Pulled the body off my frame.
 

I pulled the body off my frame to gusset and weld, blast and paint. After all my new parts got rusted up because of the painter, I needed to clean the rust off anyway, so why not?

The frame only has surface rust, it is very solid. The birdcage is in great shape on this car too. The rocker channels are rock solid, even at the body mount points.

I used a 2 post lift to remove the body. I got all the front suspension and steering off today. Tomorrow the tank and rear suspension come off. Everything comes off easy because I had just put it all on new right before I gave it to the idiot painter to trash.

It's at a friend of mines shop, so I can't tie it up too long, so it is going to go back together pretty quickly.

My phone doesn't take the best photos, but you get the idea.

Mike


https://cimg8.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...b6cd4e4f80.jpg


https://cimg2.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...f651532aa3.jpg


https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...54bb9d13f8.jpg

Look into beefing up the frame while you have complete access to it. Also double check the measurements to make sure its straight. My painter suggested doing this and I am so glad I did. My 68 had some issues that were easily corrected when the frame came off.

I checked it really well, It is really straight. I am planning on beefing it up, that is what I meant about gusseting and welding.

Mike

Isn't it great when you DON'T have to spend 4 hours removing 4 rusty bolts!

:thumbs:

Mike: Are you aware of the Chevy Power Service manual that shows the recommended frame stiffening points? Here's a copy

http://corvettefaq.com/c3/ChevyPower.pdf

I didn't come across it until after my frame was all cleaned up and powder coated, too bad for me, not too late for you

Everything has changed, now ya did it!!:D

May look into dipping and galvanizing so all the rust you cant get to (if its there) will be gone

Hope it goes back together the way you want...ignore the money the peace of mind knowing whats there will make it priceless to you.

Stay on it dont let it sit:cheers:

Thanks! I have a copy of this PDF. I've looked at it many times mulling over whether to pull my body off or not. Well now I have, so it is getting fully welded and gusseted.

Mike

It would be nice to dip and galvanize it, but It's not in the budget right now, especially after the painter fiasco.

The frame is really solid, one of the reasons I bought this car.

Mike

I forgot to mention that there is a laser rust remover that just does an incredible job ! It is a little pricey at $250,000 to $500,000 :willy:
It looks like your moving along quickly now though !
Can't wait to see her when you finish!😎

Yes, I saw one of those laser rust remover videos. Pretty cool, but just a little out of the budget.

Mike

https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...ae81d6c67e.jpg
Dropped the rear end out yesterday. Now I just have the brake lines to remove and the tank and tranny cross members to remove and it ready for the blaster.

Side note, see the scratches all over my new Denny's Driveshaft Nitrous Ready half shafts, the painter threw chains or something similar over them when he moved my car. For those who read my "My painter screwed me" thread, you know about my problems with him.

Mike

Congrats on pulling the body off the frame and joining the club.

I am subscribed to your thread now.

Hopefully I'll get back to mine soon but other life problems keep jumping in.
Wife's surgeries and huge trees falling down on my rental house after Irma passed by.

Don't get discouraged.....it will be ALL yours now.

Dennis (Bman) :thumbs:

Thank you Dennis! I hope you're able to get back at yours soon. Glad you made it through Irma. Sorry to hear about your rental. I hope your wife is OK too.

The frame is stipped now. I'm waiting for a slot to get into the balster now.

Mike

You are definitely not letting any grass grow under your feet. Moving along nicely and at a very good pace...it will be back as you want it before you know it at this rate.

DUB

Frame is on the trailer and heading to the blaster with a few more pieces today.

Mike


https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...0c695b5904.jpg

Looks like it should clean up really well.

You are definitely not letting any grass grow under your feet. It seems that this can be described as...'A man on a mission'.

DUB

It's back from the blaster already. Looks good.

Mike

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/www.cor...460c2cb341.jpg

I also replaced the number 4 body mounts today. It's a real treat to get the top bolts out of the deck lid hinges. A couple of the mounts flanges are under panels that were put on at the factory after the mounts were riveted to the body. I came up with some tricks that made doing the second one much easier than the first one.

Mike

Please share your secrets for those #4 mounts...I am about to do them on my 73...

Is your car a convertible?

Mike