Need Frame Advice Fast
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
Need Frame Advice Fast
A few days ago I decided to take my 1980 T-top Corvette off the road because of the frame rust. I have spent the last few days looking for a parts car. I found a 1979 T-top corvette without a motor and the body is trashed ,But the frame looks great. My question is can I use the 79 frame on the 80? are there many differences? Both cars are automatics. How much is this parts car worth?
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,412
Likes: 792
From: Redondo Beach, California
I think that in corvettefaq.com there's an article about all of the frame differences from C2 (beginning 1963) to C3 (ending 1982). From what I recall, differences if any, will be at the end of the frame beginning from the start of the rear wheel arch. Try searching corvettefaq.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 2,865
Likes: 1
From: I may be getting old but I refuse to grow up
If I remember correctly the major change between 79 and 80 was the way the rear end mounted .....the rear end from the 80 won't bolt up to the 79 frame or the 79 rear won't bolt into the 80 frame (without mods)
Steve
Steve
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 3,050
Likes: 124
From: Wichita KS
Originally Posted by stpman
If I remember correctly the major change between 79 and 80 was the way the rear end mounted .....the rear end from the 80 won't bolt up to the 79 frame or the 79 rear won't bolt into the 80 frame (without mods)
Steve
Steve
The Dana (aluminum) rear end was introduced in 1980. I believe you want a frame from 1980-1982.
On the other hand, if the 1979 is the right price perhaps you can mod the frame for a small amount. Also, I think you could just use a 1979 rear end, the body drop points should be unchanged. The NCRS guys MIGHT notice.
If it was me, I would look for a 1980-82 frame.
There are folks that build new frames but they will be a few thousand $. Some might be able to modify the frame so as to accept C4/C5 components - how much do you want to spend?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by mapman
The Dana (aluminum) rear end was introduced in 1980. I believe you want a frame from 1980-1982.
On the other hand, if the 1979 is the right price perhaps you can mod the frame for a small amount. Also, I think you could just use a 1979 rear end, the body drop points should be unchanged. The NCRS guys MIGHT notice.
If it was me, I would look for a 1980-82 frame.
There are folks that build new frames but they will be a few thousand $. Some might be able to modify the frame so as to accept C4/C5 components - how much do you want to spend?
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,634
Likes: 4
From: Northern NJ
St. Jude Donor '04 & '05
Originally Posted by rustbucket80
Talked to the guy about 11:00 he wants $1,000. The 79 still has the rear in it and has aluminum corvette wheels . Not sure what to do.
I'd say do it for that price.
Good Luck!
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Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 328
Likes: 0
Originally Posted by ACECO
For $1000, you probably can part out what you don't want/need and recoup most, if not all of your investment. You might even come out ahead and have a few extra $$$ toward the rest of the project.
I'd say do it for that price.
Good Luck!
I'd say do it for that price.
Good Luck!
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,083
Likes: 2
From: Montreal Qc.
Originally Posted by rustbucket80
I think that Monday I'll take the trailer down a get it.I lost enough sleep already thinking about it. I just hate the thought of completly finishing off the 79, because after I take the frame there won't be anything left. one less Corvette in the world. My wife is afraid that when I get it home I will want to restore both cars.
superstar@videotron.ca
Thx!