Frame replacement, labor costs?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: West Orange New Jersey
Frame replacement, labor costs?
I've decided I am bored with the car shows and want to start using my 73' at the track. Before I enter this venture, I want to replace the frame. I know this may be extreme but I plan to have this car until I die. I see I can pick up a solid frame for 3-$4000 or rolling chassis for $9000. My question is how much money will this cost in labor? And if I don't go this route, can I replace sections of the frame instead of the entire without breaking the bank?
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 872
Likes: 3
From: Cortlandt Manor New York
What is wrong with your current frame?
Replacing the frame is going to be real expensive from a labor standpoint bhasically a body off and then some. What are you looking to gain?
Replacing the frame is going to be real expensive from a labor standpoint bhasically a body off and then some. What are you looking to gain?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,804
Likes: 959
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
Welcome home, friend. It's always heartwarming when someone realizes there was a reason Chevrolet went to all the trouble to put independent suspension and four wheel disc brakes on the Corvette. A couple laps on the track, and you'll be hooked liked a lot of us. Good luck, and keep us updated on your progress.
Pro
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 596
Likes: 1
Welcome home, friend. It's always heartwarming when someone realizes there was a reason Chevrolet went to all the trouble to put independent suspension and four wheel disc brakes on the Corvette. A couple laps on the track, and you'll be hooked liked a lot of us. Good luck, and keep us updated on your progress.
Well said!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2006
Posts: 2,084
Likes: 14
From: Airdrie Alberta
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Oct 2001
Posts: 315
Likes: 0
From: West Orange New Jersey
The car is not an investment. It is a toy and a way of life. The current frame has seen much snow salt and sleet over the years and had been used as a daily driver. There is surface rust. The car has been mine since 1994 and has been in my family since new. Therefore, rather than spending the money on a low mileage C5 for the track, I would rather have my fully restored C3.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 7,353
Likes: 72
From: Graceland in a Not Correctly Restored Stingray
Yes, welcome home...
Whether you purchase a new frame or keep yours, take the time to find an old Chevy Power book that still had the Corvette Chassis section (C3). It's still an invaluable reference.
Also, if you didn't already know, there are a number of very good threads on the forum which include info on stiffening the chassis as well as improving performance in other areas. Also, there are threads especially devoted to novice racers. Be sure to search them out.
Finally, a word of caution is necessary. You're about to take on a powerful addiction which can be very difficult to manage.
Whether you purchase a new frame or keep yours, take the time to find an old Chevy Power book that still had the Corvette Chassis section (C3). It's still an invaluable reference.
Also, if you didn't already know, there are a number of very good threads on the forum which include info on stiffening the chassis as well as improving performance in other areas. Also, there are threads especially devoted to novice racers. Be sure to search them out.
Finally, a word of caution is necessary. You're about to take on a powerful addiction which can be very difficult to manage.
