Gents,

My frame guy and I spent several hours looking hard at the frame for my car and have come to a fork in the road. We are right on the edge of whether to replace it or not and would like some opinions. The actual frame is in great shape, zero rust, the car must have been stored properly for a long time. After taking extensive measurements, we feel we could get the frame true from a mounting and driving perspective, however some unsightly dents and wrinkles will most likely exist. The troubled areas all exist forward of the "S" on each side. Also the back weld on the passenger side of the cross member that goes under the motor was tore loose at one time and welded incorrectly.
We estimate that it is going to take $2000 to repair the frame and we still run the risk of it not turning out perfect.
On the other hand I could purchase a new frame from Vette Products for $4000 and sell my old frame to offset the difference. With the back half of the frame being so clean it has to be worth something.
So I went up to Vette Products today and Neil showed me how he manufactures the frames and the jigs that he uses to check them. He seemed to know exactly what he was doing.
So my question is two fold, new frame or repair the old frame? And has anyone purchased a frame from Neil and are they happy with it?
As always, any input would be appreciated.

John : :thumbs:

 

If you want the frame to look perfect, then it's a no brainer, new frame. If looks don't matter, but functionality does, keep the frame. Are you going to judge the car? At most, you may loose 1-2 points for condition of the frame if the bumps are noticeable.

 

I personally would probably not show the car to be judged, but I am aiming at restoring the car to a Top Flight level. I guess I am more concerned that if I ever went to sell the car, the dents in the frame would turn off prospective buyers.

John

 

How about a used straight OEM frame. There are bunches of them arround. You may even find one all ready restored. I'm thinking that the price might be half of what the new one is. :thumbs:


[Modified by Red69, 8:56 PM 10/16/2003]

 

Red,
If you know of a source, that would be great, but all the folks that I have talked to want between $3500-$4000 for a used frame. It appears that Midyear frames are becoming scarce.

John

 

You can do some pretty extensive R&R for the cost difference. You can cut out the dented section, hammer/shrink it back flat, then weld it back in place and grid the welds to where it is impossible to tell it ever was bad.

-Greg

 

John,

What year frame is it? Seems Ive seen rolling chassis already to go for that money. First try all the big name dealers that deal in used parts.... Paragon, Pacific corvetts... Then work your way down to some of the mom and Pop dealers. What year does it have to be? :thumbs: Have you looked in Hemmings?


[Modified by Red69, 4:13 PM 10/17/2003]

 

Red,
I have seen restored rolling chassis for $8500.00. Been watching Hemmings for six months, only one frame advertised and it turned out to be spliced and rusty- for $2700.00 i will try Paragon, I did not think of them for used parts. I am trying to stay somewhat local as any "deal" price wise will be eroded with shipping costs. It really needs to be a 65 or 66.

John

 

Yes,

Good point - shopping for a frame is somewhat different that shopping for other parts.... I noticed your profile lists that you have a 68 w/L68... do you still have it? Does it have AC? (sorry for shifting gears) I'll check with some of my parts guys over the next week...

 

Red,
That would be great if you could ask around. Yes, I still own the '68. Very original car but no air.

 

Have you checked with Caledonia Corvette? They're a couple of hours from here but they specialize in Corvette frame and chassis restoration. It doesn't hurt to get a second opinion. Incidentally, a co-worker of mine bought a frame from Vette Products for his '67. He was pleased with it overall, but said he still had to make a couple of modifications to it to get it to work properly. I can get you his e-mail or phone # if you want to speak to a previous "customer".

He was able to sell his rust damaged frame. The back half of his frame was completely rusted out but the front very clean. The buyer had the opposite situation (like you) that needed a good front half. The buyer was going to splice the halves together. An experienced welder could do this and make the repair nearly visually undetectable.

I'd like to see the pictures of your '68 when you get the chance.

Eric H.

 

Caledonia wants $4800 plus my old frame. The folks at Vette Products claim they supply the majority of the parts he builds his frame with to sell. I would be interested in talking with your friend prior to plunking down $4K for a frame. Please IM his email address to me. I will be down to see the 68 when my 65body is done in about 2-3 weeks. Now that I know how to operate my camera, I can take all kinds of pictures for you.

John :thumbs:

 

Got an Email back today from a guy who says he has a rear half... if your interested.

 

Thanks, but the rear half is what is good on mine. I went and ordered a new one (ouch) :cry yesterday.

 

Ya gotta do what ya gotta do!! At least there'll be no excuses involved with your restoration!! :thumbs:

 

will the frame builder be able to put the original serial numbers on the frame?

 

>>"will the frame builder be able to put the original serial numbers on the frame?"<<

Don't forget those broach marks either. :jester