Hi C3'rs,

Got a big problem with my 74 vette.
I bought this vette last fall to fix it up knowing that the frame was shot. I start to take it a part last week and found a lot more rust than I had noticed when I purchased the car.
The inside frame that holds all of the fiberglasss body together is rusted at the ends of the rocker panels and also the rocker panel extension are basically gone. The areas where the bodymounts are almost gone.
Also the windsield header and the corners need to be change.

My question to you guys is has anybody every rebuilt the interior body frames or is it better to just turn this car into a parts car.

The car only has 62,000 miles on it and to look at it you would would never believe it's as bad as it is.

I won't loose any money by parting it out as I didn't pay very much for it but my wife really likes the car and was kind of disappointed when I told her about the problem.

Let me know what you guys think, should I fix it or part it out.

You can see pictures of the car on my web site.

Thanks

Canadianvette

CanadianVette said: Hi C3'rs, Let me know what you guys think, should I fix it or part it out.

If the numbers match... please dont part it out.

If you didnt pay much it may well be worth fixing..

is it a BB ?

It is a numbers matching car and I'm the third owner and I have all the maintenace receipts, this is why I'm considering fixing it. I just not sure how much work it will take.

Canadianvette

I replaced my rocker channels, it's not all that bad of a job if you are a good welder and fabricator. Redwingvette documented his rocker channel replacement job on his website. Suggest you do a search on this site for him and go to his web page, he has pictures of the project. Whatever you do, don't attempt to lift the body with one of those body lift strap kits that many suppliers offer. With rocker channels that are really rusted out you are bound to cause severe body damage. Use some straps or slings that will go completely under the body to lift it from the frame, and then support the body and nose well while replacing the channels. Leaving the radiator support in place will help strengthen the nose during the process.

Greg,
From what I have read replacing the birdgage is a big job and a lot of work and that's if you know what you are doing. If someone else does the birdcage I am sure you are looking at big dollars..If it were me I would part the car and look for another Vette.. Just my .02


Roy

Well, I have decide to try and fix it myself as my buddy is a very good welder.
Also this is one of my 3 C3's and it's not my driver so I can take mty time fixing it.

Thanks for the help and information.

Canadianvette

I support fixing it. A matching numbers car is too good to part out.

Another way to lift the body is use the bolt at the door latch( you will have to make a bracket) and a strap with a flat hook at the upper door hinge. It may sound a bit odd, but that's the way my 68 got lifted. Both doors removed and all the interior was out.

Big Fish is right. If the rockers are as bad as you say then don't use the lift straps. I got lucky and nothing bad happened when I lifted mine. Support the nose and lft the body a little at a time. Take it slow and you will be fine. Remember-safety first!

Just let everybody know that I found all the parts that I need to fix the rocker channels. I also decided to change the windshield header and the 2 corners while I'm at it as they are rusty and not to solid.

If your interested I got the parts through Ontario Corvette Corral they are made in one piece and are supposed to more solid, they fit right up into the exiting area where the bodymount goes.

Very good service from them and the delivery time is good also.

Thanks again for all the info.


Canadianvette