1969 frame replacement

[Johan]

I just bought a '69 with a rusted out frame. Also included was a replacement frame that is painted and ready.
First question is, I have about 100 cm or 40" from the top of the windshield to the garage ceiling, will this be enough to get the frame out from under the body? Rather than lifting it from the top, I plan to raise the body from the bottom using jacks and some wood. Any thoughts on this?

Also, anybody know of a good step-by step guide or any other information online regarding the separation of body and frame, and what needs to be disconnected and so on?

Thanks, Johan

 

[JohnZ]

This is a body lift checklist for a midyear, but it should be pretty much the same for your '69:

Tech Tips

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Johan,

I think your 1m of clearance should be just enough. Tightest spot will be the floor pans going over (under?) the carburetor.

Nice car!

 

[Johan]

Thanks! I'll print that list and put it on the garage wall.

Mikey, it looks nice from a distance, but the frame is real bad. Turned out to be an unpleasant surprise for the previous owner who imported it here.

I've also seen several posts naming a book that is supposed to be good reference for a body lift, but I cant find it now. Anyone?

 

[paz72vette]

Johan,

check out this web site. These is a guy that is totally disassembling his 71 vette and has pictures of the entire process.

The Corvette Restoration Page - Your Automotive Restoration Resource

enjoy


paz

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Maybe this one?

Motorbooks.com - How to Rebuild Corvette Rolling Chassis 1963-1982 - by George McNicholl

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Johan,

Just thinking- are you sure the birdcage is in good shape? It's kind of rare to see a rotted out frame without similar damage on the birdcage. Ask me how I know.

 

[Johan]

No, I'm not sure about the birdcage, I guess I will find out the hard way. It looks ok from what I have seen so far. Some specific problem areas I could check with the body still on the frame?

Swapping the frame seems straightforward even though I have not done it before, but I sure hope I won't have to remove the front clip from the body...

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Remove the kickpanels in the footwells, you'll be able to see the lower part of the door hinge pillar post.

Remove the interior trim around the windshield, or simply run a piece of stiff cardboard around the gap. Watch for rust flakes falling out.

Better you know now than later.

No need to separate the front clip for a frame swap.

 

[Johan]

Ok, I'm going to pick up the new frame tomorrow morning, but I will check when I come back. I did investigate the rear part of the birdcage today, back of the doors, but it seemed ok.

What I meant is that if the birdcage is rotten, then I probably have to remove the front clip from the body to repair it?

 

[Mac]

What I meant is that if the birdcage is rotten, then I probably have to remove the front clip from the body to repair it?

Not necessarily; it depends on which part is rusted. The bottom sills of my birdcage were rusted beyond repair. I was lucky enough to find a set of NOS sills from another forum member. Problem solved.

-Mac

 

[Vettehead Mikey]

Mac is correct- if on the other hand the pillar posts are gone, removing the front clip makes access easier. That's what I did.

BTW Mac, I had a note from our old buddy Ron DeV the other day. Good to know he's alive and well. :cool