Need a frame

[Michael W.]

Hello everyone -- I just registered and thought I would post a thread for what I am doing. Last weekend I hosted my club to a body off demo on my '69 350/300 Coupe. The event was fantastic and everyone had a great time, but unfortunately I've discovered that my frame is pretty much toast. Rusted through most of the mounting points. I see in our Driveline magazine that corvetteusa sells restored frames and was told that Vette Products of Michigan sells brand new frames made to GM specs. Has anyone had any experiences good or bad with either of these companies? Any suggestions?

[Andy F.]

Re: Need a frame

I have used the Vette Products frame and so far am satisfied with it. The chassis is complete and had only very minor issues getting things to bolt on. The America's Finest frames are restored originals. Another option is Cannon's Corvettes in Moyock, NC. He also has restored frames and may be able to restore your's depending on how far gone it is. The C3 frames are out there for a lot less than the midyear frames, so you might get a deal on a good original. If you want new, the VP frames are nice.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Need a frame

There's a new company that is restoring them about 30 miles from me (western Michigan). When he called me last week to inquire about visiting our Regional, he boasted a 1 week turnaround! I know of the gentleman who built the fixture and who is doing some of the welding, and his work is first rate. (No, I have no $ interest in this) They will have displays at Bloomington and Carlisle.

Let me know if you're interested.

Patrick

[Dick W.]

Re: Need a frame

Vette Products is THE source for all the reproduction frames. A-1 people to deal with.

[John H.]

Re: Need a frame

See the "Frame Game" feature article in the current (July) issue of "Corvette Enthusiast" magazine; shows how Vette Products manufactures their frames.

[John D.]

Re: Need a frame

John, I read your article on the frames. You did a nice job as usual. Very interesting. I believe you said Vette Products bought all the original tooling and had it delivered using a caravan of 18 big rigs. Thanx, John D.

[Howell J.]

Re: Need a frame

If you're looking for a new frame, here's a potential pitfall.

In 1979. I ordered a new frame from the local Chevy dealer's parts department. I ordered a 1969 frame, or at least I told the parts counter man I wanted a frame for my 69 (manual transmission). I received the frame and stored it. A few weeks ago, I decided to use it for my non-numbers matching well worn 1970. I discovered that the front frame extensions of my 1970 (see AIM drawing UPC 14, Sheet A2) would not fit the frame, although these extensions should fit all 1969 to 1972 frames. Aha!! I immediately thought I'd been sold a 1968 frame by mistake..but no, the extensions from my 1968 would not fit either.

I did a Search on the NCRS archieves.... I discovered that if you ordered a frame for a 1969- 1974 C3 after 1974, you received a 1974 frame! After 1973, the GM Part service frame for all 1969 - 1974 Corvettes was Part 339719. As a further detail, if during the years 1969 to 1974 you ordered a frame, you only would get the current year's frame. So...the bottom line if someone offers you a 1969 NOS frame, beware.

I think for your 69, a genuine 69 through 72 frame will be an exact match.

[Michael M.]

Re: Need a frame

There is a 1970 Vette for sale on eBay right now, no engine, pretty sad shape, in the SouthEast. He says the frame is solid, $1500. I think that might be a pretty good deal, myself!

[Michael W.]

Re: Need a frame

Thanks for all of the responses. This is a great place to gain info on my car.