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Frame Werx

  • Thread starter Thread starter matchframe
  • Start date Start date
M

matchframe

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Got a lot of welding done on the frame today. I am completing the welds the factory left off. At the factory, they just spot-welded the frame about every 6 inches, and some of the C3s have problems of weld breaking around the A-arms. My plan is to weld gussets to strengthen these areas. Thanks to TZRacer, I have a plan on paper to beef up the frame.

Here are some pics: The first one shows how the factory spotwelded the frame. This is where the transmission crossmember bolts to the bottom of the frame. (Frame is upside down right now)
 
This next pic is on the other frame rail where I completed the welds next to the crossmember bolt hole.
 
This next pic show the distance I went on that same frame rail. before I finish, I will grind it smooth so it will look like one piece of metal.
 
This pic shows what the underside of the frame looks like at the spring mounts. I have a lot of work to do here.
 
This is a closer look at the under side just under the engine. There is some damage here, mostly from floor jacks.
 
here is a grease pencil markings from the factory on the underside of the differential crossmember.
 
Here is a look at the entire frame as it sits upside down from the rear.
 
Good work. It won't be long 'til it looks like this.
frame-paint01.jpg


Are you going to use POR-15?
 
That is my plan. I want to try to get the POR 15 up inside of the frame rails as well. Not sure how I will do that yet.

BTW, your frame looks awesome!

Hopefully, before long, mine will be there as well.
 
matchframe,

I brushed POR-15 inside the areas I could reach and I sprayed Tremclad Rust Paint (like Rustoleum) through all the holes with a tube. I figured I got 80% or 90% of the insides this way.

Judging by the excellent condition my frame was in after 36 years, I figure it'll now outlast me on this planet. :D
 
67, what did you prop your body on? Do you worry about stress cracks and other permanent damage to it?
 
67, that is the same body dolly I built for my body!

Let me guess, Nolan Adams?
 
How did you get your fiberglass body off of the frame? Because we aren't metal, I assume that we aren't bolted on to the frame. What was required?
 
I used a body sling, and yes, they are bolted to the frame at eight places.
 
Stallion said:
How did you get your fiberglass body off of the frame? Because we aren't metal, I assume that we aren't bolted on to the frame. What was required?

C2 Corvettes have four body mounts along each side for a total of eight. Convertibles add two more. You'll find most of them well-rusted and very difficult to take apart.

Count and record the number of shims at each location for later reference.
 

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