C3 Tech/Performance V8 Technical Info, Internal Engine, External Engine, Basic Tech and Maintenance for the C3 Corvette
Sponsored by:
Sponsored by:

7T9 Vette

Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Nov 13, 2006 | 01:43 PM
  #1  
8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE's Avatar
8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE
Thread Starter
Race Director
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,854
Likes: 3
From: HONOLULU HAWAII
Default 7T9 Vette

Does anyone have a drawing picture view of 7T9 Vette where the frame attaches to the body at the rear panels?
Mechanic claims there are four bolts that attaches frame to body in the rear. The bolts have completely rusted out and the body needs to be removed to repair the frame support brackets.
Looking at removal of body and repairs $8,000.00....Somebody help me.
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2006 | 08:28 PM
  #2  
chevymans 77's Avatar
chevymans 77
Melting Slicks
Supporting Gold
20 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,717
Likes: 121
From: Sulphur LA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06,'11,'13-'14,'16,'18,'19,'24, '25
Default

I have not done it myself but I have seen the mounting bolts. Look into the rear wheel well above the tire to the rear, there is one in plain view. The next one is tward the front, there is a cover plate a little above the TA pocket but ferther outward in the wheel well. It can be very hard to get to. There has been members post pics of this job, I am sure someone will chime in soon.

How you been I have not seen you post in a while, I thought you were selling the vette or something like that.

Neal
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2006 | 09:48 PM
  #3  
8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE's Avatar
8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE
Thread Starter
Race Director
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,854
Likes: 3
From: HONOLULU HAWAII
Default

[QUOTE=chevymans 77]I have not done it myself but I have seen the mounting bolts. Look into the rear wheel well above the tire to the rear, there is one in plain view. The next one is tward the front, there is a cover plate a little above the TA pocket but ferther outward in the wheel well. It can be very hard to get to. There has been members post pics of this job, I am sure someone will chime in soon.

How you been I have not seen you post in a while, I thought you were selling the vette or something like that.

Neal

The Mechanic says the body will have to come off to make welding repairs to the plates back there.
Body off work and welding cost will approach or exceed $8,000.00.....Probably not worth repairing a 7T9 at this point. Thanks for the reply.
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2006 | 09:51 PM
  #4  
ratflinger's Avatar
ratflinger
NCM Grand Opening Veteran
Supporting Lifetime Gold
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
Top Answer: 1
 
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,979
Likes: 384
From: South of giving a damn
St. Jude Donor '11, '17
Default

That's an awful lot of money to pull the body & repair the frame. For 8k you should be able to get a 79 with only minimal rust. I don't know what shipping is, but almost be better off. What about buying a frame & shipping it over?
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2006 | 09:55 PM
  #5  
8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE's Avatar
8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE
Thread Starter
Race Director
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,854
Likes: 3
From: HONOLULU HAWAII
Default

Originally Posted by ratflinger
That's an awful lot of money to pull the body & repair the frame. For 8k you should be able to get a 79 with only minimal rust. I don't know what shipping is, but almost be better off. What about buying a frame & shipping it over?
How much to pull the body off?????????
Maybe drop a new frame under there???????
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2006 | 10:24 PM
  #6  
MotorHead's Avatar
MotorHead
Race Director
25 Year Member
Liked
Loved
Community Favorite
 
Joined: Apr 2000
Posts: 17,676
Likes: 201
From: Who says "Nothing is impossible" ? I've been doing nothing for years.
Default

Is this your yellow Vette ? If so fix it !

Sounds like someone yanking your chain there, 8K gets you a complete frame swap around here with money left over for upgrades. Take it to another shop
Reply
Old Nov 13, 2006 | 10:55 PM
  #7  
68 NJConv 454's Avatar
68 NJConv 454
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Default

DIY...if the mounts are rusted that bad you may have some frame rust.
If your mechanic discovers the frame rust then you'll need a new frame if its not repairable making all these extra costs time sensitive as you will be wasting his garage space. If you do it yourself, not only is it cheaper, fun, a learning experience, but you work and spend $$ at your own pace. If its the #4 mounts behind the rear wheels you can buy a new frame bracket and weld it in there without lifting the body. If its your #3 mounts infront of the rear wheels behind the little panel door you may need to lift the body just a few inches to get at the cage nut, if its the #3 that is rusted then look for more frame rust.
Just my .02

THEN AGAIN you are in Hawaii and may be able to convince a forum member to come visit and do it for you if you provide all expenses, tools, food & beer. I'll check my schedule. I was able to lift each side of my 68 at a time to replace bushings and gain access to those mounts without lifting the body. But if welding is required it will need to be lifted both sides together to get some frame clearance.

Last edited by 68 NJConv 454; Nov 13, 2006 at 10:59 PM.
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2006 | 12:24 AM
  #8  
8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE's Avatar
8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE
Thread Starter
Race Director
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,854
Likes: 3
From: HONOLULU HAWAII
Default

Originally Posted by 68 NJConv 454
DIY...if the mounts are rusted that bad you may have some frame rust.
If your mechanic discovers the frame rust then you'll need a new frame if its not repairable making all these extra costs time sensitive as you will be wasting his garage space. If you do it yourself, not only is it cheaper, fun, a learning experience, but you work and spend $$ at your own pace. If its the #4 mounts behind the rear wheels you can buy a new frame bracket and weld it in there without lifting the body. If its your #3 mounts infront of the rear wheels behind the little panel door you may need to lift the body just a few inches to get at the cage nut, if its the #3 that is rusted then look for more frame rust.
Just my .02

THEN AGAIN you are in Hawaii and may be able to convince a forum member to come visit and do it for you if you provide all expenses, tools, food & beer. I'll check my schedule. I was able to lift each side of my 68 at a time to replace bushings and gain access to those mounts without lifting the body. But if welding is required it will need to be lifted both sides together to get some frame clearance.
I may have to do that to get the cost down to where it's in the ball park figures.
I think it's the #3 cage mounts.....there should be four bolts...however only one bolt is holding it all together. The other 3 bolts are missing and the mount is broken off the metal frame. Wish I had a picture of this area for reference.
Reply
Corvette Stories

The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts

story-0

10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

 Joe Kucinski
story-1

Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

 Brett Foote
story-2

10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

 Michael S. Palmer
story-3

8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

 Pouria Savadkouei
story-4

10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

 Joe Kucinski
story-5

How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

 Joe Kucinski
story-6

Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

 Michael S. Palmer
story-7

Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

 Joe Kucinski
story-8

150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

 Joe Kucinski
story-9

8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Nov 14, 2006 | 10:17 AM
  #9  
68 NJConv 454's Avatar
68 NJConv 454
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Default

Originally Posted by 8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE
I think it's the #3 cage mounts.....there should be four bolts...however only one bolt is holding it all together. The other 3 bolts are missing and the mount is broken off the metal frame. Wish I had a picture of this area for reference.
I have actual pics of my car at home if you'd like to see them. e-mail me at doogie1101@hotmail.com and I'll send you some tomorrow night.
Below are pics courtesy of Corvette Central showing you the frame/body mounting points. I always type in a description of what i'm looking for and use their site for pics so I can visualize what I need to do. Good stuff. BTW, I don't understand the "3 bolts missing" portion. I really hope your car isn't missing the body mount bolts. If you were missing three on one side that would be very bad and if driven i'm sure your car would slide around on the frame and crack the fiberglass. Bolts have broken while trying to remove them. Sounds like your #4 mount could be broken/rusted off the frame. Easy to replace if you have a welder.



Last edited by 68 NJConv 454; Nov 14, 2006 at 10:20 AM.
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2006 | 07:59 PM
  #10  
8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE's Avatar
8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE
Thread Starter
Race Director
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,854
Likes: 3
From: HONOLULU HAWAII
Default

Originally Posted by 68 NJConv 454
I have actual pics of my car at home if you'd like to see them. e-mail me at doogie1101@hotmail.com and I'll send you some tomorrow night.
Below are pics courtesy of Corvette Central showing you the frame/body mounting points. I always type in a description of what i'm looking for and use their site for pics so I can visualize what I need to do. Good stuff. BTW, I don't understand the "3 bolts missing" portion. I really hope your car isn't missing the body mount bolts. If you were missing three on one side that would be very bad and if driven i'm sure your car would slide around on the frame and crack the fiberglass. Bolts have broken while trying to remove them. Sounds like your #4 mount could be broken/rusted off the frame. Easy to replace if you have a welder.



Thanks....That's what I was looking for.
Pictures do help when trying to scope the project for cost to repair.
Can this be number four mount be repaired and or replaced without removing the body?
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2006 | 08:12 PM
  #11  
Twin_Turbo's Avatar
Twin_Turbo
Race Director
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
Default

yes, it's the easiest one, #4 is just an outrigger on the frame and a bolt going up into the body to a caged nut riveted to the fiberglass. Cut the bolt, remove the cage and pull out rest of the bolt & nut, get a new bolt, nut and bushing, rivet cage back in....presto.
Reply
Old Nov 14, 2006 | 08:52 PM
  #12  
8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE's Avatar
8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE
Thread Starter
Race Director
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,854
Likes: 3
From: HONOLULU HAWAII
Default

Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
yes, it's the easiest one, #4 is just an outrigger on the frame and a bolt going up into the body to a caged nut riveted to the fiberglass. Cut the bolt, remove the cage and pull out rest of the bolt & nut, get a new bolt, nut and bushing, rivet cage back in....presto.
Okay .....
Let me find out why the mech wants the big bucks to remove body from frame.
I'll be back
Thanks
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2006 | 07:53 AM
  #13  
Twin_Turbo's Avatar
Twin_Turbo
Race Director
25 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
 
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
Default

If you don't remove the body or cut of the frame moutn you can't reinstall the nut cage since the rivets are behind the metal reinforcement, if you use a regular nut or the original cage nut without the cage you will need a buddy to help tighten it but it's a lot less work than replacing the cage nut assembly

Hey something else, they show a fanta commercial here with some hawaiian looking types talking about babmoocha this and bamboocha that, not really interesting but the commercial has a yellow vette with a chich standing next to it and it sure looks like yours...is it?
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2006 | 12:08 PM
  #14  
8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE's Avatar
8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE
Thread Starter
Race Director
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,854
Likes: 3
From: HONOLULU HAWAII
Default

Originally Posted by Twin_Turbo
If you don't remove the body or cut of the frame moutn you can't reinstall the nut cage since the rivets are behind the metal reinforcement, if you use a regular nut or the original cage nut without the cage you will need a buddy to help tighten it but it's a lot less work than replacing the cage nut assembly

Hey something else, they show a fanta commercial here with some hawaiian looking types talking about babmoocha this and bamboocha that, not really interesting but the commercial has a yellow vette with a chich standing next to it and it sure looks like yours...is it?
If I want the Cage nut assembly replaced I need to remove the body?????
Can this work (replace entire assembly) be done without removing the body????
Looks like the high cost is involved with removing the body. AND the mech wants to take the body off.
No that's not my car in that commercial....My car used only once in a Verizon commercial. My son has the Yellow Vett now....However we still call it my car....since whenever he has problems with it he calls me to make repairs.
Thanks for all your help regarding this repairs to mounts....we are also looking at replacing both trailing arms....The 7T9 does not hold much value.....and dumping money into a bottomless pit quickly gets old.
Aloha,
Cappy
Reply
Old Nov 15, 2006 | 01:50 PM
  #15  
68 NJConv 454's Avatar
68 NJConv 454
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Default

I have a 68 convertible and was able to rip out my #4 cage nut after removing the upper convertible reinforcement piece with the body on. I also replace the lower "cup" reinforcements with the body on. I just had to "carefully" raise the body a few inches by useing some scrap wood and a pipe b/w the body & frame over the wheel well.
I'm sure the coupe is more restricted in the rear compartment (bubble window right?) but you should be able to get at the cage nut and such from the interior without removing the body. You can also cut off the rusted #4 body mount on the frame and buy a replacement piece and weld it on without removing the body. Just have to raise it an inch or so and support it while you cut and weld. This is something you CAN do yourself and I would suggest doing so to save some $$ and learn a bit more about your car.
I know my 68 inside and out, I don't know the later C3's all that well so just go pull up some carpet and check it out for yourself.
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2006 | 03:36 PM
  #16  
8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE's Avatar
8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE
Thread Starter
Race Director
20 Year Member
Veteran: Air Force
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 10,854
Likes: 3
From: HONOLULU HAWAII
Default

Okay....Got the scoop from the mech after showing him the drawing.
It's the bolts at the end of frame where they connect to E-cross member in the drawings.
It's these four bolts that are rusted out and missing.....and the connecting plate are rusted.
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2006 | 03:44 PM
  #17  
MYBAD79's Avatar
MYBAD79
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Default

#4 is easy, can be done with the body in place.

#3 can be done with the body in place if you cut the fiberglass. I've cut that area to get access to the mounting plate/nut when I replaced my body mounts. I cut the section of fiberglass and glassed it back in place after I was done working on the body mount. I had to weld the nut to the frame because it would spin when turning the bolt.... after I glassed and painted it you cannot tell it was ever cut.

Is this bubba ? maybe .... does it work and safe a $hitload of money ? definately yes....
Reply

Get notified of new replies

To 7T9 Vette

Old Nov 16, 2006 | 03:47 PM
  #18  
MYBAD79's Avatar
MYBAD79
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
Conversation Starter
All Eyes On Me
Photogenic
 
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 5,269
Likes: 54
From: Orlando Florida
St. Jude Donor '05
Default

Originally Posted by 8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE
Okay....Got the scoop from the mech after showing him the drawing.
It's the bolts at the end of frame where they connect to E-cross member in the drawings.
It's these four bolts that are rusted out and missing.....and the connecting plate are rusted.

$8000 for that ???? Pay me $4000 and I'll fly over and fix it for you

You can reach up there from under the car, shouldn't be a problem at all..... I wouldn't like to weld that close to the tank but if it's drained and filled with water..... forget about the bolts, just weld the crossmember to the frame and be done....
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2006 | 03:49 PM
  #19  
burners's Avatar
burners
Le Mans Master
20 Year Member
 
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 6,362
Likes: 7
From: Brazos TX
Cruise-In IV Veteran
Cruise-In V Veteran
Default

If it's the bolts at the end of the frame you can just remove the rear bumper cover and gas tank to gain access to that. I don't think the body needs to be removed.
Reply
Old Nov 16, 2006 | 04:03 PM
  #20  
68 NJConv 454's Avatar
68 NJConv 454
Melting Slicks
 
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 3,028
Likes: 2
From: North NJ
Default

Originally Posted by 8T1-7T9 BIONIC VETTE
Okay....Got the scoop from the mech after showing him the drawing.
It's the bolts at the end of frame where they connect to E-cross member in the drawings.
It's these four bolts that are rusted out and missing.....and the connecting plate are rusted.
Your E-Crossmember??? thats your rear bumper mounting point on the frame. Smack this mechanic upside his head and tell him to put the car on a lift and get himself under there to replace what is rusted out. No need to remove the body. If anything just remove the spare tire carrier and gas tank. Hell of a lot easier than removing the body and much cheaper...but I would still recommend doing it yourself. The E-Crossmember has nothing to do with body mounts. I'm guessing your mechanic has hit a lull in workload and was hoping to get some extra $$ from you to take the body off.
Reply




All times are GMT -4. The time now is 02:56 AM.

story-0
10 Ugly Corvettes That We Still Kinda Love

Slideshow: 10 ugly Corvettes that we still kinda love.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-06-03 10:34:17


VIEW MORE
story-1
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer

A lot of money has changed hands at the online auction house over the years.

By Brett Foote | 2026-06-03 10:21:50


VIEW MORE
story-2
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)

Slideshow: 10 great gifts Corvette enthusiasts actually want for Father's Day!

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-06-03 15:43:40


VIEW MORE
story-3
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems

Slideshow: These are the quirks, annoyances, and oddly lovable problems that every Corvette owner eventually learns to live with.

By Pouria Savadkouei | 2026-05-28 09:31:39


VIEW MORE
story-4
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years

Slideshow: 10 reasons why the C6 Z06 is still a performance benchmark after 20 years.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 17:20:09


VIEW MORE
story-5
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972

Slideshow: How much horsepower every Corvette engine lost in 1972.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-27 16:54:53


VIEW MORE
story-6
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!

Slideshow: How to Protect A Convertible Top: 10 DOs & DON'Ts

By Michael S. Palmer | 2026-04-03 00:00:00


VIEW MORE
story-7
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!

Slideshow: The 10 most explosive Corvettes ever built based on power-to-weight ratio.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-20 07:23:03


VIEW MORE
story-8
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter

Slideshow: From C1 to C8 we compare every Corvette generation by the numbers.

By Joe Kucinski | 2026-05-12 16:54:12


VIEW MORE
story-9
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time

Slideshow: Some Corvette pace cars became collectible legends, while others perfectly captured the look and attitude of their era.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-11 09:50:51


VIEW MORE