1968 Frame Issues - Bodyshop Recommendations
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Joined: Feb 2021
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From: Chicago
1968 Frame Issues - Bodyshop Recommendations
Hello,
I have a 68 with some frame rust damage/corrosion. Does anyone have recommendations for a body shop in the Chicago area that can assess this damage/structural rigidity/integrity/cost?
I've attached three photos, one of the exterior, one of the driver's side frame (rear end of the side rail) and one of a drawing of the mechanical parts of the car with a red circle around the area of the frame that is damaged.
Thank you,
I have a 68 with some frame rust damage/corrosion. Does anyone have recommendations for a body shop in the Chicago area that can assess this damage/structural rigidity/integrity/cost?
I've attached three photos, one of the exterior, one of the driver's side frame (rear end of the side rail) and one of a drawing of the mechanical parts of the car with a red circle around the area of the frame that is damaged.
Thank you,
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
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personally I would look for a 68-72 donor frame out of Texas or Arizona. I know you can fix that area but if you are going to lift the body to fix that you may find more rust. How do the #2 body mounts look behind the kick panels as well as 3 and 4. If the frame is rust there the mounts may be suspect as well
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2014
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From: Central UT
That looks like a really nice '68. How is the cage? If the cage is eaten up, then you have more work ahead. I agree with Rescue - you might consider a donor frame. The damage might be limited to that area of the frame, but I would be surprised if it is. I've seen some C3's with frame rails that have issues but the cage was decent - I hope that's your case. If you really want to go full boat, you could do this: https://www.corvetteusa.com/frame-conversions. I've purchased several items there from Mike and the work is always impeccable. Best of luck, and please let us know what you find/how you fix. Paul
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Joined: Feb 2021
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From: Chicago
Hi, thanks for the replies. Per the questions, 'How do the #2 body mounts look behind the kick panels as well as 3 and 4 and How is the cage?' From the person who has looked at the frame from underneath, the corner area (frame rails) is the only place they see rust perforation. Rest has rust but no holes.
Old Pro Solo Guy
Joined: Dec 2017
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From: Marlton NJ
My original but only lightly rusted frame measures .120" thick after cleaning, at many positions, using a 1" micrometer.
You should check yours for thickness before going further, it may make your decision to repair or replace more clear.
Even a small difference in thickness makes a major difference in strength. Just like springs, the math is strength = thickness to the fourth power.
And with those holes, I would not drive it, for fear it could literally crack in half, and that looks like a really nice vette.
You should check yours for thickness before going further, it may make your decision to repair or replace more clear.
Even a small difference in thickness makes a major difference in strength. Just like springs, the math is strength = thickness to the fourth power.
And with those holes, I would not drive it, for fear it could literally crack in half, and that looks like a really nice vette.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2005
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From: WI
Not what you want to hear, but a guy should really remove the body from the frame (not that difficult) to make quality welded repairs. But like the other guys said, really evaluate other common rust areas like the radiator support region, lower body mount areas (behind the front kick panels), front center support (like where you might jack it up), etc. Evaluate what you're up against. You probably don't want to pay someone a lot of money to fix a couple of several other issues. If the damage is more than you can see now, the other forum guys are right, you'd probably be better off replacing the frame with a rust-free one.
Also, if you determine the birdcage and windshield frame has significant hidden rust (like bad), then you have decisions to make. You might want to enjoy it for the summer and figure out how you want to proceed come fall/winter. If you're lucky the damage will be isolated to your pictures. But there's reason to suspect more. Best of luck
Also, if you determine the birdcage and windshield frame has significant hidden rust (like bad), then you have decisions to make. You might want to enjoy it for the summer and figure out how you want to proceed come fall/winter. If you're lucky the damage will be isolated to your pictures. But there's reason to suspect more. Best of luck
