I may need to consider my options here. Any word out there on the quality, fit and finish of Corvette frames Vette Products is manufacturing? Are their frames actually manufactured by them and where? Lastly, are their frames a good/quality replacement? Thanks in advance. Mike #28614
-
-
Re: Vette Products-Corvette frames good replacemen
Mike-----
My understanding is that they have obtained the original tooling used by A.O. Smith to manufacture the frames. From time-to-time, they rent time on a high capacity stamping press capable of stamping out the frame components utilizing the original tooling. They have a jig to assemble the components to the original dimensional specs. As far as I know, all of this is done by Vette Products in-house. I don't know where the actual stamping press is located but I believe it's somewhere in the mid-west.
I have carefully examined these frames and, if I were in need of a frame, they would be my first choice. Used frames could have suffered all sorts of problems over the years. If that were all that were available (as was the case for many years), then one would have to do the best they could with that. That's not the case, now, though. Now one has the option of a NEW frame.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Vette Products-Corvette frames good replacemen
Mike,
I bought one last spring for my project. I have had only minor complaints about the repro frame...very minor. You do have to locate and drill your holes for the brake and fuel lines, but if you have your original to work off of, it is no problem. Everything has bolted up so far and my chassis is almost complete. I did choose to open up a couple holes (index, or datum)to match my original. I will yet to put the body back on yet, but I do not expect any problems. It sure is a nice looking piece.
AndyComment
-
Re: Vette Products-Corvette frames good replacemen
andy,
In ballpark figures how much does a repro frame cost these days ???..thanksComment
-
Re: Vette Products-Corvette frames good replacemen
In 1997 I paid $1999.00 for new rear frame for a 67. Complete from 24" in front of rear wheel to rear crossmember. Fit for the most part was ok with exception of the box width did not match original frame at weld joint. The welds on the box on ea side was ground off so it could be enlarged to match old frame. Box height was ok as I recall. At that time it shipped from HIGHWOOD DIE & ENGINEERING Pontiac Mich. but was purchased thru Vette Products.
H PComment
-
Re: Vette Products-Corvette frames good replacemen
I think it was $4350 last year. You'll have to check their web site to see what it goes for these days.Comment
-
Re: Vette Products-Corvette frames good replacemen
Hi Mike:
I have inspected the Vette Products frames at Carlisle and they look great. If I needed a new frame I would buy one from Vette Products instead of risking hidden problems with a used original.
While it is true that Vette products owns and uses the the original GM tooling, the reality is bit more complicated. During the production years, the tooling was modified each year to accomodate any changes for the new year. So, when Vette Products purchased the tooling, what they got was the tooling for late C3 frames. They had to go back and modify or supplement the tools in order to be able to manufacture a correct frame for any given year.
They have done a pretty good job of this, but a knowledgeable expert might be able to find minor faults with small details like gussets or holes that are not exactly correct for a given year. As far as I know, any such differences that may exist are very minor.Comment
-
Re: Vette Products-Corvette frames good replacemen
I've got a real big block convertible car with many good options.....questionable frame however. Can through money at corrosion repair or spend my money on a replacment frame. Vette Products sounds like viable option.Comment
-
Re: Vette Products-Corvette frames good replacemen
I spent a day last week with Neal Porter and his crew at Vette Products, going through all the step-by-step detail of making the stampings and assembling the frames, plus the history of acquiring/transferring all the dies, where the parts are stamped now, and all 21 different variations of the C1 and C2/C3 frames they manufacture. It will be a photo-illustrated feature article in the July issue of "Corvette Enthusiast" magazine, out in about 8 weeks.
C1 frames run about $4300, C2's about $4600, and C3's from $3100-$4400 depending on engine/transmission.
Vette Products of MichiganComment
Comment