Frame on restoration help

[Dave R.]

Does anyone know of any books that detail how to perform a frame on restoration on a C3 (1969) Corvette? I know there are plenty of books that show how to do a frame off resto but, I don't have the skills, money, time or room to attempt something like that.
I am hoping to find a book that shows the recommended steps to properly restore and detail a frame without removing the body, how to rebuild the suspension; etc.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Dave

[Gerard F.]

You don't need a frame-off

Dave,

Just do it a little at a time. Get the Service and Overhaul Manual for your year, the AIM (Assembly Instruction Manual) if available for your year, and the NCRS Judging Guide for your year, for the starters. Collect all the books for your Corvette year, read up. Maybe join NCRS and a local chapter. You get a lot of good advice right here.

I have a 67 driver, Top Flight, no frame off.

Jerry Fuccillo
#42179

[Joe L.]

Re: You don't need a frame-off

Jerry and David-----

I agree totally. As I've mentioned many times before, I do not recommend frame-off restorations unless there is no other option (e.g. major frame repair required, etc.). I PARTICULARLY don't recommend frame off restorations for a car that's going to be driven a considerable amount. For "trailer-queen" type cars it's ok, though.

[Larry M.]

Re: Frame on restoration help

Dave, A couple of years ago, Juliet#32595 posted a link to a website that held a series of photographs and her story of how she cleaned and detailed the undercarriage and frame of her 1970. She included many techniques, and an impressive amount of before and after photos. Her website is http://www.julietpage.com/, but when I looked there just now, I can no longer see that info. Juliet started the 1970 Corvette Registry; I don't know if she's still active in the hobby, but her website does contain many Corvette-related links. You may find help from her.

[Ray C.]

Re: Frame on restoration help

Dave,

The recommendations in the previous posts are very good, research and technical books are very helpful and necessary. I would add that you need to take as many digital pictures as possible. Set up a good file system so you can find the pictures when you start reassembly. You can also post pictures when you have a question about a certain part, assembly or restoration process.

Good Luck!

Ray

[Jeffrey S.]

Re: Frame on restoration help

Dave:
I did the very same thing you are planning on my '69. I did it in 2 stages. First the topside including the interior and then the underside. I removed everything removable from the undercarriage (except the transmission and engine) and started to de-rust the frame in 2 foot sections. As 1 section was completed I sprayed the area with pimer so it wouldn't re-rust. Then I moved on to another section. I found it more manageable this way. After the frame was the best I could do, I painted it by masking/blocking areas I didn't want overspray on. Then I reassembled everything and paid attention to every piece for finish, etc. I was fortunate that there was no serious deterioration of the frame and it cleaned down to bare metal nicely. The car is by no means a trailer queen but id did Top Flight 2 years ago and I plan to try again at the Michigan Regional next spring. Just be patient! Good luck.
Jeff

[Greg L.]

Re: Frame on restoration help

Here Dave, this might be what Larry was looking for.

http://www.corvetteforum.net/c3/juliet/rearsusp.htm

[Larry M.]

Re: Frame on restoration help

Yes, Greg. That's it; Juliet did a great job recording and presenting her work.

[Dave R.]

Re: Frame on restoration help

Wow, that's a pretty cool site, thanks. I hope to be able to get my car cleaned up as nice as that some day. No big hurry, the car's not going anywhere so I will just take my time and do things a little bit at a time.
Thanks for all the replies.

Dave

[Dave R.]

Re: Frame on restoration help

Wow, that's a pretty cool site, thanks. I hope to be able to get my car cleaned up as nice as that some day. No big hurry, the car's not going anywhere so I will just take my time and do things a little bit at a time.
Thanks for all the replies.

Dave

[Tom A.]

Re: Frame on restoration help

Dave
Give me a call at 540-554-2309. I will be glad to tell you what i did on my 65 for flight judging.
JT

[Tom A.]

Re: Frame on restoration help

Dave
Give me a call at 540-554-2309. I will be glad to tell you what i did on my 65 for flight judging.
JT