As my 68 is getting pulled apart in the restoration process, the frame upfront and in the back has some significant rust and is not repairable, so it will need to be replaced. Any ideas or thoughts on what this does to the perceived originality of the car?

Just a note on the percieved originality, I'm not overly concerned but I am making a fairly large investmnet in this Vette by restoring it so I am curious to see what you all think. The Vette is a 68 convertible 427/390, matching number engine/trans/rear etc.., with PB and PS and I love the car but changing the frame has me concerned.
:confused:


[Modified by ttimko001, 6:01 PM 1/21/2004]


[Modified by ttimko001, 6:01 PM 1/21/2004]

 

Don't sweat it. As long as you use a '68 frame you'll be OK. The '68 frame had some unique aspects, like the lack of gussets near the kick-ups, etc. As long as your new frame is configured properly for a '68, you'll be fine. Nobody is going to look for the VIN stamp on the frame. Make sure you have the frame painted to look original and you'll be fine.

Shannon


[Modified by sb69coupe, 1:38 PM 1/21/2004]

 

Most anything is repairable.
Have you had a professional look at it ?
Do you have pictures you can post ?

Th frame horns rust easily. I just repaired mine, but you can buy new ones to weld on.
The rear corners always rust first, but there are repair pieces to purchase for these, too.

Question : Do you intend to sell this vette in the future ?
Looking to get an NCRS Bowtie award to certify the originality ?

If the answer to both of these questions is no, then I would not sweat the year
of the frame. In fact, I would opt for a 69-73 frame for the increased bracing
to the rear kickups. Then, I would strengthen it further - but that's outside the
scope of your question.





[Modified by NHvette, 2:55 PM 1/21/2004]

 

I had it looked at by a professional, he concluded it needs to be replaced. I will post pictures once I can get home and upload, I would really appreciate you giving me your opinion, I saw the great frame work you did, impressive.

I have no intentions of selling, but may want to get involved in NCRS down the road.

 

There was a thread a few weeks back that enumerated and described the
differences in frames over the years. This would be quite helpful for you to find.
Maybe you can get a 69 frame and trim off the extra supports (seems dumb)
to look like a 68 frame.


ps - NCRS is GREAT !!! No way in hell my vette will ever be worthy of NCRS
inspection, but I joined. I never dreamt that it would be so good. Taking
the family to Hershey last year for the national convention was nothing short
of awesome. I just wish I had registered in time to get into the Hershey Lodge.
Oh well ... had to sleep at the Worst Western.

If I get my vette back on the road, I will be looking to join a local chapter.



[Modified by NHvette, 4:10 PM 1/21/2004]

 

Personally, the issue is moot at this point since you have to replace the frame. The issue would be more of a concern IMHO if the decision was to repair or replace the frame.

I would get a 68 frame. With a correct replacement restored correctly with all of the correct markings, the frame alone should not prevent a car from reaching Top Flight.

 

Thanks I will look for the thread you mentioned. I plan on joing the NCRS as well, the national convention sounds like a blast, when is it typically?

And its not a question of "if" you finish your Vette only when!

 

Good news, I thought I would update you since you gave me a lot of good advice last time. I got the restoration shop to get the body off the frame to get a closer look. Turns out they are going to be able to weld the portions of the frame that were questionable. Wasn't as bad as they or I originally thought. I really didn't want to get a new frame so after I researchred that issue I went back to the shop for one last detailed look, decided it is fixable. So the original frame stays and I save a couple thousand. Owe you a beer. Thanks again man. :cheers:

 

68 had a mid year change and went to the frame kick up supports. Mine is a late '68 and it has them.
:cheers:

 

Here are several thoughts from a fairly experienced NCRS Master Level Judge.

You can buy repair sections for your frame. That way, severely rusted sections can be removed and replaced with an entire correct "repro" frame section. Corvette Products of Michigan, and I believe Caledonia Restorations manufacture these various frame sections.

If yours can't be repaired, I would buy a correct 68 frame to duplicate yours. There are/were running changes, i.e., gussets, etc. that varied throughout the year. If you can't find a "real" 68 frame, I would buy what was available and modify it to look like a 68 frame.

You have a very valuable and desireable Corvette, an original motor big block. It deserves the "right stuff" IMHO.

Properly done frame repair done undetectably, and/or a frame replacement with a correct frame won't effect your ability to achieve a Top Flight NCRS Award, it that's your goal. It will probably NEVER be detected, and doesn't effect desireability of the car or the value of the car IMHO.

A close friend bought a 68 small block air roadster a few years ago. It was a one owner car...original family, with ALL the paperwork. Frame was HONESTLY rusted in half under both doors. He drove the car home with me following him. The frame was so bad that the doors wouldn't close completely. Long story short....we lifted the body off the frame with the engine/trans, etc still in the car. Towed it to an expert welder/frame shop that had frame "jigs" etc. Grafted the rear of a 73 frame onto the 68 frame. Removed gusssets, welded brackets, etc. to make it identical to his 68 frame. UNDETECTABLE. He's keeping the original 68 frame rail with the VIN stamped on it for "posterity" :) Chuck

 

The NCRS National Convention is in Canada this year (Windsor, Ontario) during the last week in July.

 

paul67, Are you going??? :confused: We may have to go out for dinner one night, eh??? :lol:

 

and dont forget the park city [salt lake city ] utah in july 2005

docmow

 

:confused: Please tell us you ment to say still in the frame.

 

Can you elaborate on "kick up" supports? My Vette rolled off the line in mid July, so I assume it has this. What am I looking?

 

Thanks Chuck. I'm confident the frame repair will be undetectable. Top Flight is my ultimate goal, but my Vette needs alot...truely the most expensive hobby I have had. Again thanks you eased my concerns regarding perceived originality.

 

Duh!! :) Yes, I meant with the engine in the frame. I'm old. I know what I "meant" to say. :) Chuck

 

Frame Info: http://www.71corvette.com/frames.html

 

Thanks for the posting on the changes to the Vettes frame over the years. :thumbs: