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I am looking for some advice on getting my frame repaired. In rear on either side of the frame there gusset that reinforces the frame. Both sides of the frame have like a pocket in the frame. Can I have a piece of flat steel welded in both corners to replace the rust holes with out causing a problem to the body fittings back on the frame I took a picture of the area I am asking about. This picture is not my frame but the area of the frame
Are you referring to the horizontal triangle shaped gusset basically on the bottom of the frame forward of the crossmember? Yes you could. You can see the number 3 body mount in the photo you provided. It's on top of the outer frame rail. Fuel lines on both sides! Be very careful!
Are you referring to the horizontal triangle shaped gusset basically on the bottom of the frame forward of the crossmember? Yes you could. You can see the number 3 body mount in the photo you provided. It's on top of the outer frame rail. Fuel lines on both sides! Be very careful!
yes both gussets on either side have to be cut out and welded back on with new ones the indenions where you see the gas lines go. My welder says he can’t reproduce those indentions but rather just weld a flat piece of steel from where it’s flat to the corners. Will that cause a body fitment problem
Those gussets are available from ZIP and a few others...About $30 each
If your main frame rails are rusted out...(Where you circled in black)
Time to find another frame...
Those gussets are available from ZIP and a few others...About $30 each
yes I have purchased them. My welder wanted to know if he welded a piece of flat steel across the concave area of the frame towards the rear where the gusset goes to help strengthen that area of the frame since he has to cut a lot of the frame and replace it with good steel.
The Corvette section of the Chevy Power book lists a number of gussets that can be added to the C3 frame to reinforce it, making it better than stock. Duntov hosts it a PDF of this document on their site under "Tech Tips" https://www.duntovmotors.com/corvette-parts1.php
There are several threads on this Forum where folk have done this as part of a frame-off, but some of the welds can be done with the body in place.
You can purchase repair sections of frame from a number of vendors. Truthfully, it's just a welding project. And if done properly will be just as strong, if not stronger than original. And how many people will have there head under your car?
I would much rather have a frame that looks like its been repaired than one that needs repair.
My frame is a 1975. They must have changed the frame structure after 73
i looked into another frame but cant find one near enough to go get shipping will kill me and i have to have it delivered to a business not my house
the frames i looked at were in same shape as mine so so spending 3000 on a used frame then another 2000 to fix it did not seem a good fix
Shipping isn't as bad as you might think...I have shipped frames and cars all over the US using Uship...
I had a frame shipped from WV to TN for $650
If you are very flexible on your shipping dates, you can get awesome deals from these guys trying to fill their empty trailers on return runs.
Some will do it for gas money...
I think you would be looking for a 75-77 frame...Need to confirm that though...I know the 74 and earlier won't work without mods.
There are a couple of frames on ebay...One has been blasted and painted for $1600
My concern is that if your frame is rusted through in a few spots you can see, be assured there are places where you can't see...These frames rust from the inside out because the stitch welding lets sand and dirt get inside and these sediments hold water...I'd hate to see someone put so much time, effort and money into a car with hidden frame issues...
Shipping isn't as bad as you might think...I have shipped frames and cars all over the US using Uship...
I had a frame shipped from WV to TN for $650
If you are very flexible on your shipping dates, you can get awesome deals from these guys trying to fill their empty trailers on return runs.
Some will do it for gas money...
I think you would be looking for a 75-77 frame...Need to confirm that though...I know the 74 and earlier won't work without mods.
There are a couple of frames on ebay...One has been blasted and painted for $1600
My concern is that if your frame is rusted through in a few spots you can see, be assured there are places where you can't see...These frames rust from the inside out because the stitch welding lets sand and dirt get inside and these sediments hold water...I'd hate to see someone put so much time, effort and money into a car with hidden frame issues...
I did look at that frame on eBay it’s way up north but yes it looks fantastic. My frame looks like it has rust in the rear corners were the gussets are rest of the frame looks solid. But like you said rust I can’t see is going to show after I sand blast the frame. This project just keeps getting better. As I said in a previous post the number 2 body mounts are gone and I mean gone like there is nothing but a big hole where the bushing should go. So now I have to fine someone that is willing to replace them with new rocker channels.
I did look at that frame on eBay it’s way up north but yes it looks fantastic. My frame looks like it has rust in the rear corners were the gussets are rest of the frame looks solid. But like you said rust I can’t see is going to show after I sand blast the frame. This project just keeps getting better. As I said in a previous post the number 2 body mounts are gone and I mean gone like there is nothing but a big hole where the bushing should go. So now I have to fine someone that is willing to replace them with new rocker channels.
That frame looks really good and is only in Missouri... not that bad to North GA...
The best thing is that it has already been blasted and painted! That saves you at least $500 or $600 there!
I wasn't aware of your other frame issues with the rusted off body mounts...For me, this is a no brainer...
That frame looks really good and is only in Missouri... not that bad to North GA...
The best thing is that it has already been blasted and painted! That saves you at least $500 or $600 there!
I wasn't aware of your other frame issues with the rusted off body mounts...For me, this is a no brainer...
yup many people have told me to walk away from this body off restoration and scrap it but then I will be out 17,000 dollars down the drain. So I guess I am committed to see it through.
yup many people have told me to walk away from this body off restoration and scrap it but then I will be out 17,000 dollars down the drain. So I guess I am committed to see it through.
Ouch...I won't lie.....$17k for a 75 that has a rusted out frame and needs a full restoration is a big kick in the *****...
You just have no room to justify the expense...You can be $30k into a car like this, and will never get that out of it...
I don't know the condition of the body, engine, interior, but if you have to put any money in these areas, it can eat your lunch quickly..
I guess if I were in your position, I would just sit down and do the math...Assess what the parts and labor will cost from here to finish the project.
If you plan to keep the car and don't mind having 30k into it, then who cares what it may sell for in the future...
.Maybe you can continue and replace the frame, do minimal / clean, paint and reinstall...and put it back together on the cheap...
The alternatives is to sell it as is...But if you already have the body off, you are already beyond the point of no return...
Then you get into the "Might as wells"...Fuel line, gas tank, front and rear suspension, brakes, brake lines, ball joints...It all adds up quickly.
Third option is to part it out...You may get close to recouping your investment so far, but it is a hassle to sell individual parts...
Wish I had better option ideas...but I think the best way forward requires a realistic assessment, make a plan, then don't look back!
Whatever you decide, keep us posted... Your experience may help others...
Dale
The Corvette section of the Chevy Power book lists a number of gussets that can be added to the C3 frame to reinforce it, making it better than stock. Duntov hosts it a PDF of this document on their site under "Tech Tips" https://www.duntovmotors.com/corvette-parts1.php
There are several threads on this Forum where folk have done this as part of a frame-off, but some of the welds can be done with the body in place.
Bairs, Top Flight and Zip have a good selection of frame repair panels...
Ouch...I won't lie.....$17k for a 75 that has a rusted out frame and needs a full restoration is a big kick in the *****...
You just have no room to justify the expense...You can be $30k into a car like this, and will never get that out of it...
I don't know the condition of the body, engine, interior, but if you have to put any money in these areas, it can eat your lunch quickly..
I guess if I were in your position, I would just sit down and do the math...Assess what the parts and labor will cost from here to finish the project.
If you plan to keep the car and don't mind having 30k into it, then who cares what it may sell for in the future...
.Maybe you can continue and replace the frame, do minimal / clean, paint and reinstall...and put it back together on the cheap...
The alternatives is to sell it as is...But if you already have the body off, you are already beyond the point of no return...
Then you get into the "Might as wells"...Fuel line, gas tank, front and rear suspension, brakes, brake lines, ball joints...It all adds up quickly.
Third option is to part it out...You may get close to recouping your investment so far, but it is a hassle to sell individual parts...
Wish I had better option ideas...but I think the best way forward requires a realistic assessment, make a plan, then don't look back!
Whatever you decide, keep us posted... Your experience may help others...
Dale
Frame question
