anesthes

Hello,

I'm trying to decide how I want to splice the rear section of this frame. I have the last 16" cut off a 1968 frame and I can splice right behind the rear body mount, but the frame is "boxed" on the 1968 at that point and more off an uneven shape on the 1976. I could make it work but would require some interesting cuts and welds.

Another option is cutting farther forward and splicing. I have a 1969 frame a member gave me that is really bad around and below the kickups, but above not too bad.

If you guys were doing this, where would you prefer to splice the frames?

Part of me thinks splicing the rear 16" is better because the 1976 frame is perfect and there is no sense messing with the area that holds the suspension, rear diff, body mounts, etc and the last 16" is just to support the fuel tank and bumper brackets.

This is a resto mod.



-- Joe

ctmccloskey

Keep It Simple, right?

Weld the rear 16" and be done with it. Just be sure to get a good welder that you trust!

The 1968 Corvette is a great Corvette to have and own. Mine is an early October 1967 C3 with it's 427 and 4 speed transmission. Since it is an early C3 it is a Convertible. Since it is an early BB the parts are a mix of 1967 and 1968 BB Parts from the factory.

Good Luck and Happy Thanksgiving!

wwiiavfan

Agree with this approach. I would also consider sleeving your weld joints.

bazza77

Obviously record all the dimensions , then if it's possible cut the 69 frame longer and insert it in the 76 to get as much overlap as possible.

OldCarBum

David Howard, AllVettes4Me posted several threads where he modified several different year and model chassis to several different year and model bodies.
Do a search for his threads.
David Howard is the guru for all things chassis.

anesthes

Finally got around to finishing this. Honestly it was like 3 hours of work.

The guy that cut off the 68-72 rear made it a hair short, and not quite the right angle but that actually helped me in the long run. I welded up some 1/8" inside the factory frame so the 68-72 section would slide over it. I got it so the measurement was dead on (18 3/8 from the center of the rear body mount) and the appropriate height (which is about 2 +/- 1/4" from the top of the rear body mount). everything fully welded inside and out. I then cut and tapered the top of the original frame down. The later frames are taller in the rear and cut at an angle to accommodate the impact shock stuff.

wwiiavfan

It’s on upside down.





just kidding, nice work!
Merry Christmas!

Rescue Rogers

Good Job!!!! Merry Christmas.
I would measure from the top of the frame down to the body mount on both frames to see if there is any differences in height so you can get the correct number of bushings. I've heard there is a height difference due to the different materials in the sshims over the years

derekderek

you probably have this covered, but i hear the body mounts are lower on later frames to allow for the thicker rubber mounts to set the body up at the same height. so rubber mounts are probably the way to go.

anesthes

Thanks guys. Yeah the mounts are a hair lower on the later years. I have a brand new set of mount bushings for a 1980 that I'll likely use.

As long as I have the measurements right enough that the fuel tank doesn't crash into the body I should be good. The bumpers are infantely adjustable with a welder lol.
-- Joe

anesthes

My buddy blasted it for me (owns Classic Car Media Blasting, in Hampstead NH). I painted it friday but put it in storage before taking a picture.

When the new shop is finished I'll start putting it together.

Rescue Rogers

I went To a few cars and coffee events there a while back. Some with the old owners, probably one with your buddy

anesthes

Scott and I have known each other since we were kids. He used to own a service station, but bought the media blasting shop a few years ago. His true passion is restoration so it was a good move for him.

I think he's doing another one next month. I remember seeing your car at a different car show a few years ago, but I don't hang out with that 'club' anymore. Hopefully you'll be able to make it at his September cars and coffee?

-- Joe

Rescue Rogers

YES LET ME KNOW...I dont go to the NH muscle heads meets anymore either if I can help it. I may have to go to one that is supporting a Veteran but thats up in the air. I think that group started out well meaning and it just went to their heads and I dont know where the money goes besides the owners house,m garage and cars

anesthes

Sept 18 is the cars and coffee, 17 Gigante Dr, Hampstead, NH

All are welcome. Free coffee/donuts/oj. Cool cars.

-- Joe