chassis modification possibilities need advice
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Joined: Mar 2011
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From: West Milford New Jersey
chassis modification possibilities need advice
around march i plan on picking up my 1977 from my parents house and bringing it to my new garage. ill be pulling the body off the chassis, and then the chopping and welding can begin.
same old achiles heel frame rot right in front of the rear wheels, i have the replacement sections and cross member, with the inner sleeve.
i was thinking about rather than bolting the birdcage back onto the chassis the conventional way, maybe welding it directly to the chassis, no bushings in between, just pretty much making this a primitive unibody chassis
i know its gonna be a rough ride and it would be very inconvenient if the body ever had to be pulled from the frame again, this is just a possibility and was wondering if anyone had an opinion on the matter or have done this before.
same old achiles heel frame rot right in front of the rear wheels, i have the replacement sections and cross member, with the inner sleeve.
i was thinking about rather than bolting the birdcage back onto the chassis the conventional way, maybe welding it directly to the chassis, no bushings in between, just pretty much making this a primitive unibody chassis
i know its gonna be a rough ride and it would be very inconvenient if the body ever had to be pulled from the frame again, this is just a possibility and was wondering if anyone had an opinion on the matter or have done this before.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 19,294
Likes: 2,754
From: Charlotte NC
STOP you thinking process...thinking that welding the birdcage to the frame is a good idea is not even close to reality.
The frame and birdcage need to be able to be separated for service operations...such as fuel line or future rust repairs.
Repair all of your issues and re-assemble the car back as per the assembly manual. because if I got a Corvette in my shop that has been welded together...I would be spitting out words that I honestly believe would make a sailor blush....and could not type in good conscience.
DUB
The frame and birdcage need to be able to be separated for service operations...such as fuel line or future rust repairs.
Repair all of your issues and re-assemble the car back as per the assembly manual. because if I got a Corvette in my shop that has been welded together...I would be spitting out words that I honestly believe would make a sailor blush....and could not type in good conscience.
DUB
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,524
Likes: 61
From: Medina Ohio
^ I agree. There is no reason or benefit to do as you are thinking, it will just be problematic down the road. What's wrong with mounting some bushings and bolting it together the way it's suppose to be?
...and, from experience, I'd recommend checking around for a new frame. It is often times, cheaper, easier, faster, etc. etc. etc. to just use another frame rather then welding up one that is rotted. I got my absolutely perfect beautiful frame for $500. This was the same cost just for the repair section to fix mine, not including my own labor, jigging it to keep straight, and any other problems that may have arose. I spent the time gained to seam weld and do other modifications on the new frame per the chevy power book.
G'luck
...and, from experience, I'd recommend checking around for a new frame. It is often times, cheaper, easier, faster, etc. etc. etc. to just use another frame rather then welding up one that is rotted. I got my absolutely perfect beautiful frame for $500. This was the same cost just for the repair section to fix mine, not including my own labor, jigging it to keep straight, and any other problems that may have arose. I spent the time gained to seam weld and do other modifications on the new frame per the chevy power book.
G'luck
Thread Starter
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Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 69
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From: West Milford New Jersey
very well lol. i already have the replacement sections i bought them a few years ago, its hard to find a chassis in nj, and now that i have a baby its hard to afford one, even for $500. if im lucky enough to find a frame for a reasonable price ill buy it and put it in the normal way. any suggestions to make it sturdier?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 5,381
Likes: 416
From: N J
Here ya go Roy, just found this one in Staten Island. Hope it helps. Good luck.
http://cnj.craigslist.org/pts/4281062242.html
http://cnj.craigslist.org/pts/4281062242.html
Drifting
Joined: Oct 2012
Posts: 1,524
Likes: 61
From: Medina Ohio
very well lol. i already have the replacement sections i bought them a few years ago, its hard to find a chassis in nj, and now that i have a baby its hard to afford one, even for $500. if im lucky enough to find a frame for a reasonable price ill buy it and put it in the normal way. any suggestions to make it sturdier?
- Finish seam welding the entire frame. It was originally "stitch" welded.
- Gusseting the control arm mounts
- Reinforcing the diff. crossmember hats
- Welding plates over certain unnecessary holes
etc. etc. etc.
It shouldn't be hard to find.
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Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 69
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From: West Milford New Jersey
Here ya go Roy, just found this one in Staten Island. Hope it helps. Good luck.
http://cnj.craigslist.org/pts/4281062242.html
http://cnj.craigslist.org/pts/4281062242.html
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Mar 2011
Posts: 69
Likes: 0
From: West Milford New Jersey
Search the forum for frame modifications, or google for the chevy power manual. There are several modifications to the frame to make it nice and tight. As I had mentioned, and a few others in the book are;
- Finish seam welding the entire frame. It was originally "stitch" welded.
- Gusseting the control arm mounts
- Reinforcing the diff. crossmember hats
- Welding plates over certain unnecessary holes
etc. etc. etc.
It shouldn't be hard to find.
- Finish seam welding the entire frame. It was originally "stitch" welded.
- Gusseting the control arm mounts
- Reinforcing the diff. crossmember hats
- Welding plates over certain unnecessary holes
etc. etc. etc.
It shouldn't be hard to find.
ive saw the stitch welding when i first got the car, that was one of my first things on my checklist, my schedule finally saw some clarity so im ready to jump in.