C3 restoration question

[Dave R.]

I was wondering; if someone had limited funds and didn't want their Corvette to sit in pieces for years while they accumulated the funds and/or parts would it be possible to have, for instance, the frame and suspension done on the car and then, as funds became available, have the engine or body re-done?

I know this may cost the owner more money in the long run but it would be a way to get the car restored a little at a time while still allowing the guy to enjoy the car.

Just a thought as I would love to have my car restored but, I can't afford to have it done all at once and I don't have the space or the skills to do it myself. I though, if I could do it in individual projects throughout the years I could eventually end up with the car being fully restored.

Thanks,

Dave

[Wayne K.]

Re: C3 restoration question

Dave,

If your talking about a frame on restoration, yes you could do it a little at a time and still enjoy the use of the car. I would never do a frame off that way.
Others may think otherwise.

[Lyndon S.]

Re: C3 restoration question

That would definitely work for a frame on restoration. A lot of people do just that, and not all of them are corvette restorations other types of cars have been subject also. You still might want to budget and plan out the major parts and work that would needed to be done, so that it would flow.

Kelly

[Dave R.]

Re: C3 restoration question

What kind of results can you get doing a frame-on restoration as opposed to a frame -off? I have read where a frame off is actually easier.
I want my car to be the best it can be, as a driver / local car show entry, but I don't think I can afford a frame-off job.

Are there any books out there that cover frame on restorations?

[Bill L.]

Re: C3 restoration question

I am in the process of doing what you are saying regarding a frame on restoration. A lot has to do with the shape of the car to begin with. Keep in mind this is my first attempt too.

Mine is a Texas car so I have no rust issues. If you have major rust issues a frame off may be the only option. Otherwise, I have looked at some frame on restorations and they looked great! I am guessing there is some stuff that is much harder to work on with the body on.

I can tell you that I have almost completed the interior restoration and it came out great!. If you are going to have the car judged just do your research and make sure whatever you do it is correct for that year car according to NCRS. Go look at original cars if you can and compare. Little things like the carpet will have to be modified to match original. Especially the binding. If you are serious forget about repro parts and spend the money on NOS or restorable originals. The interior parts that are currently available are just aweful. Actually, Al Knock makes some real nice stuff. I learned the hard way and purchased both repros and NOS since repros were so bad.

Mine is still a work in process and my current project is the engine compartment, with the engine in, and exhaust system. What I have also found is that a lot of times assembly line parts are not the same as NOS parts so again do your homework.

What I have discovered is that if you are willing to really study and research you can have almost any part restored to it's original state. A recent example is the battery cables. None of the repros are correct. However, you can get really close by carefully removing your grommets(if usable) and lugs(if usable, and some shops will use them to make up a correct set of cables. I love it when people say you cannot do something and then you get it done. Have fun is all I can say.

I would love it if I could afford to pay a shop but then again it is sure rewarding to say I did it myself.

Just my two cents and then some.

Bill

[James G.]

Re: C3 restoration question

A good friend just bought a 66 convertible 427/425 hp body off frame "restoration in process" car this past summer. The body was seperated from the chassis in 1985 and everything was broken down and restoration began.

The complete chassis, original engine and driveline were completely restored in 1986-88. The body was stripped, and fiberglass repaired where minor damage existed. The body was painted in 1999 and left on the dolley waiting to be reunited with the car.

All interior trim is new in boxes and many, many NOS parts are with the car.

Chrome is replated.

The car has sat all these years, and the owner / restorer had to sell for health issues and a very unforgiving wife.

New owner says :
1.- I will have to re-do the suspension all over again as 'age' and corrision has taken that 'new' look away.

2.- Much of the chrome and all fastners need to go to the chrome shop and be re-done.

2.- The original engine and trans and differential and trailing arms are going to expert mechanical shops to make SURE all is correct and mechanically strong.

3.- He feels that at leat $50000 more dollars will be spent to get this car completed and back on the road and 'show' circuit. He bought it for $75000 and says at $125,000 done he did not save any money on what a nice 66 big block 425hp convert costs today. He will know however, the car will be correct and 'right' when complete.

4.- We are not here for a long time........just a good time, so if your having fun keep on, but don't let this project get the best of you.

[Dave R.]

Re: C3 restoration question

Bill I appreciate the reply and would love to see some pictures of what you have been able to accomplish. I am not looking to do an NCRS quality resto job as I don't think I have the patience. Don't get me wrong; I love to look at perfectly restored Corvettes but, I think I already screwed myself in that regard as I just finished redoing the interior with Al Knoch seat covers and foam as well as Eckler's carpet. I had the seats recovered at an upholstery shop since I wasn't comfortable trying that job on my own. I installed the carpet myself as well as installed a new heater core while the interior was out.
I wouldn't consider my work show quality but, I am pretty proud of the fact that I did something like that on my own.
I don't want to have to re-do my work in order to get the car up to NCRS standards so I think I am going to try the body on frame route and just do what I can, the best that I can and try to keep it fun and enjoyable.

[Harmon C.]

Re: C3 restoration question

Dave
If the body cushions and the body mounts are not rusted bad then a frame on is one way you can go a little at a time. If your #4 body mounts are rusted through or the rocker channels are toast I would go with a frame off. If you look close at what you have the decision should be pretty clear.

Lyle

[Bill B.]

Re: C3 restoration question

Dave, I agree with Lyle. I decided to do frame off on a 72 convertible after finding the windshield frame rotted, #4 mounts rotted, one #3 mount bolt frozen, one seat extension rotted from rocker channel and the trailing arm pockets essentially siezed up. This car was a great looking driver too. I cannot even imagine getting the trailing arms and frame kickup area refurbished unless you at least just lifted the body up just a little(momentarily?). If your #4 mounts and the seat extension plates and/or sills are bad--do it right. If you don't have any of these problems, body on cosmetic effort makes a lot of sense to me and you can be driving it!