Frame Off; Where to Begin?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 435
Likes: 7
From: Wake Forest NC
Frame Off; Where to Begin?
You folks are great salesmen! I've decided to do a frame off. I realize 8 fasteners hold the body to frame, but what next? Is there any book recommended that addresses this? I have an AIM, but its not exactly a narrative....
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 8,837
Likes: 1,028
That being said. The AIM is your best friend.
Having restored alot of cars, here are some tips.
1)Take pictures,lots. Digital cameras are cheap, and by the time you start assembling, your memory WILL fade.
2) Zip-lock bags. Place small parts in zip-locks with labels(IE shims with position on the car). You will not remeber it all, trust me.
3) Do the restoration part you are good at, and farm out the stuff you are not sure of. Many a time guys give up because they feel they have to do it all. Not so. If body work is your thing, have some one else do the engine.
4) Do not get discouraged. There is no time frame. Enjoy the trip, don't kill yourself with a timetable you cannot achieve.
5)Ask for help. NO ONE knows it all.
I am sure everyone will chime in on this one.
Having restored alot of cars, here are some tips.
1)Take pictures,lots. Digital cameras are cheap, and by the time you start assembling, your memory WILL fade.
2) Zip-lock bags. Place small parts in zip-locks with labels(IE shims with position on the car). You will not remeber it all, trust me.
3) Do the restoration part you are good at, and farm out the stuff you are not sure of. Many a time guys give up because they feel they have to do it all. Not so. If body work is your thing, have some one else do the engine.
4) Do not get discouraged. There is no time frame. Enjoy the trip, don't kill yourself with a timetable you cannot achieve.
5)Ask for help. NO ONE knows it all.
I am sure everyone will chime in on this one.
Instructor
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 156
Likes: 0
From: Oakdale Ct
This video comes with a workbook that is a nice reference, but you need to use common sense with it... it covers alot of years.
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...&dept%5Fid=227
Once you get going on the project it becomes pretty obvious what needs to be done. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING (write every step down and take pictures) or you wont be able to put it back together. Good luck!!
http://www.ecklers.com/product.asp?p...&dept%5Fid=227
Once you get going on the project it becomes pretty obvious what needs to be done. DOCUMENT EVERYTHING (write every step down and take pictures) or you wont be able to put it back together. Good luck!!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
Likes: 1,481
From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
In addition to the AIM, there are a couple or three frame off how-to books. My advice would be to purchase as many as you can find and read them all before you get too very far involved in the project.
A frame off restoration is a very big project.
A frame off restoration is a very big project.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 14
From: Airdrie Alberta
Being that it is a major undertaking that can take years depending on the depth of the restoration, I would rate the skill level required moderate to advanced.
Shop and storage space highly recommended
Very good selection of tools recommended such as air compressor, impact gun, cut off wheel, pressure washer, engine hoist and like a previous poster mentioned a healthy credit card.
Lots of enjoyment , just be prepared for the long commitment required
Shop and storage space highly recommended
Very good selection of tools recommended such as air compressor, impact gun, cut off wheel, pressure washer, engine hoist and like a previous poster mentioned a healthy credit card.
Lots of enjoyment , just be prepared for the long commitment required
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,047
Likes: 12
From: SoCal
You'll probably enjoy this thread (if you haven't already read through it): http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...f+instructions
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Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 582
Likes: 3
From: Glen Allen (Richmond) Virginia
Frame Off
Been there, doing that! Buy a ton of heavy duty zip lock bags (large ones) and a good marker. Label EVERYTHING and take a bunch of pictures as you go along. Make sure you take plenty of notes.
Good luck and take your time. When you get frustrated just walk away for a few days. OH, and set up an account with the local florist.
Good luck and take your time. When you get frustrated just walk away for a few days. OH, and set up an account with the local florist.
Le Mans Master
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 7,708
Likes: 266
From: indy indiana
Been there, doing that! Buy a ton of heavy duty zip lock bags (large ones) and a good marker. Label EVERYTHING and take a bunch of pictures as you go along. Make sure you take plenty of notes.
Good luck and take your time. When you get frustrated just walk away for a few days. OH, and set up an account with the local florist.
Good luck and take your time. When you get frustrated just walk away for a few days. OH, and set up an account with the local florist.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 81,241
Likes: 3,063
From: altered state
St. Jude Donor '05
All good responses...Paitence is the key. My "1-2 yr" project is going on 6, many a time Ive wanted to give up, part it out like you see so many do,just gotta stick with it even if you lose interest.
You will have a brand new car when its done...
Best thing I can tell you is make a definite plan for everything in advance and STICK to it. Changing your mind is what will kill ya on these. Ive done everything on mine 2-3 times. Finally on its way back to gether and I want to change the color already 
Build it the way you want it, not for resale or youll hate the car.
Wish I went black
You will have a brand new car when its done...
Best thing I can tell you is make a definite plan for everything in advance and STICK to it. Changing your mind is what will kill ya on these. Ive done everything on mine 2-3 times. Finally on its way back to gether and I want to change the color already
Build it the way you want it, not for resale or youll hate the car.
Wish I went black
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 0
From: Chandler Arizona
St. Jude Donor '08
Been there, doing that! Buy a ton of heavy duty zip lock bags (large ones) and a good marker. Label EVERYTHING and take a bunch of pictures as you go along. Make sure you take plenty of notes.
Good luck and take your time. When you get frustrated just walk away for a few days. OH, and set up an account with the local florist.
Good luck and take your time. When you get frustrated just walk away for a few days. OH, and set up an account with the local florist.
What he said 
I am 18 months into mine, and it has monopolized 2 stalls in the garage. I have a very understanding wife who parks outside, cause the 3rd stall has my '38 dodge coupe in it. I work on the vette when I feel like it and if I get tired I let it sit. I usually work on it several days ( a few hours each time) per week. I didn't do much at all during the hot months. It's a lot of fun, and like a big puzzle
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 3,570
Likes: 1
From: Algonac Michigan
Take your time and you will have a car you will be proud of for the rest of your life!!!
OH... and in case nobody else mentions it...Take lots of pics and document everything every step of the way.
OH... and in case nobody else mentions it...Take lots of pics and document everything every step of the way.
CF Veteran
Joined: Aug 2005
Posts: 1,429
Likes: 19
From: Northern CA
St. Jude Donor '10-'12, '25
What he said I am 18 months into mine, and it has monopolized 2 stalls in the garage. I have a very understanding wife who parks outside, cause the 3rd stall has my '38 dodge coupe in it. I work on the vette when I feel like it and if I get tired I let it sit. I usually work on it several days ( a few hours each time) per week. I didn't do much at all during the hot months. It's a lot of fun, and like a big puzzle
Mine is 15 months and still going.... I'm fixing everything from the plastic gaskets to a LS1 engine. It's a lot of fun. Everyone on here is great! Ask questions and do lots of research. My rear suspension, T-arms, differential, half-shafts are complete and working on the front-end.
Good luck.....
Pro
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 582
Likes: 3
From: Glen Allen (Richmond) Virginia
Yea, The wife has to be into the deal, even if it means putting the tools down to catch up the honey do list.
I keep telling my wife that there are worse hobbies a man could have. She does get tired of hearing about how much horsepower a stoked 427 can make and how the cam is going to sound through those new sidepipes and how the tires are going to chirp when I bang second gear. Even though she has heard all of these stories over and over I think she will be speachless when I take he out for that first Saturday night cruise and she experiences raw torque at its finest.
Corvettes rock and I have not driven one since 1975 so This old guy is relivin some old days.
I keep telling my wife that there are worse hobbies a man could have. She does get tired of hearing about how much horsepower a stoked 427 can make and how the cam is going to sound through those new sidepipes and how the tires are going to chirp when I bang second gear. Even though she has heard all of these stories over and over I think she will be speachless when I take he out for that first Saturday night cruise and she experiences raw torque at its finest.
Corvettes rock and I have not driven one since 1975 so This old guy is relivin some old days.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 1,424
Likes: 0
From: Lakeland FL
Mine is 15 months and still going.... I'm fixing everything from the plastic gaskets to a LS1 engine. It's a lot of fun. Everyone on here is great! Ask questions and do lots of research. My rear suspension, T-arms, differential, half-shafts are complete and working on the front-end.
Good luck.....
Everybody else has given great info. Just don't get into a big hurry if you are doing a frame off. Trying to rush it would be a mistake IMO.
Instructor
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 211
Likes: 2
From: Houston Texas
My father took 18 years to finish a '67 vette, then decided it was worth too much to drive and sold it. Unfortunately, I didn't pay a whole lot of attention to what he was doing... Now, I'm three months into mine and like chevy69 I just do a little when I feel like it. As everyone has been saying, take lots of pictures. This link should give you some idea about the process and what your getting into. http://www.davidpetryk.net/index.html