Got a frame yesterday!!

[CHEV66JB]

Well friends,

My Project '59 reached another significant milestone yesterday.. I spent 10 hours on the road driving to VA and back to pick up a frame for my car. The guy was putting a new custom frame under his existing car and was letting this one go..

The frame is in excellent condition with only minor surface rust. I don't even have to change out the rear crossmember! I'll be updating my site soon w/pics, but just wanted to let you all know the good news!

Regards,

Jim

 

[Zixxer]

Just checked out your website....that's a great project!!! You're doing something with your father that only a few could dream to do...enjoy every minute of it, even the set backs will be great memories if you do it together. Wish a had a part for you, I would donate it just to help you along.

 

[CHEV66JB]

Re:

Zixxer- Thanks for the kind words Yeah, it's been a great project to date to do with him. The wife doesn't totally understand it, but I think it's something only a father/son combo can follow..

Feel free to bookmark the site, as I will be updating it with details on the frame (hopefully later today).

Regards,

Jim

 

[BarryK]

Hi Jim

A frame? Gee, that's only a minor part for the car isn't it? wait until you get some big, important parts like a trim piece!
LOL
only kidding - congrats on the frame. I guess with a frame you can really get moving on your project now. Can't wait to see the new pics on your website.
BTW, I'm not too far from you - would love to come down sometime and check out your project in person.

Barry

 

[IH2LOSE]

I happy for you.Bit by Bit and it will be on the road again.

 

[CHEV66JB]

Re:

Yep Barry, you're right- When I find one of the truly significant parts for the car, I'll let ya know...

You or anyone can come by anytime at all to check out the project(s). Keep in mind I have a '66 Chevelle that's a step away from being painted, and my Dad's '76 Stingray I still have to pull the tranny out of.. A motorhead's job is never done...


Jim

PS: thanks to everyone else who gave their appreciation on this thread as well! I've been spending the AM cleaning the frame up and getting a coat of paint on her- The rear crossmember is still 98% perfect! AMEN!!!

 

[67HEAVEN]

Jim,

I've decided to adopt you. My son has little interest in the car. You and your dad working together on cars is a father's dream.

However, I suspect my son may start paying more attention the first time I turn the key.

 

[Imachad]

Jim,

I've decided to adopt you. My son has little interest in the car. You and your dad working together on cars is a father's dream.

However, I suspect my son may start paying more attention the first time I turn the key.

Adopt me too! Its the opposite here, I love my Vette and my dad has little intrest in it. Oh well, different strokes for different folks.

 

[CHEV66JB]

Re:

67HEAVEN, where do I sign??

My Dad's been a good partner in this one, but it hasn't seemed like he's been really "into" the project until now.. Getting the body sections was a big thing for me, but to him it was just "parts". But now, having the whole chassis sitting there staring you in the face, it's suddenly had a much greater impact! Now if I could just find the keys...

Regards,

Jim

 

[studiog]

Hey Jim congrats on the frame. Can't wait to see pics. You are probably familiar with POR 15. I used it to paint my frame it works great and is tough stuff and it loves to go over clean rust. Any way good luck.

 

[CHEV66JB]

Re:

Thanks for the info Studio! For now, just to get a coat of paint on it, I've just been using plain old Rust-O-Leum flat black. I've gone over about half of the frame today w/a DA sander and 120-grit paper, as she really doesn't need much more!

I actually just loaded 2 pics, and will load more soon. You can read up on the project status here.

For those who want so see everything from the beginning, go to this link.

Regards,

Jim

 

[studiog]

Just checked out the picture. You got a very complete chassis! It looks great.

 

[wapaugh]

Hey congrats Jim,

Sounds like it's all starting to come together for you. I've been following the project on your website and must say you sure went the hard route on your car. I've reached a milestone on my own "Project 59". I built a body dolly this weekend and am ready to separate glass from iron, so to speak. I'm hopeful that my frame is in good condition because I have decided to restore the car as much as possible rather than buy a modified Newman chassis as I had previously stated. I know already that my rear X-member is completely shot, so you're ahead of the game there. Keep up the good work.

Wes

 

[Tom Bryant]

Some Thoughts On Buying A Used Frame

I know there have been posts in other threads about buying a used frame suggesting grinding off the serial number on the frame to "protect" yourself from someone trying to claim it at a later date. I don't think this is a good idea. Here's why:

1) This number is the only way to prove that this is the frame you bought. I would suggest getting a notorized bill of sale to keep with your records. If this frame matches the car the seller is modifying I would also have him state that he owned car number J58Sxxxxxx at the time of sale and was replacing the frame with a custom one.

2) You would be destroying history. Being able to say you know where serial number J58Sxxxxxx frame is may someday be a big deal to someone trying to document a '58 or even just looking for details on '58 frames close to his in number.

3) A law enforcement officer would be highly suspicious of a ground off number on a frame where he knows there should be one. He may even want to impound the frame, or whole car, until this question gets sorted out. There are chemicals that can be put on the ground area and the number will show up under a black light. This is because the molecules are compressed clear through the thin metal of the frame rail from stamping. You would have to completely remove and replace a section of the rail to eliminate any trace of the number. That could also be detected so it's still my opinion that the best thing to do is never tamper with serial numbers.

4) The chances of there ever being a question about the frame number by anyone other than NCRS types is very slim. This would likely only come up if someone noticed your '59 doesn't have strut rods on the rear end.

BTW I know that the strut rods are available repro but I don't think the frame and rear end housing brackes are. You might be able to get them off of a junk frame and housing or fab them yourself. They are fairly simple pieces. I'll get some pictures to you on these so you can see what they consist of. I took some pics for someone esle a while back. Just need to locate the floppy.

Tom