Topic: Question on frames
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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Not sure what forums cover frame issues but I posted here once before....so here's my new question. Did the factory use any kind of "seam sealer" or other stuff in the seam where the frame rails meet and are welded every few inches? Not talking about where the cross members are welded on. I'm talking about the long seam that runs along the entire frame rail and is welded every few inches - the crossmembers are done the same way. I didn't think so, but when I was wire brushing my frame (body on) I noticed some material in this seam almost looks like bondo. Should I remove it before repainting (I'm thinking yes because it may be trapping moisture). Thanks!
Mario
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Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20218
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Never used any type of seam sealer on the frames that I'm aware of. Is this stuff on the top, or bottom(or both) sides of the frame? Could be from previous repairs....
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56 
My Link 
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
It is in the frame "seams" where the two alves overlap, see white arrows in the attached picture (this is not my frame just using for illustrative purposes) Also on the cross member where the seam is too. I'm thinking a PO may have tried to dress it up a bit?? I was wondering if I remove do I need to replace or just do some rust prevention, which was the plan. I did remove already on the cross member and thankfully there are no holes or anything other than what would be on a normal frame. I don't think they did a continuous weld along these seams at the factory, did they? At least on the rear half it looks like its welded every few inches. Thanks. Sorry for the big pictures, how do I get them smaller?
Mario
Lifetime MemberModerator
Duncanville, TX - USA
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 20218
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Not a continuous weld on the frames...just "stitch" welded. Are ya sure it's not some sort of undercoating material?
No matter...whatever it is, I would bet you can safely remove it with no problem.
btw...the pic in the post above is fine....
|UPDATED|11/19/2013 10:57:56 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
No matter...whatever it is, I would bet you can safely remove it with no problem.
btw...the pic in the post above is fine....
|UPDATED|11/19/2013 10:57:56 AM (AZT)|/UPDATED|
Joel Adams
C3VR Lifetime Member #56
My Link
(click for Texas-sized view!) NCRS
"Money can't buy happiness -- but somehow it's more comforting to cry in a CORVETTE than in a Kia"
I found the same thing on the passenger side of my '73. It looks like a Bondo repair by one of the previous owners. Otherwise, my frame had some undercoating in spots that scraped off once I softened it up with a heat gun.
John
1973 BB 4-Speed Coupe Project Car
2009 Z06 Mostly Stock
in Forum: C3 Handling Components
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