1970 LT1 - frame restoration

[Stephen L.]

Re: 70 LT1 - Frame Off

hi all - life (work family) has interrupted a bit - but plugging away - although patience is short supply, i have resisted the urge to tear the car apart - instead, i am still stocking up for the restoration - so building out more shelving in the garage (see more below on that), getting some rust removal products, some tools, reference books, shares of stock in whoever owns ziploc , etc. The real work will begin (shortly). Per Chuck's advice, I am also creating an inventory database system, so i can tag everything, know what it is and know where it is - we'll see how that goes - pretty lousy at database programs! - unfortunately for me, I will be in NYC during the Waco meet - that stinks! - but no way around it...

on garage storage, i came up with a neat idea (imho!) - i went to a place that sells used wharehouse racking, bought a number of pieces at 10 bucks a pop and will suspend them 3 feet or so from ceiling joists in the garage - this is a pretty cheap way to acheive a loft space without taking up any of the footprint - given how small my space is, i am all for going VERTICaL!

well that's it for now - just didn't want anyone to think their time helping me so far went to someone that went AWOL! - thanks, stephen

[Verle R.]

Re: 70 LT1 - Frame Off

You didn't mention..... take lots of pictures before, during and after disassembly. Key the pictures to the parts in your database.

Verle

[Terry M.]

Re: 70 LT1 - Frame Off

Be sure the garage rafters are strong enough to support the load you are going to put on those racks -- consider also the snow load on the roof if you live in a location where it snows. It gets real ugly when the roof caves in -- I DO know. If you have any doubts consult a licenced architect. While it may cost you a few bucks, it will be worth it in the long run.

[Garry Barnes]

Re: 70 LT1 - Frame Off

Stephen,
I echo Verles' comments on taking pictures. Take pictures at every angle possible, because the one view you will need will be the one you didn't take. When I did my '56 I loaded all of my digital pictures on an old computer left laying around after my boys moved out and set it up in my garage. Nothing better than being able to pull up a a series of large, detailed, color photos of what you "thought" would be easy to remember.......four months ago.

[Stephen L.]

Re: 70 LT1 - Frame Off

will do on pics - good point on not pulling the roof down! - thanks, s

[Stephen L.]

Re: 70 LT1 - Frame Off

"...four months ago" HA, HA, HA - in my case try 4 YEARS from now (at the rate I am going!!!!) -

[Alan S.]

Re: 70 LT1 - Frame Off

Hi Stephen,
I've just finished (well 99.9%) an off frame restoration of my original owner 71 Coupe. I can't say enough about having a well thought out SYSTEM of pictures, notes , diagrams, boxes and thousands of all sizes of zip-loc bags. I made a lot of mistakes and learned far more than I thought I would and had lot more fun than I thought I would. I spent 15 years... I think about 4000 hours. It really is do-able and very satisfying.
I'd be happy to talk about getting started.
Regards,
Alan

[Stephen L.]

Re: 70 LT1 - Frame Off

alan ... wow ... that is a good inspiration ... i will email you the xls spreadsheet i am working up and would be happy for any input - trying to figure out what will be the most effective way on the AV - that is, pictures and notes - thinking about a little digital recorder so i can just talk out loud while i am taking something apart - anyway, any and all suggestions on a "system" greatly appreciated - thanks in advance, stephen

[Mike M.]

Re: 70 LT1 - Frame Off

I started a 3 ring binder and when I took an area apart like the front end, I would write down the size, thread count head marking of each bolt, type of nut lock washer where it came from ect. then lay them out and take a picture of them. I did this for each area. It worked for me.

[Alan S.]

Re: 70 LT1 - Frame Off

Mike (and Stephen),
I did something very much like you describe for the fasteners on my car. What you describe works well. I was surprised how often the head markings for a fastener used on both sides of the car were different on each side. There really were many suppliers. I also found that sometimes if 4 bolts were used 1 would be a hair longer or shorter if it didn't cause problems. Nothing beats playing with old cars.
Regards,
Alan