63 Coup Frame

[Carl S.]

I am looking for some serious input from all you that may have delt with frame repairs or replacment. I have a 63 Coup that has major frame rust rust fro the riser to the back end. I am looking for recommendations on the following points that will keep my car as oraginal as possible in the eyes of the judges.I would like to minimize point loss and keep the cost manageable. Or should I give up the notion of restoring this car to NCRS expections and make it a local driver only show car. This car is otherwise complete with 53k miles and only the fuel pump and horns not original.
1. Get a new reproduction frame.
2. Keep the front section and replace the rear section.
3. Keep looking for a south west original rust free frame.

[David H.]

Re: 63 Coup Frame

You must be prepared to restamp the serial# on the frame for any of the options to keep it original so to me a good solid original frame or rear section would be the choice. Grind off the other frames rear (or both) serial#'s and put on yours; which is probably against the law. The new frame will be different in some ways and expensive but will be easier to deal with. Welding frames or sections together is not a simple process. David

[William C.]

Re: 63 Coup Frame

As a contrarian view, there are parts available to save your old frame and a number of shops capable of doing the work (Bair's in PA is one that comes to mind) with a total cost less than a new frame. The '63 frame has unique body mounting features and differs from the '65 up frames in the lack of a clearance notch for disk brake calipers, but I believe the repro parts available incorporate the correct features. Your decision, but there is really nothing in either approach that would prevent a car from being restored and shown successfully.

[Chuck R.]

Re: 63 Coup Frame

I don't know where your located Carl, but I was able to locate a rust free California frame for my 68 for $500.00

No brag, the pouint is that they are out there and could be very affordable.

Granted the shipping ended up costing more than the frame, but I tell ya, when I put my New York frame beside the California frame, I just couldn't stop smiling.

I conservativley saved at least fifty to sixty man hours of metal component fabrication, welding, grinding, fitting etc.etc. Not to mention the cost of materials and equipment.

Now my welding issues have been reduced to re-welding the kickup braces (early frames didn't have them)that I recycled off my original, and the ears for the four speed bracket(automatic tranny frames didn't have them)also recycled of the original. My labor savings alone paid for the shipping and then some.

It was the hardest descision I had to make (so far) having to turn away from my original frame, but it was definately the right thing to do for me.

You have options Carl, it's just a matter of which route your conscience and wallet want to go.

Best of luck,

Chuck # 32205

[Carl S.]

Re: 63 Coup Frame

I would like to thank all who responded. If anyone knows of a 63 frame let me know. I would like all of you to keep a eye open for a 63 frame, I can be reached at ctschu@aol.com. I live in New Jersey so there is no hope of a local frame. I will attend the spring Carlisle and Corvetts at Carlisle in August, however I hope to find an original frame or have my frame repaired repair or a new frame by then. I know it helps to have a lot of eyes helping. I would like to complete the restoration of my 63 Coup by summer 2004. On a different subject, I am looking for someone in the Greater New Jersey to strip and repaint my body. There appears to only be minor dings but one never knows till the paint is removed what lies beneath the surface. If you are out there let Me know.
Thanks to all Carl

[Steve Miller]

Re: 63 Coup Frame

Carty's Complete Corvette Center in Atco, NJ is said to give a pretty good paint job. Mike Carty is a bit of a character - but aren't we all. He is located on Route 30, White Horse Pike. I don't know is number. I can't reveal (under penalty of death) who is doing the paint job on my 66 coupe.