68 frame repair

[John B.]

I've attached some pictures of my 68 frame after cutting away the rust damage to the driver side. The remainder of the frame appears to be very solid with surface rust only and not much pitting. I even removed the end cap on the passenger side frame rail so I could see if there was any hidden damage and it looks great. I'm having the frame blasted now, so I'll know for sure the condition in a few days. Assuming it comes back from the blaster in good shape, I'd like to repair this frame since it is original to the car. I don't want to replace the entire kickup assembly since without jigging it pretty securely, I think there would be a good chance of getting it installed incorrectly and also I would lose my VIN stamping. My thinking is that if I removed the kickup reinforcement and sectioned the lower half of the kickup in an area that was covered by the reinforcement, once the crossmember damage was repaired, a new kickup lower section piece was grafted in, a new reinforcement installed, and the frame rails repaired that I'd have a virtually undetectable and strong repair. The problem is that I cannot purchase only a lower half of the kickup. I can buy the entire kickup and cut it apart, but that seems to be an expensive and time consuming way to go. Any opinions or experience with this type of repair? Anyone have a driver side kickup section that they would be willing to sell?

Based on looking at the pictures that I've added to this post, Vette Products of Michigan tells me that this frame has holes in it for mounting a side exhaust, which should not be there on a 68. I don't know which holes they are talking about and if they could have been added at some point in the cars past. If they are not original, I would weld them shut. Can anyone help me identify the holes in the frame rail that should not be there?

On the #4 crossmember there are 2 small holes adjacent to where the spare tire carrier bolt attaches on both sides. (the picture only shows one side) There was nothing attached to the crossmember at these positions when I disassembled the car, so I'm not sure what their purpose is or was. Are they supposed to be there and if so, what is supposed to attach to them?

Thanks for all the help with my project.

John Brough

[Jim T.]

Re: 68 frame repair

John I have a original owner 68 with its original frame and it has the same holes in the frame as my original owner 70 where a bolt can be inserted in the same hole in the last picture you have posted. The bolt head goes into the circular hole and is moved to retain it in the frame. This same hole is where I installed a bolt for the 69 side exhaust that I used to have on my 70, installed in 1974. This installed bolt is for attachment of the 69 style rear side exhaust muffler bracket. I just examined my 68 and 70 and the frames have the same attachment point that your frame picture shows to the right of where you have cut out the rusted frame.

[Terry B.]

Re: 68 frame repair

Hi John,

I'm not sure if you are aware of this but in mid-production of '68, frames were strenghtened with a guset right behind the rear doglegs. You might want to add this to your frame if it is not there already. If it is there, could you give your build date as we can better estimate when this change took place.

FYI - I had to replace the frame on my '68 due to rust. It was too far gone for your type of repair.

Thanks,

Terry

[John B.]

Re: 68 frame repair

Terry, Not sure what the gusset you are talking about looks like or exactly where it is located. I've seen the later frames with a brace that angles up from the #3 crossmember to the rear kickup. Is that the gusset or is there something else that I should look for? My frame does not have that brace. The cars build date is Oct 19, 1967.

John

[Terry B.]

Re: 68 frame repair

Hi John,

You are correct. That is the brace I am speaking of. It really strengthens the rear of the car. The change over took place later in production, December/January at the earliest. However, the '68 body was designed to accept the brace at the start of production. You can tell this by looking under the body of the car, particularly at the battery and jack compartments. Those areas are angled to accept the brace. I would highly consider adding the brace if you want a stronger frame. You will need to be sure of the measurements and attachments because it is a precise fit with the frame and body.

Good luck on the repair of your frame.

Terry

[Jim T.]

Re: 68 frame repair

Hi John,

You are correct. That is the brace I am speaking of. It really strengthens the rear of the car. The change over took place later in production, December/January at the earliest. However, the '68 body was designed to accept the brace at the start of production. You can tell this by looking under the body of the car, particularly at the battery and jack compartments. Those areas are angled to accept the brace. I would highly consider adding the brace if you want a stronger frame. You will need to be sure of the measurements and attachments because it is a precise fit with the frame and body.

Good luck on the repair of your frame.

Terry

Terry the change took place later than what you have posted. My 1968 Corvette was built in February 1968 and my original owner 68 does not have the two braces you mentioned.