Body Frame
Thread Starter
1st Gear
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
Body Frame
How difficult is it to actually get to the body frame (The body frame is the core support for the fiberglass). I know I have rust to remove from this area. Any good guides on how to get down to the body frame?
Race Director
Joined: Dec 1999
Posts: 16,945
Likes: 9
We call the body frame the birdcage, it's a pita to get to, especially on coupes. The front is easier than the rear, in the front you need to remove the froint clip, windscreen, firewall and all the fiberglass around the a pillar. On the rear you have to completely remove the rear clip, to do that you have to remove the fiberglass from the door striker area to get at it, also you will have to either chisel the floor loose from the rear or cut it. It's riveted to the emtal support wall behind the seats
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 3
From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
Be sure to check your rocker channels. They are the part of the "body frame" that connects the hinge pillar to the latch pillar. They also carry the #1, #2, and #3 body mounts. Those are really a very weak link, usually if you have rust in other areas they are bad too. You will need to remove the body to replace them.
Racer
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 389
Likes: 0
From: Sayreville New Jersey
How did you determine you had rust?
I have a water leak from the base of my windshield on my '78 daily driver and am concerned about rust. I have plans to change the windshield but won't have the opportunity to do so until the end of March as my 'vette is my primary transportation. 
