Need Advice on Frame Replacement

[James A.]

I have a 63 convertible that I am in the process of restoring, primarily because of a badly rusted frame. During the disassembly, I verified that it is, as best I can tell, numbers matching. I had hoped that the frame was repairable, but after I got the body off, I had my doubts (see picture). I took it to an experienced welder that I trusted to get his opinion and he said he would not recommend trying to repair it even with all the replacement sections available. I found and bought a used 64 frame which is in excellent condition. My dilemma now is (1) how big a sin is it to put a 64 frame under an assumed numbers matching 63, and (2) how to proceed to match up the body to the 64 frame. As I see it, my options are to replace the body mounting pads on the 64 frame to make it look as much like a 63 as possible, or leave the 64 frame as is and use 64 mounting hardware to attach the body. I have already made the modifications for the parking brake cable. I would appreciate any advice and/or suggestions on how I should proceed.

[John L.]

Re: Need Advice on Frame Replacement

James could the 64 become a doner frame using sections of the 64 to repair the 63 frame? Is the 63 frame beyond this type of repair?
Just a thought.
John

[James A.]

Re: Need Advice on Frame Replacement

John,
That might be a possibility. The 63 frame is in fair to good shape from the frame cross member with the exhaust pipe holes forward. From there back to just past the lower part of the kick-up assembly, it is in poor condition on both sides. The upper portion of the kick-up assemble is in fair condition except for the rightrear corner which is a little bent up apparrently from an accident. I would probably have to cut both frames in half just behind the cross-member and use the front of the 63 and the rear of the 64 which I don't think would have any advantage over just using the entire 64 frame, but it is another option. Thanks for the suggestion.

Jim

[Henry A.]

Re: Need Advice on Frame Replacement

James, I understand where you are coming from. I have just finished a similar project with my 63 coupe. We replaced every part of the frame except the engine cradle. We were struggling with getting a frame done or using one of the few folks that build frames to help us. The lead time was unacceptable. Based on this we teamed up with a local fabricator that builds race cars and commissioned a jig to be built. My frame was the first...it came out flawless. We took the rolling chassis to the Detroit Regional Event and shared it with the participants. We received very positive reviews. We have a 63 & a 66 frame done and will be taking them to Carlisle. We would love to get your core and provide you a done frame or use your original and rebuild it for you. Let me know if we can help you with this project. Henry

[Dave F.]

Re: Need Advice on Frame Replacement

I would use the '64 frame and adapt it to '63 requirements and call it a day.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Need Advice on Frame Replacement

If it were mine and a #'s matching 63 car, I would buy a new 63 frame and fix it correctly. If your 64 frame is nice, it's worth $$ to someone with the same problem only 64 car.

I know it's expensive but what's the rest of the car like?

[Harry S.]

Re: Need Advice on Frame Replacement

Best I can recall there are only two differences between the 63 frame and the 64 frame. First, the body mounts are taller on a 63 frame as there are no rubber cushions between the mounts and the body. Second, there is an extra bracket welded to the side rail for the hand brake connection. I would just change the body mounts and add the bracket. These parts are available.

You can also cut out the VIN numbers and move them to the 64 frame if you wish to go that far. Weld them in, grind to match then paint away.

This has got to be less expensive than cutting up two frames to make one.

If I missed any other frame differences someone will chime in.

[David D.]

Re: Need Advice on Frame Replacement

James, I understand where you are coming from. I have just finished a similar project with my 63 coupe. We replaced every part of the frame except the engine cradle. We were struggling with getting a frame done or using one of the few folks that build frames to help us. The lead time was unacceptable. Based on this we teamed up with a local fabricator that builds race cars and commissioned a jig to be built. My frame was the first...it came out flawless. We took the rolling chassis to the Detroit Regional Event and shared it with the participants. We received very positive reviews. We have a 63 & a 66 frame done and will be taking them to Carlisle. We would love to get your core and provide you a done frame or use your original and rebuild it for you. Let me know if we can help you with this project. Henry

Henry,
What location can you be found at? I might be interested in chatting and viewing the 2 frames you'll have with you.
David

[James A.]

Re: Need Advice on Frame Replacement

I really appreciate the the feedback. I've decided that I'm going to just use the 64 frame since I have it in hand. That's the cheapest solution and serves my purpose. Once I change out the mounting pads, sand blast it, and paint it, it will be identical to a 63 replacement frame. I don't think I'll go to the trouble of moving the serial no. from the old frame. It is just bearly legible on the kickup part of the frame due to the rusting of the frame and I cannot even see the last two digits. I have not been able to find the no. on the side rail at all.
Even though I am assuming this is a numbers matching car, my initial objective was just to make it a good driver. The rest of the car is in fairly good shape, and I will be doing some additional restoration work on it.

Thanks again,
Jim