Mid year frame replacement

[Gary Wilkerson]

I found a 64 thats in pretty good shape though the frame has been patched in all the typical places. Not a very quality job however.
My question is this. If this car is destined to be a driver does it make more sense to buy an aftermarket frame or a clean original? Price would be the largest driver. I'm assuming aftermarket quality is the same as original.

Gary

[Steve D.]

Re: Mid year frame replacement

Gary

I had rust damage repaired in the kickups and rear side rails of my 63 driver. With the body off, the repairs are noticeable, but when the body goes back on there's not much to see. If your frame is straight and mechanically sound, I'd save the coins for buying the 62.

Steve

[Steve D.]

Re: Mid year frame replacement

Gary

I had rust damage repaired in the kickups and rear side rails of my 63 driver. With the body off, the repairs are noticeable, but when the body goes back on there's not much to see. If your frame is straight and mechanically sound, I'd save the coins for buying the 62.

Steve

[Dick W.]

Re: Mid year frame replacement

For a driver I would let price be the determining factor. But I think that you will be hard pressed to find a STRAIGHT, SOLID frame used. Remember, the last one made was 40 years ago.

[Dick W.]

Re: Mid year frame replacement

For a driver I would let price be the determining factor. But I think that you will be hard pressed to find a STRAIGHT, SOLID frame used. Remember, the last one made was 40 years ago.

[Robert C.]

Re: Mid year frame replacement

Gary, There are three ways to go. New midyear frame(most exp), New shark frame that has been modified to midyear body spects(less exp), and a used midyear frame(hard to find). The last frame quote I got for a guy (complete change-out, body off, new fuel and brake lines etc. Was $15,000, I've heard some shops will do it for $10,000.

[Robert C.]

Re: Mid year frame replacement

Gary, There are three ways to go. New midyear frame(most exp), New shark frame that has been modified to midyear body spects(less exp), and a used midyear frame(hard to find). The last frame quote I got for a guy (complete change-out, body off, new fuel and brake lines etc. Was $15,000, I've heard some shops will do it for $10,000.

[gary wilkerson]

Re: Mid year frame replacement

I've got a pretty decent setp for a shop. I was going to attempt the body swap myself.
Thats why I was mostly interested in the cost of the frame.
Have you heard good things about the later model frames reconfigured for mid year applications? That sound like the best approach

[gary wilkerson]

Re: Mid year frame replacement

I've got a pretty decent setp for a shop. I was going to attempt the body swap myself.
Thats why I was mostly interested in the cost of the frame.
Have you heard good things about the later model frames reconfigured for mid year applications? That sound like the best approach

[Chuck R.]

Re: IF money is the problem

Why not repair the one you have if your going through the agony of a body lift.

All the usual parts vendors offer repair parts for those typical blow out spots.

Aaaand I'll wager there just might be a few rear frame clips out there from those sad head on experiences

Of course if your frame is swiss cheeze and paper thin, I guess it's a mute point.

I found my donor 68 frame in a California desert junk yard for $500.00

They ARE out there, but you might have to do some searching to find it.

Chuck

[Chuck R.]

Re: IF money is the problem

Why not repair the one you have if your going through the agony of a body lift.

All the usual parts vendors offer repair parts for those typical blow out spots.

Aaaand I'll wager there just might be a few rear frame clips out there from those sad head on experiences

Of course if your frame is swiss cheeze and paper thin, I guess it's a mute point.

I found my donor 68 frame in a California desert junk yard for $500.00

They ARE out there, but you might have to do some searching to find it.

Chuck

[Patrick H.]

Re: Mid year frame replacement

I'm not sure it sounds like the "best" approach.

I'd talk with Caledonia Classics (he'll be at Carlisle) about swapping frames with one he has repaired or restored. He's the outfit that makes the repair sections. I know people who have had them repair their frames, or have just swapped to make the transition go faster.

I don't have his phone number handy, but I'm sure you could call him too.

Patrick

[Patrick H.]

Re: Mid year frame replacement

I'm not sure it sounds like the "best" approach.

I'd talk with Caledonia Classics (he'll be at Carlisle) about swapping frames with one he has repaired or restored. He's the outfit that makes the repair sections. I know people who have had them repair their frames, or have just swapped to make the transition go faster.

I don't have his phone number handy, but I'm sure you could call him too.

Patrick

[Ian S.]

Re: Mid year frame replacement

You might want to try here,

http://www.corvetteusa.com/frames.html

Not the most consistent at returning calls sometimes but his parts are really nice and rust free as advertised.

Ian

[Ian S.]

Re: Mid year frame replacement

You might want to try here,

http://www.corvetteusa.com/frames.html

Not the most consistent at returning calls sometimes but his parts are really nice and rust free as advertised.

Ian