Need some frame help
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Flushing MI
Need some frame help
This is my first post and I need some help. In July I bought my second 69 Vette. It is a Yellow BB, 4 speed , fender flairs with 42,000 miles and I plan on doing a frame off on it. I have never done anything like this so I am taking it slow and close to actually removing it. My plans include 17” wheels , update suspension with offset trailing arms and mild engine build (~450hp) . I don’t plan on racing it, but just want a fun street machine.
Here are my questions:
I’ve seen threads where filling in the spot welds on the frame is recommended.
If you just want a street machine is it needed?
Does it reduce the value of the Vette?
Is it better to have the frame dipped or sandblasted?
Where do you take it?
Does anyone know of a place in the Flint, MI area?
I appreciate any help you can give me.
Here are my questions:
I’ve seen threads where filling in the spot welds on the frame is recommended.
If you just want a street machine is it needed?
Does it reduce the value of the Vette?
Is it better to have the frame dipped or sandblasted?
Where do you take it?
Does anyone know of a place in the Flint, MI area?
I appreciate any help you can give me.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Originally Posted by ckerch
Here are my questions:
I’ve seen threads where filling in the spot welds on the frame is recommended.
If you just want a street machine is it needed?
I’ve seen threads where filling in the spot welds on the frame is recommended.
If you just want a street machine is it needed?
Does it reduce the value of the Vette?
Is it better to have the frame dipped or sandblasted?
Where do you take it?
Where do you take it?
Does anyone know of a place in the Flint, MI area?
I appreciate any help you can give me.
I appreciate any help you can give me.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2004
Posts: 2,435
Likes: 0
From: largo florida
The whole frame does not need to be full welded for a street car, although if you can weld and have the time, it will definately help the rigidity. There are a few spots that could use the attention though. The front crossmember where the lower Aarms mount to needs to be welded up better. This is a weak area and tends to crack. I do not see how this type of welding would hurt resale values, not unless you started gusseting the frame. Sandblasting the frame would probably be cheaper, and you wouldnt have to worry about the chemicals not fully rinsing off the frame. You can sandblast the frame yourself if you have time and an area, not very hard. Just time consuming and messy. It is best to scrape all the gunk off the frame before you sandblast.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 2,635
Likes: 0
From: Union Ontario
Originally Posted by lostpatrolman
Sandblasting the frame would probably be cheaper, and you wouldnt have to worry about the chemicals not fully rinsing off the frame. You can sandblast the frame yourself if you have time and an area, not very hard. Just time consuming and messy. It is best to scrape all the gunk off the frame before you sandblast.
ACtually its not that much cheaper.... quoted $450CA for sandblasting, $600 for dipping.... I also got a deal on the dipping so it only cost me $300.
I tried blasting it in my garage... I actually did most of it..... never again.... never, never again.
One question that comes to mind, WHY ARE YOU DOING A FRAME OFF? if its just because it sounds cool.... don't do it. only do it if it is needed. Take it from someone that is in the process of doing one.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Frame off is not that bad if you keep at it and if it really needs it...When I got my 68 in the Spring of 69, this was my daily driver for three years...including winter and the snows and salts in Ohio...
My frame was a mess....rusty, scaly, the brake and fuel lines were paper thin....I said heck with it and started a frame off in 78....did not finish it till Jan 2001...
When you do a frame off...you have to keep at it and ignore all the brick walls you encounter, else you'll never get done....
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/gdaina//vette.jpg
finished product and I drive it daily during spring summer and fall
My frame was a mess....rusty, scaly, the brake and fuel lines were paper thin....I said heck with it and started a frame off in 78....did not finish it till Jan 2001...
When you do a frame off...you have to keep at it and ignore all the brick walls you encounter, else you'll never get done....
http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/gdaina//vette.jpg
finished product and I drive it daily during spring summer and fall
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Twin Falls Idaho
Along the same lines.....what can be done about a hit to the frame, where someone did a lousy job of repair, and it looks like a big glob of birdpoo?? We're talking an 8"-10" by 4" size? I want a repair without having to replace the frame. It still runs/drives/aligns just fine.....but looks like crapola!! 
Please.......please.......please help me!!
Please.......please.......please help me!!
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
body shop that does frame straightening will fix it and make it perfect...they have jigs and centering points...if anything is out of spec, they have the means to repair the damage...
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Flushing MI
One question that comes to mind, WHY ARE YOU DOING A FRAME OFF? if its just because it sounds cool.... don't do it. only do it if it is needed. Take it from someone that is in the process of doing one.[/QUOTE]
Since I am redoing all the suspension, having the diff redone , and have the engine out . I might as well go all the way and clean up any rust that on it. I agree it might be crazy,
but I plan on keeping this vette for a long time and not in a big hurry to get it done.
Since I am redoing all the suspension, having the diff redone , and have the engine out . I might as well go all the way and clean up any rust that on it. I agree it might be crazy,
but I plan on keeping this vette for a long time and not in a big hurry to get it done.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvettes Coming to Mecum Indy 2026!
Brett Foote
Top 10 C9 Corvette MUST-HAVES to Fix These C8 Generation Flaws!
Michael S. Palmer
10 Revolutionary 'Corvette Firsts' Most People Don't Know
Joe Kucinski
5 Reasons to Upgrade to an LS6-Powered Corvette; 5 Reasons to Stay LT2
Michael S. Palmer
2027 Corvette vs The World: Every C8 vs Its Closest Competitor
Joe Kucinski
10 Most Common Corvette Problems of the Last 20 Years!
Joe Kucinski
5 MOST and 5 LEAST Popular Corvette Model Years in History!
Joe Kucinski
2027 Corvette Buyer's Guide: Everything You Need to Know!
Joe Kucinski
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Flushing MI
Originally Posted by MikeC
One question that comes to mind, WHY ARE YOU DOING A FRAME OFF? if its just because it sounds cool.... don't do it. only do it if it is needed. Take it from someone that is in the process of doing one.
but I plan on keeping this vette for a long time and not in a big hurry to get it done.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Twin Falls Idaho
Originally Posted by GDaina
body shop that does frame straightening will fix it and make it perfect...they have jigs and centering points...if anything is out of spec, they have the means to repair the damage...
Here's what I'm up against.......I know...it looks like CRAP!!!
Oh......it gets even better....
Last edited by trevkris2; Jan 21, 2005 at 09:24 PM.
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Talk to a frame shop, they can pull it out and make it look presentable..at best might have a small kink in it or they may put the frame on a jig and cut that part out and weld a new piece in place...just guessing, but call go to a frame place with pics in hand and talk to them...they will tell you what they can or can't do....
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Twin Falls Idaho
Originally Posted by GDaina
Talk to a frame shop, they can pull it out and make it look presentable..at best might have a small kink in it or they may put the frame on a jig and cut that part out and weld a new piece in place...just guessing, but call go to a frame place with pics in hand and talk to them...they will tell you what they can or can't do....
Will do. Thanks for the tip!!
Drifting
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 1,608
Likes: 3
From: Canberra AUSTRALIA
St. Jude Donor '05-'06
There is a place (cannot remember name) that sells sections of C3 frames. Do a search in Vette and Corvette Fever and on the web. You can get pieces. Just get someone who knows what they are doing to put it in/on for you.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Flushing MI
Originally Posted by trevkris2
Along the same lines.....what can be done about a hit to the frame, where someone did a lousy job of repair, and it looks like a big glob of birdpoo?? We're talking an 8"-10" by 4" size? I want a repair without having to replace the frame. It still runs/drives/aligns just fine.....but looks like crapola!!
Please.......please.......please help me!!
Please.......please.......please help me!!
Racer
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: Twin Falls Idaho
Originally Posted by ckerch
This is my first post and I need some help.
Sorry dude....certainly didn't mean to step on your toes there 
, so don't get too bent out of shape. The whole point of the forum is to help each other out...even if that means that the post wanders from poor helpless soul to another. 
I see that you have been posting a bit, and I hope you can see what I'm referring to.Don't let this throw too big a "ding in YOUR frame!"
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 220
Likes: 0
From: Flushing MI
Originally Posted by trevkris2
I see that you have been posting a bit
As far as posting... Yes I have replyed to a couple of posts but this is my first post I started. Anyway I did not state that to get any special consideration, just that I have never done it.
I hope you luck on you frame
Race Director
Joined: Feb 1999
Posts: 16,978
Likes: 7
From: In Dreams There Is Truth Ohio
Originally Posted by nostgry
Replace the old steel body mounts with the 73 & up urethane style. It'll help reduce cracks a lot.