Hi everyone,
Just blowing away the remains of Xmas and New Year and starting work on the frame off renovation in earnest. Of course, I have to tackle the worst problem first, which is severe rust (ie no metal left in parts) from in the rear support-lock pillar through to the sill reinforcement and on to the (fornt) hinge pillar.

There are two distinct parts to the problem:
1. Obtaining replacement metal work -- I need at least new components for the driver's side, but having reviewed several catalogs, I haven't been able to identify sources for all the necessary components. Any ideas?? (I would like the parts ASAP - the welder is wating you see - so there is no time for an ad.)

2. The proximity of metal to GRP -- How to weld it, GRP on or GRP off?

The front end looks simple (ha, ha), a few rivets to the windshield frame and some bonding down the hinge pillar and associated areas. Is it reallly so easy or are there hidden problems in rebuilding?

With respect to the support-lock pillar (rear pillar), will it come out of the GRP relatively easily once all the bolts are out and the long vertical bond cut?

Finally, what are the hidden pitfalls of the part of the renovation?

Hi ho, hi ho, off to read the restoration manual.....again!
Kind regards, David aka Pigpen
PS: It seems that I've probably committed myself to bringing this car to the States in the autumn -- Vette dreams in reverse?? I just have to drive the car in the US with UK plates.
Is he made? Is he insane? YEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSS.....

PPS: Please book me a cell at the Bowling Green Asylum!

In reverse you say? That means we meet again. Maybe I can get my wife to cook this time.

Sounds great!

swwales said: The proximity of metal to GRP -- How to weld it, GRP on or GRP off?

What is GRP?

GRP - glass reinforced plastic. My wife says you've got my character to a 'T' (your "if it ain't broke...") And anyway, what's wrong with tinkering?!? And do you read the instructions first?
Kind regards, David aka Pigpen Tinker, tinker, tinker, tinker, tinker, tinker .... oh damn, I'll have to get a new one now! Tinker, tinker, tinker

Pigpen,

There is a company called Caledonia Classic Cars, that I purchased all of my frame repair pieces from. You can purchase the tiniest, obscure part, or a total frame, and everything in between.

They do not have a website, sorry on that one, chap, but their address is:

Caledonia Classic Cars
6331 Ashley Ave.
Belding, MI 48809

Phone Numbers:
616-794-5026
1-888-245-5224
FAX 616-794-5028

I hope this can help you
Regards,
Alan Gribble
P.S. The Gribble lineage originates in Glouster County, where there resides the "Gribble Inn". One day, if I make it there, I would love to meet you over a pint.

swwales said: GRP - glass reinforced plastic. My wife says you've got my character to a 'T' (your "if it ain't broke...") And anyway, what's wrong with tinkering?!? And do you read the instructions first? Kind regards, David aka Pigpen Tinker, tinker, tinker, tinker, tinker, tinker .... oh damn, I'll have to get a new one now! Tinker, tinker, tinker

I cant count how many things I've broke beyond repair trying to make it big better or faster.
Although I did replace the contacts in my wifes electric can opener and it can now open a can in .6 seconds flat. I just need to figure out how to keep the contents in the can when its pulling 3 G's

3 G can opener

kstyer said: 3 G can opener

Tim "The Tool Man' Taylor is alive and kicking here.

Now go get the band aids.

Alan

Guilty of putting chrome rims on my Dad's John Deere.

Here's another place that specializes in Vette sheet metal and steel components:

http://www.vetteproducts.net/product.htm

Big Fish said: Here's another place that specializes in Vette sheet metal and steel components: http://www.vetteproducts.net/product.htm

thats where i bought mine