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C3 frame-off question

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Old Oct 11, 2005 | 10:56 PM
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Default C3 frame-off question

Well it's time to come up with a gameplan of how to proceed with my body-off resto. Right now the front clip is not yet bonded to the rest of the body. Do I bond the clip with the body before I take it off to redo the frame and drivetrain, or is it better to take the body off in 2 pieces, finish the frame and drivetrain, then set up the body?

Taking the body off in two pieces first would be much easier, but should I be concerned with problems with re-assembly of the body at that time?

Thanks all.

Last edited by Stumpdeisel; Oct 11, 2005 at 11:09 PM.
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Old Oct 11, 2005 | 11:00 PM
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If the clip is off, leave it off. If you were to bond it now, you would have to support the front clip while you do the chassis. Un-supported, the front glass will deform.
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Old Oct 11, 2005 | 11:25 PM
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Originally Posted by big_G
If the clip is off, leave it off. If you were to bond it now, you would have to support the front clip while you do the chassis. Un-supported, the front glass will deform.
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Old Oct 12, 2005 | 11:22 AM
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By bonding the clip after you install the body on the frame, I think you have a better chance alighn the clip. Particularly if you have chrome bumpers, I believe you can get a better fit.
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Old Oct 12, 2005 | 06:07 PM
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Thanks all. Just need to decide to go for the gusto and install a T56 w/ my LT1...
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Old Oct 12, 2005 | 07:06 PM
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okay being yung and dumb i have to ask i my self am doing a frame off restoration very slow one i might add but i took the whole body off in one peace there is no need for me to take off my front clip is there and if so why should i and what promblem areas am i looking for and its a 1969 convertible
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Old Oct 12, 2005 | 07:22 PM
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If your body is in 1 piece and off the car, you're furhter along than I am. I got my car with no front clip, so I am doing a full mock-up to be sure I have all the brackets, and everything fits, lines up and bolts together before I take it apart. If your body is off, I would be sure to check that it is well supported, as Big-G pointed out, you don't want the body to deform.

GL on your 69 Adam.
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Old Oct 12, 2005 | 07:28 PM
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yes its very well supported and i got the car from my father who bought it new in 69 and parked it in the garage from 84 and he moved all around with him but never touched it and then he gave it to me and im almost done with the rollin chassy just wating for my trailing arms and then im puting the body back on the frame till my motor is done
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Old Oct 13, 2005 | 01:42 PM
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If you can, leave the body off until after the engine is in. THis will prevent and damage to the body incase of a mishap. I would also clean and paint the engine compartment with the body off.

I did a frame off restoration/modification (T-56 intall). I removed my front clip due to damage that was not worth fixing. I just put the body back on and am working out the hydralic clutch before I mount a new front clip.

Is is also a lot easier doing the exhaust back to the rear end without the body on.
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