frame rust
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Joined: Sep 2005
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i have written off any wealding in sections. its not worth it. like others have said it wouldent be as strong and the rust would eventually come back. my plan is to find a frame, a good frame. and then sand blast and powdercoat. i have been in contact with the local corvette specialists and they say that a good frame would cost 1500$ then add on the cost of labour. i would like to do all the labour myself. if i can. i hope to be finished for this spring. HOPE the key word. im also thinking to beef up the frame while i have it off the car... but thats a whole different story.
Question of the day: if i have a 1980 vette what years of frame would be acceptable?
Question of the day: if i have a 1980 vette what years of frame would be acceptable?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 2,606
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Originally Posted by cannonfl
Thought you might get a kick out of this...
Check this 1968 vert on eBay - looks like a 1980
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevr...82795528QQrdZ1
Check this 1968 vert on eBay - looks like a 1980
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Chevr...82795528QQrdZ1
Brilliant! Take an $18k car and turn it into a $8500 car...
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 2,486
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From: Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,654
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From: Chandler Arizona
St. Jude Donor '08
That looks like your solution right there if you can pick it up or find a way to ship it. Judging from the condition of your original frame, this would get you additional suspension components that are likely very rusty on your original (besides getting the frame).
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 4,101
Likes: 10
From: NorCal
OK your going with a new/used frame. Pulling the body isn't that tough, but supporting it properly when jacking or lifting is the key. Others have mention tying the body together and such. Handle the body as if the frame wasn't there, because it isn't going to support anything in that shape. I haven't done it, but pulling the complete body has been done many times and others can chime in with the procedure and/or references. I'm guessing the rest of the car is nice. Good luck!
Hans
Hans
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 174
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From: Tampa Bay Florida
Originally Posted by surkon
i found a patch of rust on my frame right behind my drivers side wheel. this was after i bought it. anyway what can be done? is there anything that can be done? other than that the car is in great condition.
Going to use it under my 68. Anyone know what's needed to bolt a 4 speed to a auto trans crossmember?
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 3,431
Likes: 298
From: MN-C3, AZ-C7
Originally Posted by surkon
i have written off any welding in sections. my plan is to find a frame,
The old quip about when life deals you lemons..make lemonade, certainly applies here and rather than sit back and waste time getting discouraged over his dream car he's digging in and not looking back!
We've all had our share of "surprises" in life but the key is to make the best of it and continue on. I wish I lived closer to get my hands dirty with you.
Later,
JU
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Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,135
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by cannonfl
After reading everything in this thread I decided to just replace my frame instead of patching it with Zip's frame sections. I found a 71 rolling frame that's already been bead blasted and painted.
Going to use it under my 68. Anyone know what's needed to bolt a 4 speed to a auto trans crossmember?
Going to use it under my 68. Anyone know what's needed to bolt a 4 speed to a auto trans crossmember?
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 174
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From: Tampa Bay Florida
Originally Posted by carl a
thats exactly what the shop used for my 73, they found a very good 73 4 speed frame and converted it ,i can hook you up with his # e mail me ,,,,,,,,,,,,,carlclub@comcast.net,,,,,ma ke sure you put corvette frame on e mail cuz when i dont reconize the sender or the heading i deliete them due to viruses,carl
I'd like the idea of having a crossmember that's bolted in instead of welded in place. Sure would make dropping the tranny a whole lot easier.
My 68 frame has rot in front of each rear wheel and the doglegs that arch up to the rear have some rust/rot at the welds. The trans crossmember has some rot under the driver's side and the rear crossmember rotted where the gas tank bolted up. It's nice and smooth from the transmission crossmember forward. Anyone have an opinion on if I should try selling this or just scrap it?
After finding the 71 frame I can't believe I actually was thinking about repairing that old frame.
You all probably saved me a heap of trouble. Thanks... 
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2005
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Originally Posted by John Ulrich
My hats off to Surkon
The old quip about when life deals you lemons..make lemonade, certainly applies here and rather than sit back and waste time getting discouraged over his dream car he's digging in and not looking back!
We've all had our share of "surprises" in life but the key is to make the best of it and continue on. I wish I lived closer to get my hands dirty with you.
Later,
JU
The old quip about when life deals you lemons..make lemonade, certainly applies here and rather than sit back and waste time getting discouraged over his dream car he's digging in and not looking back!
We've all had our share of "surprises" in life but the key is to make the best of it and continue on. I wish I lived closer to get my hands dirty with you.
Later,
JU
i think now is a good time to show a pic of the whole car.. to show everyone why im not getting rid of it... its just too beautiful!
Instructor
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 174
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From: Tampa Bay Florida
Originally Posted by surkon
EXACTLY! i have always loved these cars and im not gonna give up untill i get what i want!
i think now is a good time to show a pic of the whole car.. to show everyone why im not getting rid of it... its just too beautiful!
i think now is a good time to show a pic of the whole car.. to show everyone why im not getting rid of it... its just too beautiful!
A lot better looking then mine right now!Good luck with the frame. I'm sure you'll find one soon. I pick mine up next weekend!
Edit:
Look at my profile to see what mine looked like before I pulled her apart.
Last edited by cannonfl; Oct 23, 2005 at 07:27 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 4,135
Likes: 1
Originally Posted by cannonfl
The 71 frame I'm going to use has an automatic crossmember. My 68 came with a 4 speed muncie, so I'm hoping to find out exactly what I need to do to bolt the 4 speed to the automatic crossmember. I've heard it's not hard to do ( mod the transmission mount), but have not been able to find details on any forum searches.
I'd like the idea of having a crossmember that's bolted in instead of welded in place. Sure would make dropping the tranny a whole lot easier.
My 68 frame has rot in front of each rear wheel and the doglegs that arch up to the rear have some rust/rot at the welds. The trans crossmember has some rot under the driver's side and the rear crossmember rotted where the gas tank bolted up. It's nice and smooth from the transmission crossmember forward. Anyone have an opinion on if I should try selling this or just scrap it?
After finding the 71 frame I can't believe I actually was thinking about repairing that old frame. You all probably saved me a heap of trouble. Thanks...
I'd like the idea of having a crossmember that's bolted in instead of welded in place. Sure would make dropping the tranny a whole lot easier.
My 68 frame has rot in front of each rear wheel and the doglegs that arch up to the rear have some rust/rot at the welds. The trans crossmember has some rot under the driver's side and the rear crossmember rotted where the gas tank bolted up. It's nice and smooth from the transmission crossmember forward. Anyone have an opinion on if I should try selling this or just scrap it?
After finding the 71 frame I can't believe I actually was thinking about repairing that old frame.
You all probably saved me a heap of trouble. Thanks... 
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
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From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Originally Posted by RobRace10
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: RedOak Texas
To all of the above.Beleive I would look into this.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-6...QQcmdZViewItem
