C3 Frame Rust Update '73
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Race Director
Joined: Jan 2002
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From: BC
C3 Frame Rust Update '73
So thanks to input I went back tonight with an icepick and hammer to look at the frame again. There is a lot of scale 1/16" thick that I can feel inside of drain hole. I took off side rocker panel piece and scaled about 1/16' or maybe a little thicker off dide of frame. Remaining metal is maybe 1/8" thick. Dont know what they start at. Then I see a crack/split in the cross member about 6" long. Going over to the passenger side it looks better than the other side, cross member still intact however it has some scale and the end plate is there however upon closer inspection there is not just a small hole like I thought at first, about 1/2 to 3/4" of the end of the frame is gone on the side of the frame. The guy says he knows a fabricator who can weld in new pieces easily, does it all the time on truck frames (??) Im thinking am I stupid or do I just look like it. I guess the rebuilt engine, trans etc dont mean much if you cant trust the integrity of the frame. Guess I will sigh walk although he now dropped to $7000 canadian.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2001
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From: Lake Villa IL
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Re: C3 Frame Rust Update '73 (Micky T)
Wait on the car. The market is soft. If someone buys it, it wasn't meant to be. If you go back a few weeks later, and it's still there, lowball him. Who knows?
Normally, I'd say to make the work part of the deal. But this is not something you want to have "cheaped out." This isn't tires or a new clock.
And I don't know if I'd trust his guy. I'd want some proof of what he can do.
Normally, I'd say to make the work part of the deal. But this is not something you want to have "cheaped out." This isn't tires or a new clock.
And I don't know if I'd trust his guy. I'd want some proof of what he can do.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2000
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From: Vancouver BC, Canada
Re: C3 Frame Rust Update '73 (Micky T)
Im thinking am I stupid or do I just look like it. I guess the rebuilt engine, trans etc dont mean much if you cant trust the integrity of the frame. Guess I will sigh walk although he now dropped to $7000 canadian.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
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From: I can walk to MA
Re: C3 Frame Rust Update '73 (Turbo-Jet)
Mickey,
What you describe - without removing the body - sounds pretty bad.
The frame steel was .1" from the factory. there will never be 1/8" (.125")left,
but it may appear that way as the rust will cause the steel to expand
like a sponge.
Anything can be repaired, but more costly than the $$ to fix it is the
time that it takes to get done.
Like Joe says - maybe low ball him later - if the car doesn't sell.
:seeya
What you describe - without removing the body - sounds pretty bad.
The frame steel was .1" from the factory. there will never be 1/8" (.125")left,
but it may appear that way as the rust will cause the steel to expand
like a sponge.
Anything can be repaired, but more costly than the $$ to fix it is the
time that it takes to get done.
Like Joe says - maybe low ball him later - if the car doesn't sell.
:seeya
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 1999
Posts: 26,545
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From: Huntersville NC
Re: C3 Frame Rust Update '73 (Daves_rusty_75)
walk (or run) and be happy that you did! Don't be surprised (or regret it) if car sells to somebody else. Many purschasers are not as careful as you are. MJ
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 1999
Posts: 2,897
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From: Moon Township PA
Re: C3 Frame Rust Update '73 (Micky T)
I didn't pay attention to the first thread on this but if you have that kind of rust, you had better get this car quite cheap and be real good with tools and heavy maintenance. Unless this is a REALLY special car with lots of options and real cheap, it doesn't sound like a keeper. I know this from experience. When I bought my 66, a fellow Corvette buddy who owned a 64 that he had restored after driving it for 20+ years. He knew mid-years quite well. Anyhow, after a lengthy study he suggested I walk away from this car, and fast. My eyes beat out my head and I bought it anyhow. Frame repair, engine rebuild, tranny rebuild, trailig arms rebuilt, differential rebuild, new paint, new carpet. This is the work I did to get a nice looking, reliable car. And I still needed to do all of the chrome.
Gary
Gary
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From: BC
Re: C3 Frame Rust Update '73 (Turbo-Jet)
Im thinking am I stupid or do I just look like it. I guess the rebuilt engine, trans etc dont mean much if you cant trust the integrity of the frame. Guess I will sigh walk although he now dropped to $7000 canadian.
Not stupid at all. I think you did the smart thing. There are many C3's that have been west coast cars all their life, with perfect frames. I walked away from more than a few in Victoria, and it is hard, but just wait until you find the perfect one in the near future. You'll be glad. Also, I'll keep my eye open for anything on the Island if you want. Are you seeking any early SB C3?
Not stupid at all. I think you did the smart thing. There are many C3's that have been west coast cars all their life, with perfect frames. I walked away from more than a few in Victoria, and it is hard, but just wait until you find the perfect one in the near future. You'll be glad. Also, I'll keep my eye open for anything on the Island if you want. Are you seeking any early SB C3?
