I need a frame!
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 1,526
Likes: 2
From: Oak Ridge NC
Melting Slicks
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 3,382
Likes: 2,605
From: Burning Jet-A
Big thing is location. On the west coast Crane Corvette or J&D Corvette both stock many frames. If on the east, I am not sure. There is always one or two on ebay. If you are near one of the big Corvette parts sellers like Paragon or something, they do frame repair, but shipping both ways can be expensive for a guy on the west coast. EBAY expect 1000 for a bare frame w light rust. An off the shelf perfect finished frame will run 2500+. You could use a late 68 thru 72 frame, but try to get one that has shims if possible, and or get your frame straightened by a reputable shop.
JOE
JOE
Instructor
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 216
Likes: 1
From: Lapeer Michigan
Here's a few sites taht have them.
Depends on how much $$ you want to spend and on how you plan on driving it.
Would be great to buy it setup the way you want it.
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/...le&type=frames
http://www.tracyvette.com/frames.html
http://cobrareplicas.com/
http://www.progressiveautomotive.com/53CV.htm
http://www.justcorvettes.com/Default.aspx?PageID=57
Depends on how much $$ you want to spend and on how you plan on driving it.
Would be great to buy it setup the way you want it.
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/...le&type=frames
http://www.tracyvette.com/frames.html
http://cobrareplicas.com/
http://www.progressiveautomotive.com/53CV.htm
http://www.justcorvettes.com/Default.aspx?PageID=57
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 9,192
Likes: 27
From: Boca Raton Florida
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: braselton georgia
iam doing a frame off on my 1978 and found that my frame was so rusted out i had no option but to get another so i decided to order a new one because it will have an LS2 engine. i order mine through vette product of mich at a cost of $3795.00
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 1,562
Likes: 2
From: Spring Texas
These guys are west coast, not cheap, but have a supply.
http://www.corvetteusa.com/catalog/i...cb7c4231417223
Also try Uptmor's Corvettes - on Ebay. Central Texas location.
http://www.corvetteusa.com/catalog/i...cb7c4231417223
Also try Uptmor's Corvettes - on Ebay. Central Texas location.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 1,871
Likes: 6
From: Sault Ste. Marie Ontario
Are you dealing with rust or collision damage on the original frame?
Depending on how badly rusted is your original frame is, you may find it is rebuildable. If you sand blast the frame you will expose all the rust and make a better decision to replace or rebuild. Rebuilding will save many dollars over replacing.
If you're dealing with collision issues, you may consider a frame straightening shop that could save you $ by tweaking the kinks out rather then replacing the entire frame.
When I checked into replacing mine, I found $3000 was the norm and I didn't know what I was getting. My repairs were less then half of that.
Have a look at the following post to see what repairs can be done at home.
Good luck
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...+Frame+Repairs
Depending on how badly rusted is your original frame is, you may find it is rebuildable. If you sand blast the frame you will expose all the rust and make a better decision to replace or rebuild. Rebuilding will save many dollars over replacing.
If you're dealing with collision issues, you may consider a frame straightening shop that could save you $ by tweaking the kinks out rather then replacing the entire frame.
When I checked into replacing mine, I found $3000 was the norm and I didn't know what I was getting. My repairs were less then half of that.
Have a look at the following post to see what repairs can be done at home.
Good luck
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/show...+Frame+Repairs
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Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
Someone posted some ballpark prices for frames but having shopped myself several months ago I have to disagree on his estimates. There is no way that you are going to find a clean chrome bumper frame for $1,000. People selling these know what they are worth. I paid $1,500 for a 73 auto frame and at the time I thought I was overpaying but the pickings were slim. As it turned out the frame I bought is in exceptionally good condition so I'm glad I jumped on the deal.
If you aren't concerned about originality there are alternatives to a stock frame. SRIII has a nice tube frame and Rowley Corvette has a modern version of the stock frame as well as ones that accept C4 suspension and steering. The Rowley frame only costs a few hundred $ more than a stock repro frame.
Good luck in your search and don't hesitate if you find a decent frame. Someone else will snap it up if you wait too long.
Rick B.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,456
Likes: 102
From: Piedmont Va
St. Jude Donor '11-'12-'13,'19-'20
East Coast
http://www.cannons-corvettes.com/chassis.htm has restored frames and rolling chassis...I have no experience with them, but based on previous threads they are accessible and are open for inspection it seems..
http://www.cannons-corvettes.com/chassis.htm has restored frames and rolling chassis...I have no experience with them, but based on previous threads they are accessible and are open for inspection it seems..
Race Director
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 10,674
Likes: 122
From: Millington Illinois
St. Jude Donor '08-'09
If you fill out your profile so we know where you are located it will be a lot easier to recommend sources for frames. Shipping a frame is expensive so if you can locate one within driving distance you can save a lot of $.
Someone posted some ballpark prices for frames but having shopped myself several months ago I have to disagree on his estimates. There is no way that you are going to find a clean chrome bumper frame for $1,000. People selling these know what they are worth. I paid $1,500 for a 73 auto frame and at the time I thought I was overpaying but the pickings were slim. As it turned out the frame I bought is in exceptionally good condition so I'm glad I jumped on the deal.
If you aren't concerned about originality there are alternatives to a stock frame. SRIII has a nice tube frame and Rowley Corvette has a modern version of the stock frame as well as ones that accept C4 suspension and steering. The Rowley frame only costs a few hundred $ more than a stock repro frame.
Good luck in your search and don't hesitate if you find a decent frame. Someone else will snap it up if you wait too long.
Rick B.
Someone posted some ballpark prices for frames but having shopped myself several months ago I have to disagree on his estimates. There is no way that you are going to find a clean chrome bumper frame for $1,000. People selling these know what they are worth. I paid $1,500 for a 73 auto frame and at the time I thought I was overpaying but the pickings were slim. As it turned out the frame I bought is in exceptionally good condition so I'm glad I jumped on the deal.
If you aren't concerned about originality there are alternatives to a stock frame. SRIII has a nice tube frame and Rowley Corvette has a modern version of the stock frame as well as ones that accept C4 suspension and steering. The Rowley frame only costs a few hundred $ more than a stock repro frame.
Good luck in your search and don't hesitate if you find a decent frame. Someone else will snap it up if you wait too long.
Rick B.
http://rowleycorvette.com/frames-new.html
Last edited by 63mako; Apr 8, 2007 at 09:58 AM.
Advanced
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: braselton georgia
when i purchased the car 1 year ago i really couldnt see the top side of the frame . it has rusted through in two different placesright in front of each rear wheel plus every body mount on the frame is also gone. i want to do all new part this will be a car i will never sell and plan to keep. that is why i purchased a new frame
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,685
Likes: 202
From: Waterford Mi
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 91
Likes: 0
From: Mason Ohio
Frame
I have a used frame for an 80...It needs some repair but if you have a good frame shop it can be done. I recomend Dynamic Corvetts out of Michigan...he's a good guy and he'll work with ya.
If you could use my old frame I'll let you have it for $600, I'm in Ohio and I would rather see one of you guys get it than someone else. It would be for pickup only shipping would be a pain.
If not best of luck to ya.
If you could use my old frame I'll let you have it for $600, I'm in Ohio and I would rather see one of you guys get it than someone else. It would be for pickup only shipping would be a pain.
If not best of luck to ya.
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 1,354
Likes: 0
As others have commented, it would be best to repair the existing frame if possible. Another alternative is to just buy the pieces you need and weld them in to the original. Vette Products of Michigan is generally considered the closest to stock.
Thread Starter
4th Gear
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 4
Likes: 0
From: South Jersey
Just an update, I bought on from Vett Products of Michigan. I have the front mono-spring and power steering upgrade kit on order from Eckler's so I hope to get wrenching on it this week. Stay tuned! Thanx everyone for the advice.
