.
• Garage doors have been insulated.
• Reflectix foil just installed in Attic. Already 20-30 cooler up there! Only a few degrees warmer than outside in the attic now.
• It's working! it's almost Noon and it's still 75 degrees in garage vs 85 outside, the foil really helped slow down the heat increase.Attic is 81.
• Wall and ceiling insulation is next.
• Contemplating a Mini Split Invertor for heat and AC. Very efficient. Mitsubishi and Fujitsu are highly rated and there is even a Mr Cool version for $1100 I could install myself. I could use it year round to solve the condensation problems I have on things in the garage too.
• More storage space in the attic too for all those 1000 parts I'll be removing.
• With some luck I hope to have the body off this month and be dismantling the frame this summer.
• Any other ideas?
  Lee
  
  Not much room for a separate frame and a body.
  
  Storage bins are multipying quickly. Even have one for tires top left.
  
  Much needed lighting upgrade over original single bulb. Now 5 Fluorescents.
  
  Insulated garage doors are 25 degrees cooler. Owens Corning kit. New compressor and more upgraded 20 amp elec outlets.
  
  Home built ceiling storage unit. 4x10.
  
  10 foot insulated attic ladder installed. Tough lifting that all alone, used pulleys.
  
  Reflectix aluminum foil/mylar cools attic 30 degrees. Safe for parts storage now. Keeps garage cooler too.

bazza77

Body dolly ? Or to be precise a way to support the body so you can get at the sill panels for rust repair.?

Are you planning on removing the front clip to access the windscreen surround ?

70Yellowbird

Leigh … I didn't see a blast cabinet in your photos. So if you don't have one, it would be a good addition to cleanup the smaller parts that you will be removing.

Good luck,
Joe

doorgunner

I completely understand the space problem. I've spent the Spring doing exactly what you've done in my 12' wide single car garage....
I added 15 feet to the length for the "shop portion" of the garage which now gives me 45 feet in length for a frame-off when I get the urge.
With limited floorspace I went with pegboard walls to hand all car parts and tools on....now the floor is clear of all obstacles.
About the only mod I can advise you on is the ventilation in the attic.(You may not need it, but if you do here's how...)
I installed 4 inch diameter PVC irrigation pipe (holes are drilled into the walls of the pipe every few inches.
I installed the pipe at the inside apex of the attic and added a ventilator fan at the rear wallwith an exit vent to blow the hot air out of the attic....
the holes in the PVC pipe act as suction holes which draw all the hot air to the ventilator fan and out the exhaust vent.
The ambient temp at 6' height was 95*……..the attic temperature was 110*…..I turned on the ventilator and within one hour the attic temp was down to 97*.

But I live in Louisiana..

Before-Pics of unfinished attic and ceilings...……………………………….....

ignatz

I improved my garage floor and bought a MaxJax. Was able to pull the body, put it on a dolly and keep it outside. Used the MaxJax to replace the motor and, after paint, re-install the body. MaxJax knocks down and doesn't take up all that much storage. Now I use it for routine maintenance on the family cars. Recommended.

Vette5311

I put a large solar powered roof vent with large fan in attic. Air intake at both ends. Really helped a lot.

Tampa Jerry

You look like you are on your way. I found you really need a three car garage. One for the body, one for the frame and one for everything else. Most of the interior parts can be put inside a spare room in the house, wife permitting, if you run out of room.I have a two car garage and ended up renting a storage garage for the duration of the restoration. I would add some overhead LED lights. Lastly, think about making a dolly that can be easily rolled so you can roll the body out of the garage for more room when working on the frame. You could also roll the frame outside for more room once the suspension is together. Keep us posted with pictures. Good luck. Jerry

leigh1322

Yes that and evaporust is on my to-buy list.
I also love the pegboard idea, I may do that after I insulate the walls. It gets cold here in NJ too, as well as hot! Some kind of body dolly and body lift are all in my future.
Looks like we are all in the same boat. While I do not have a 3 bay, I may try raising/suspending the body after removal so I can store stuff under it. I do have 10 feet vertical.
I'd hate to rent storage for parts but it may come to that. No basement here but I do have a dry concrete floored waist high crawlspace... not too fun to get into but no rental fees....hmmmm....
And yes I will need to remove the front clip to repair the windshield frame. It appears I may need to acquire new skills in both welding and fiberglass.

Kacyc3

https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...ghlight=garage

scottjamison

I put one of these right over the car and it has been a huge pain saver.
Retractable extension chord


Also, what did you do for music? Don't forget the tunes to work by!!!!!

scottjamison

Just sayin......................

leigh1322

Hah Haa! I am "storing" by boys college mini-fridge out there!

hunt4cleanair

I've debated the same scenario with a two car garage and how best to take on a frame off. I do have the blast cabinet and highly recommend it to do ready brackets for paint. I also have a mini split system for both winter and summer work...very nice!

As well, the MaxJax creates many options for repair and maintenance work. I have even thought of renting a POD for storing those parts but space is a premium.

KenSny

Doorgunner:
That's jist too freaking organized......
Mine is baggie all parts with a note, store in crates or all around the walls. I tried to maintain the order of first off to last off so I could reverse the order to install.

twinpack

If your plans ir to truly perform a frame off restoration you need to consider investing in a couple must have tools. I'm getting to the end of my 7 year restoration and can tell you that the following list make your work much more bearable.
220/240 electric service
5 Hp/60 gallon compressor
20 ton press
Lots of lighting
Floor jack
4 to 6 jack stands 3 ton
Work bench
Vise
Storage cabinets
Rollaway tool box
Air tools, die grinder, angle grinder, wire wheels, sanding disc's, impact wrench, etc.
Baggies
Toque wrench - ft. lb. and in. lb.
Extension cords
Welder
Spray paint guns
Cans of assorted cans of spray paint
Acetone, laqure thinner
Sand paper
Vette panel adhesive
Fiberglass resin, hardner
Fiberglass matt
Assorted width tape
I could keep going but you get the idea.
Good luck and don't set unreasonable expectations. Usually it will take twice as long. Stay focused and don't be afraid to walk away and take a break.

SB64

When living in Va. my new 2 car garage.

Removing body using 2 pullies from Northern Tool.

Rolling chassis built.

Donor car, rolling chassis and body dollie in 2 car garage. Was a great shop for me.

Went big time when I moved to Florida.

leigh1322

Thanks Rvzio; I have seen the amazing work you do. I will use the two chain hoist idea! My friend can let me have two of them he doesn't use any more.
BTW my BB project came from VA. Right beside Quantico. Found it thru this forum! He had an amazing shop with a lot of cool cars!

Old Man in a C

GregS_72

I'm in the middle of restomodding my own '72 and and also a teacher. Summers off has been the only time lately I can get any work done, but even then it is taking much longer than planned.... life, wife, kids keep me pretty busy too! Oh well.... still loving the process!

I'm doing mine in a 2-car garage and it is doable for me, but I do have this extra nook in there where the rolling chassis is stored. I would definitely work out the details of the body lift and body dolly before you start. I used the garage space to build those first. Pics tell the story best, so here you go...

you can see the body dolly in the garage nook to the right... this is where the complete rolling chassis is stored now


the body dolly in the garage nook, pre body lift





body & chassis side-by-side will fill a 2-car garage pretty good. Consider having nothing on the side walls to give more workable width in the garage and putting work bench, big stuff, etc, on the front wall.


current as of now... finished chassis stored in that nook

SB64

Thank you for the kind comment. Your car looks nice and you are getting setup for a big journey. With the forum along you can't go wrong. We'll be watching.