Need some Frame diagnosis
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Epping NH
Need some Frame diagnosis
I've read a lot of great threads on frames, but my question is how critical is the part of the frame just before the rear wheel? I've driven with this condition for 2 or 3 years that I'm aware, but reading threads on this forum I'm getting concerned. I plan in the next couple of years on pulling the body and doing some major restoration.
In the meantime...
1.) How bad is it, can I make it till restoration?
2.) Can I have it welded with the body on, to get by?
3.) Or should I drive it off a tall cliff?
In the meantime...
1.) How bad is it, can I make it till restoration?
2.) Can I have it welded with the body on, to get by?
3.) Or should I drive it off a tall cliff?
Pro
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 592
Likes: 4
From: Denmark
I think your best bet is to buy a new frame.
Check this link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1965-...QQcmdZViewItem
Check this link:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/1965-...QQcmdZViewItem
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Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 420
Likes: 1
From: Lapeer MI
I might get flamed for this and I certainly don't want someone to get hurt based on my opinion but...
1) What does the other side look like. Is it structurally sound?
2) The frame held up this far so unless he goes over a bump bigger then what he has already then it should last.
3) I would think you could do a quick repair job to make that corner 10 times stronger then it is right now.
I would definatly not drive it until some repairs are made but I would think it would last until the resto if you did some repairs.
I've only owned one Corvette. I've had to repair the frame in that spot. I have little experience compared to others such as TwintTurbo but I just think if it's holding now it should be able to hold after a little beefing up until you can to a quality job.
1) What does the other side look like. Is it structurally sound?
2) The frame held up this far so unless he goes over a bump bigger then what he has already then it should last.
3) I would think you could do a quick repair job to make that corner 10 times stronger then it is right now.
I would definatly not drive it until some repairs are made but I would think it would last until the resto if you did some repairs.
I've only owned one Corvette. I've had to repair the frame in that spot. I have little experience compared to others such as TwintTurbo but I just think if it's holding now it should be able to hold after a little beefing up until you can to a quality job.
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,360
Likes: 382
From: Plano TX
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.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Epping NH
The frame on the passenger side is sound. Don't know why this happened only on the driver side, but yes tapping the frame leading to underneath the driver door does sound thin. I'll probaly know more when I get the body off, but that ends this season (or more) of driving.
But thanks for the optimism....I'm sure it's better to be safe then sorry.
But thanks for the optimism....I'm sure it's better to be safe then sorry.
Thread Starter
Heel & Toe
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: Epping NH
That's a good idea. My friend has used a shop "Corvette Connection" in Middleton, MA. It would be nice to get me a year or two so I have the means to do it right. It's amazing how many Corvette's you spot driving, when yours is sitting in parts.
Amen
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,143
Likes: 0
From: Leander Texas
I will agree with others. Don't drive it. To answer your question as to why the rot is on one side, and not the other. You live in the north east (salt country). Look at the other older cars in your area you should see that if they are suffering from rust it will be mostly on the driverside or at least worse on that side. This is from the salt being splashed by passing cars, also most salt, sand trucks will drive down the middle of the road on the crown when applying material to get even coverage down both lanes of traffic in one pass. The result is more corrosive (salt) is applied to the center of the road. (I spent way to many nights driving a snow plow in upstate NY.)
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,327
Likes: 5
From: 2010 C6 Grand Sport Convertible
It appears that the frame is really thin where its rotted thru. I can speculate that much of the rest isn't far behind. It looks like either major frame surgery, or total replacement. Either way its gonna be $$. 
Good luck!
Mike
Good luck!
Mike
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
The trailing arm bolts into the frame just above the Swiss Cheese. Do you think that area is any stronger? If you hit any kind of bump or pothole you risk tearing the trailing arm off and losing control of the car. Your can risk your life if you wish, but think of how you will feel if you lose control and take out a car with a newborn in it.
I wouldn't even bother trying to repair that frame. You can buy repair sections, but you would be better off buying a clean used frame. It's really not THAT big of a job to transfer the running gear to a new frame and drop the body back on, if you can avoid the "while-I'm-at-it-itis" syndrome. My guess is that if the frame is that rusted you will find lots of other things that need to be replaced also. Good luck.
Rick B.
I wouldn't even bother trying to repair that frame. You can buy repair sections, but you would be better off buying a clean used frame. It's really not THAT big of a job to transfer the running gear to a new frame and drop the body back on, if you can avoid the "while-I'm-at-it-itis" syndrome. My guess is that if the frame is that rusted you will find lots of other things that need to be replaced also. Good luck.
Rick B.
