Need some Frame diagnosis
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 2,577
Likes: 2
From: Long Island New York
Originally Posted by zwede
I'm not going to flame you but I think you're wrong. Notice that the frame is gone underneath the door also. The body is holding the car together. Any stress like an emergency lane change or hard braking could make the car break in half. This frame is way beyond patching.
I wouldn't drive that again until it had a new frame under it. Zwede is 100% correct. A pot hole could even break it in half, very dangerous if you ask me.
Racer
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 432
Likes: 0
From: Granbury TX
Why not sell it to another unsupecting sap on ebay and then buy another one with a good frame. You don't have to disclose anything about the car, just put it up for sale. This is going to cost you more then it's worth $$$$$$$$$$$$$$.00 I bought mine to drive, not work on all the time.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 325
Likes: 0
From: Partlow VA
My 78 looked almost the same way. When I tried to repair it, (I can fix anything?) the welder burned through everywhere. It needs to be replaced. The frames rot from the inside out. I'll bet there are other parts rotted just as bad. Your really close to an Ahh Sh%$.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 23,831
Likes: 10
From: Springfield MO
St. Jude Donor '07
You've driven like that, and known about it, for 2-3 years?!?!?!? Good grief...forget being nice...you're dangerous. 
At least you're taking responsibility and getting it fixed before you kill yourself...or someone else.
At least you're taking responsibility and getting it fixed before you kill yourself...or someone else.
Last edited by I'm Batman; May 3, 2006 at 02:59 AM.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Epping NH
Thanks guys for truthful, but brutal opinions. You've scared me straight. I was just in denial; knew this day was coming. Though I do have plenty of resources on this forum, it should help out quite a bit. Project will have to wait till I get a new house; hopefully at end of this year.
Thanks again....
Thanks again....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
FYI ... nice shop in Marblehead MA ... The Stingray Shop.
A friend of mine works there. Hillcrest Chevy sends all their
classic vettes (and some new ones) over there for repairs.
This could be repaired ... but there is definitely a big section that
needs to be cut out. I fixed my corners, but they were in much better shape.
Ultimately, lifting the body will reveal the whole truth.
I suspect more rot on the frame and surely some in the birdcage.
Good luck.
Here's what mine looked like after cutting out the cheese.
http://nhvette.homeunix.com/ftp/_pic...amerail_01.jpg
A friend of mine works there. Hillcrest Chevy sends all their
classic vettes (and some new ones) over there for repairs.
This could be repaired ... but there is definitely a big section that
needs to be cut out. I fixed my corners, but they were in much better shape.
Ultimately, lifting the body will reveal the whole truth.
I suspect more rot on the frame and surely some in the birdcage.
Good luck.
Here's what mine looked like after cutting out the cheese.
http://nhvette.homeunix.com/ftp/_pic...amerail_01.jpg
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,696
Likes: 10
Well I agree with everyone else. I wouldn't even move that car, unless its onto a flat bed to a resto shop. If thats what you can see there is a lot more hidden away!! I'm sorry to say but thats about the worst I've ever seen. Goodluck getting it fixed!
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 2,107
Likes: 14
From: Lancaster PA
As was stated here many times I would not drive the car. Can't even imagine what would happen if you were in collision involving the left side. Yes , I can imagine and it wouldn't be good.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 1,944
Likes: 20
From: The only Corvettes in Highett Victoria
Corvette Club
Doc,
You MUST stop driving that car now! What you need to do is to find a Corvette Club in your area and join up. Then host a "body lift off barbecue day" and invite the members around to lift the body. Put on a barby or pizza and beer afterwards and you'll make a new group of friends. You gf will also meet a new group of lady friends too.
Then you either repair your old frame or buy a new one and have another "body lift back on " day. Within a year or so you will be driving a "new" car that both you and your gf know is perfectly safe in the frame department.
Regards from Down Under
aussiejohn
You MUST stop driving that car now! What you need to do is to find a Corvette Club in your area and join up. Then host a "body lift off barbecue day" and invite the members around to lift the body. Put on a barby or pizza and beer afterwards and you'll make a new group of friends. You gf will also meet a new group of lady friends too.
Then you either repair your old frame or buy a new one and have another "body lift back on " day. Within a year or so you will be driving a "new" car that both you and your gf know is perfectly safe in the frame department.
Regards from Down Under
aussiejohn