Home page

Frame Work

Forum: C3 General Discussion

14 Messages
Page 1 of 2
Share:
Sponsored Content

Already a Member?

Welcome back! Access your account.

Sign In

Not yet a Member?

Join our community! Registration is free.

Join Free

Frame Work

Posted: 2/21/23 5:36pmMessage 1 of 14
V
Free Member
Send PM
Joined: 2/19/2023
Posts: 5

Greetings all. Im new to the sight. Im looking for technical information on Frame of a 71. I have the typical diagram with a few of the general specs. What im looking for is specifics like cross measurements for the front horn extensions I sure this car has been hit a time or two. It was a complete basket case. I have it down to the frame and I want to ensure that its straight before I do anything else. Some of the body mounting bracketry looks tweaked. Im looking for a way to determine what is straight and whats bent. Nothing is major out of shape But I can tell from side to side that the front corner mounts are no longer mirror images, The bend is so slight that it wouldn't be noticeable without something to compare it to. any help pointing me in the right direction to ensure I have straight parts is appreciated. Thank you.

Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
SPONSOR AD:: (Our Sponsors help support Vette Registry)

Re: Frame Work

Posted: 2/21/23 5:51pmMessage 2 of 14
m
Lifetime Member
Send PM
Equinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2570
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.

The A.I.M. for that year is a VERY Good place to start. 

Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post

Re: Frame Work

Posted: 2/21/23 6:29pmMessage 3 of 14
7
Free Member
Send PM
Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 916
Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day. 2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray

Welcome to the forum. All I can offer is the Factory Service Manual has a few frame dimensions in it. You might check with a Chevrolet body shop to see if they can provide any assistance.

1973 L-82 4 spd

Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post

Re: Frame Work

Posted: 2/22/23 8:56amMessage 4 of 14
Profile Pic
Standard Member
Send PM
Grapevine, TX - USA
Joined: 8/26/2006
Posts: 1537
Vette(s): 1972 LT-1 convertible with factory air. 2017 Black Rose Grand Sport M7 convertible.

This is from my 72 factory service manual.  Should be the same.

 

   

1 person likes this post
Sign In to Like this post

Re: Frame Work

Posted: 2/22/23 12:28pmMessage 5 of 14
V
Free Member
Send PM
Joined: 2/19/2023
Posts: 5

Not sure what A.I.M is lol did a search and came up with nothing. can you enlighten me. thank you

Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post

Re: Frame Work

Posted: 2/22/23 12:37pmMessage 6 of 14
V
Free Member
Send PM
Joined: 2/19/2023
Posts: 5

This is the diagram I have. Perhaps Im getting in to the weeds? was thinking some thinking that measured out control arm mounting points compared to each other and trailing arm mounting points to ensure everything is where it belongs. but thank you!

Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post

Re: Frame Work

Posted: 2/22/23 1:23pmMessage 7 of 14
7
Free Member
Send PM
Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 916
Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day. 2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray

The AIM is the factory work instructions on building the car.

I think if you measured the dimensions in the diagram and check the squareness of the frame by measuring diagonally to the body mounting points then you should have a pretty good idea of how straight the frame is.



|UPDATED|2/22/2023 1:23:56 PM (AZT)|/UPDATED|

1973 L-82 4 spd

Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post

Re: Frame Work

Posted: 2/22/23 2:12pmMessage 8 of 14
m
Lifetime Member
Send PM
Equinunk, PA - USA
Joined: 10/31/2007
Posts: 2570
Vette(s): 1972 conv, 4-speed, 350, 200hp, numbers match, rally wheels, war bonnett yellow w/white top. good condition, nice driver.

SORRY my Friend.  "A" assembly, "I" instruction  "M" manual.  It has a multitude of information on getting your ride in correct shape. It does NOT tell you the sequence in which it is put together. 

Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post

Re: Frame Work

Posted: 2/22/23 9:57pmMessage 9 of 14
V
Free Member
Send PM
Joined: 2/19/2023
Posts: 5

Thank you, Gentlemen. I now know the frame is 1/2" to 1 " out of square. seems to be damaged just behind the driver's motor mount down to where it straightens out for the rockers. Its sad this is a number matching car, Frame, engine, and Birdcage all still together, trans and diff are marked correctly for the date. Not sure what to do, straighten the frame is beyond my ability. if it wasn't numbers matching, I would just get another frame, but I hate to do that on this. Any Ideas???? would even consider swapping project with some one more capable and wants numbers matching car. Suggestions welcome and thank you !

 

Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post

Re: Frame Work

Posted: 2/22/23 10:16pmMessage 10 of 14
7
Free Member
Send PM
Overland Park, KS - USA
Joined: 7/9/2003
Posts: 916
Vette(s): 1973 Orange Metallic Coupe (orig owner), L82, 4 spd (WR), PS, (A/C & PW (I installed from wrecked 73)), leather, AM/FM Stereo, ran with '65 FI unit earlier & will again some day. 2023 Accelerate Yellow HTC Stingray

Since it sounds like you're down to a bare frame, I would think a body shop that has frame straightening capability could do that. Not sure how much it would cost however.

I guess you could  weigh the cost of straightening it versus the cost of a replacement frame.

1973 L-82 4 spd

Be the first to like this post
Sign In to Like this post
Share:

in Forum: C3 General Discussion


Sponsored Content