C2 - Frame, undercarriage clean-up/paint??

[Keith B.]

Gentlemen: Thank-you to all who assisted me with my 66 dash re-paint. I used an air-brush with dash in car and masked area...worked great!! Looks perfect!!

I have a 66 L-36, unrestored, car with 39,939 org miles. I'm not very mechanically inclined but am really enjoying (actually loving it) working on my first C2 and take pride in restoring/detailing items to "like new" condition. I've had great sucess with my dash, console, glove box, clock, etc.

I'm not in a position to do a frame off right now and would like to clean up the undercarriage, recondition/paint frame and other parts to freshen this area up. The frame is rock solid with 38 yrs of grime and factory paint very faded.

1) Can one clean up and recondition/paint the undercarriage/frame with the body on??
2) What is the best way to do this??
3) What are the best tips or process to follow to do the best job possible?
4) Where does one find the right paint colors (book) to correctly paint all the areas to spec?
5) Will tall jack stands work or do you need a hoist??

Sorry guys, just learning here and would appreciate your best practices.

Happy Holidays,
Keith.

[Rick Stecchi]

Re: C2 - Frame, undercarriage clean-up/paint??

I have a 67 427 37K original untouched car and have the same issue. The frame has 37 years of original paint on it.

My opnion: other than some light cleaning with soap and water,
"Don't Touch It"!!!!

I painted my intake and valve covers and now I am sorry I did!

Original is original, paint fade, chips, blemishes, etc..

Just my humble opnion. Hope it helps.

[Allen W.]

Re: C2 - Frame, undercarriage clean-up/paint??

The previous message is one opinion and it has merit. However if you wish to clean up/paint as you stated I would search the archives. There is a ton of previous data and discussion there. Paints are avaliable from Eastwood, GM and of all places your John Deere dealer. These paints produce varoius levels of sheen that match factory finishes. The archives will discuss the proper paints for different areas.
Allen

[Mike M.]

Re: C2 - Frame, undercarriage clean-up/paint??

agree wtih rick, especially if your intent is to take the vette thru Bowtie judging. just clean frame of dirt/grease/grim then coat all exposed surfaces with used motor oil from a diesel engine(lots of carbon in used diesel engine oil , the dark color of which simulates the frame black paint used to dip the frame originally). good luck, mike