Frame off restoration
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 308
Likes: 18
From: Sweden
Why wouldn't it? Depending on what you do, it would probably drive better. No one (?) woukld do a frame off without rebuilding front- and rear suspension and steering with new bushings etc. at the same time, which is what makes the car more "tight". On the other hand, that can be done without doing a complete frame off.
/Johan
/Johan
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 2,387
Likes: 123
From: CA.
this is my 3rd chrome bumper BB. all were in great shape but this one had a 55k dollar frame off and I must say there is a big difference in how it rides and handles. its WAY better. it also has a composite rear spring which makes it even better.
everything is brand new or rebuilt so I would expect nothing else.
everything is brand new or rebuilt so I would expect nothing else.
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,105
Likes: 9,418
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
if the car is tired and wore out then yes it will be different. any time you replace and rebuild wore out parts you will notice a change.
2026 Loser of the Year
Joined: Sep 2013
Posts: 36,595
Likes: 7,042
From: New Or-leens Loo-z-anna
Why wouldn't it? Depending on what you do, it would probably drive better. No one (?) woukld do a frame off without rebuilding front- and rear suspension and steering with new bushings etc. at the same time, which is what makes the car more "tight". On the other hand, that can be done without doing a complete frame off.
/Johan
/Johan
See pictures at https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-project.html
A table of contents is on the first page to find repairs easier.
Racer
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 308
Likes: 18
From: Sweden
Above is true. Unless you want to sandblast/Boil the frame to remove any internal rust there is no need for removing the body. I lifted the body of my car 8" and was able to replace all body mounts/rubber bushings/fuel lines/etc easily. I also rebuilt all the suspension and brakes.
See pictures at https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-project.html
A table of contents is on the first page to find repairs easier.
See pictures at https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...e-project.html
A table of contents is on the first page to find repairs easier.
What model you have is also a factor. The more appreciated C3 years might gain value, but for the lesser priced years it might not be worth the time and money from a financial standpoint.
But if you do decide to do it, all the knowledge you need is available in this forum!
Le Mans Master
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 6,240
Likes: 1,013
From: Watkinsville, GA and Glen Cove, NY
I pulled the body and am really glad that I did as I found issues that just wouldn’t have been possible to fix with the body on.
And I much prefer a body off restoration than a frame off as it is very hard to turn the car upside down to pull the frame off.😀😀😀😀
And I much prefer a body off restoration than a frame off as it is very hard to turn the car upside down to pull the frame off.😀😀😀😀
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 1,002
Likes: 410
The biggest thing with a frame off is ensuring that all of the correct sealers and coatings are applied to ensure the car is sealed like it was from the factory. Most people do not put ALL of the foam anti-rattle anti-squeak seals in place, my biggest pet peve about restored cars is when you shut the door and it doesn't sound like an original car or when the windows do not roll up correctly.
KEEP IN MIND THAT IN addition to the ACTUAL APPLICATION OF THE PAINT... Most metallic painted cars are not correct regarding paint color/metal flake content.
Most restored cars have too much PAINT EVERYWHERE, on the car, on the engine, on the frame, on everything...
IMHO the best compliment my restorations can receive is to be mistaken for a low mileage unrestored original...
KEEP IN MIND THAT IN addition to the ACTUAL APPLICATION OF THE PAINT... Most metallic painted cars are not correct regarding paint color/metal flake content.
Most restored cars have too much PAINT EVERYWHERE, on the car, on the engine, on the frame, on everything...
IMHO the best compliment my restorations can receive is to be mistaken for a low mileage unrestored original...
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 9,063
Likes: 2,736
2022 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
"not correct"
The biggest thing with a frame off is ensuring that all of the correct sealers and coatings are applied to ensure the car is sealed like it was from the factory. Most people do not put ALL of the foam anti-rattle anti-squeak seals in place, my biggest pet peve about restored cars is when you shut the door and it doesn't sound like an original car or when the windows do not roll up correctly.
KEEP IN MIND THAT IN addition to the ACTUAL APPLICATION OF THE PAINT... Most metallic painted cars are not correct regarding paint color/metal flake content.
Most restored cars have too much PAINT EVERYWHERE, on the car, on the engine, on the frame, on everything...
IMHO the best compliment my restorations can receive is to be mistaken for a low mileage unrestored original...
KEEP IN MIND THAT IN addition to the ACTUAL APPLICATION OF THE PAINT... Most metallic painted cars are not correct regarding paint color/metal flake content.
Most restored cars have too much PAINT EVERYWHERE, on the car, on the engine, on the frame, on everything...
IMHO the best compliment my restorations can receive is to be mistaken for a low mileage unrestored original...
Last edited by Shovels and Vettes; Jan 13, 2020 at 11:32 AM.
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 3,849
Likes: 367
From: PHOENIX AZ. WHAT A MAN WON"T SPEND TO GIVE HIS ASS A RIDE
In my opinion a origional 50,000 MI Corvette with only wore out parts replaced will drive better than a body off ones. I have has had hundreds of Corvettes manty body off including ones I have had done for NCRS & BG & they don't drive as well as a well cared for lower mile origional one.I have had this discussion with many guys in the business & we all agree that the factory built Corvettes feel better than any body off.