67 Frame end cap question

[Ara G.]

Hey guys,
I took a look at a 67 roadster recently. Car had some issues, but decent car. One problem was the rear end cap on the frame on the driver's side was rusted. There was a hole in it. The rest of the frame looked solid and no real issues. Am assuming it's seen some salt from snow states in it's life. Question is - what's involved with repairing it? How tough is it to do? Will it be expensive? Can it be done with the body on the frame? I know NOTHING about this type of issue, as I have never owned a car with a rusted end cap. Any insight would be appreciated. Thanks as always guys. ARA

[Gene M.]

Re: 67 Frame end cap question

Ara,
I'm assuming the rest of the frame in this area is solid and thick metal. The fix is simple, cut out the rusty sheet metal cap. Use a small cut off wheel on your die grinder to cut thru the fillet welds securing the cap. Once removed depending on how good your cutting was use this for a pattern on 16 gage metal to cut out a new cap. Understand the originals do have a small opening at the bottom for water drain.

Clean up painted surfaces where the weld is going to be. Mig weld the new piece in place when you are satisfied with the fit. Short tach length welds are all that is needed.

Yes you can do this on the car without removing anything more than the tire. Be advised to cover the body with welding tarps. Repaint area and your done.

Doing this on passenger side not advised.....fuel line in area.

[Jack H.]

Re: 67 Frame end cap question

I'm not trying to be negative here, but just cautious...but...I would be concerned that if the frame was rusted completely thru in this one area, how bad is the rest of it. Frames can appear solid, but can rust from the inside out too. Maybe there's a plausible explanation for why something occurred just locally here, i.e. water trapped and/or minor defect that was a catalyst in just one area and the rest is just fine. I'd carefully consider and thoroughly inspect this issue before purchase.

[Dick W.]

Re: 67 Frame end cap question

An unscientific way to check the frame is to use a body pick hammer. Start in a known solid area, usually somewhere behind the engine. You do not have to peck hard but you will hear a different sound if the frame is thin.

[Ara G.]

Re: 67 Frame end cap question

Gene,
Thanks so much for the response. I appreciate it. I am going to look into it further.

Jack,
I also appreciate the advice. I do not like cars with frame issues. I am cautious...I can't understand how it happened in one area and not in any others. I am going to look at it again when i get a chance and jack the car up and go over the whole frame with a hammer.

If it is in fact isolated to this end cap and the frame is otherwise sound, then the fix as Gene outlined sounds the way to go.
Thanks so much.

[Paul J.]

Re: 67 Frame end cap question

An unscientific way to check the frame is to use a body pick hammer. Start in a known solid area, usually somewhere behind the engine. You do not have to peck hard but you will hear a different sound if the frame is thin.

Ara, what Dick said. I find it easier to use a small ice pick, the kind that fits into the palm of your hand. Mine came from HF and cost about a buck fifty. It's easier to use in front of the owner.

Paul

[Joe L.]

Re: 67 Frame end cap question

I'm not trying to be negative here, but just cautious...but...I would be concerned that if the frame was rusted completely thru in this one area, how bad is the rest of it. Frames can appear solid, but can rust from the inside out too. Maybe there's a plausible explanation for why something occurred just locally here, i.e. water trapped and/or minor defect that was a catalyst in just one area and the rest is just fine. I'd carefully consider and thoroughly inspect this issue before purchase.

Jack and Ara-----


YUP!

[Dick W.]

Re: 67 Frame end cap question

Gene,
Thanks so much for the response. I appreciate it. I am going to look into it further.

Jack,
I also appreciate the advice. I do not like cars with frame issues. I am cautious...I can't understand how it happened in one area and not in any others. I am going to look at it again when i get a chance and jack the car up and go over the whole frame with a hammer.

If it is in fact isolated to this end cap and the frame is otherwise sound, then the fix as Gene outlined sounds the way to go.
Thanks so much.

I have looked at quite a few cars over the years and cannot remember one that had end cap problems that did not have other frame issues. The pick hammer is a standard tool in my inspection kit. Dealers do not like it either when I take my borescope and look at the inside of the frame

[David K.]

Re: 67 Frame end cap question

Hi Ara;

I have looked at Corvette frames for over 20 years now, and agree with the other posts... The best way to proceed is by starting at the front end (heat from the engine always keeps that part of the frame dry), and work your way back. If the sound gets higher in pitch, there is thinning out. Be patient for a car with a solid frame. Took me almost four years to find my 1965, which I bought this winter in Atlanta. Regards from montreal; David Kalaydjian

[Ara G.]

Re: 67 Frame end cap question

Thanks to all for their input...I am going to put it up on stands and take a much closer look at the frame. I already am blessed with having 2 very nice 67 coupes, so I can be patient...Thanks again. I will post my findings once I take a closer look at it...Thanks again...ARA