1960 Frame Repair/Replacement

[Don W.]

I have an opportunity to buy a 1960 from the original owner. The car is completly original including the 230 horsepower engine, 3 spd transmission, interioir and paint.

The owner drove this car very often (snow and salt)and the right frame rail has a five foot long rotted section. I think the rear crossmember is shot as well. Does anyone know of reproduction or original frames for sale? Is time to completion of such a project often measured in years?

What is a car like this worth? She runs poorly but everything is there including the complete washer system, positraction rear and visors. It needs a new dash pad, seat covers and a lot of TLC.

Thanks,

Don Walker

[Steve Junkersfeld]

Re: 1960 Frame Repair/Replacement

Don, From my perspective, which is near completion of a 56 body off restoration, these efforts take either a lot of money, a lot of time, or a lot of money and time. My 56 has been 3 years in the process. I believe that the rotted frame is not an issue since original frames, repro frames and frame components for C-1s are relatively plentiful. As to what the car is worth? It is difficult to say without seeing it. I think it also depends on how emotional you are about it. If you are looking at it as a chance to make a few dollars - it's probably not worth it, unless your labor at 25 cents an hour doesn't count. If you love the car and what it does for you (which is how I feel about my 56) then it sounds like a great long term project. Good Luck, Steve

[David H.]

Re: 1960 Frame Repair/Replacement

Don; I have been doing frame repairs on a 62 (for my wife) and only started 2 months ago , on the frame. It was rusted about as bad as the one you are looking at, mostly on the bottom of the rails at the back. I chose to weld the frame to some chanel iron fixture that I made at home and then repair each side of each section one piece at a time. I was going to purchase the new frame sections but the cost and the fact that they are smooth square tubbing plus the fact that they still have to be welded in changed my mind. You will be able to spot the repair either way.

The service manual was very helpfull with all demensions needed to check and straighten the frame. I marked all parts to be cut off (to be replaced later) with punch marks so I could get them back in the exact locations. I saved big bucks not buying the sections as I just cut out sheetmetal 1/8th" thick using some cardboard templets I made as I went. The job took about 12 10hr. days to be ready to blast and paint, now it is reassembled with all new parts and ready for the body drop. E-mail me for more details: doggy165@yahoo.com David