Smokehouse69

Rick,
I don't have a clue as to what could cause the strange offset you see. I would suggest that you ask the owner if you can take the car to a frame shop and have them check out the geometry of the frame. Somebody here on the forum has bound to have critical measurements for the 80 model C-3 frame.
I have seen way too many nice looking cars "crab walking" down the road after a messed up wreck repair.

ddecart

I'll concur. It could be a sloppy build job, but I'd have a frame & alignment shop check it out thoroughly.

Tom73

For a quick check measure the wheelbase on both sides. Should be 98" and should not be an differences in sides. If there is, it has major problems.

tom...

ddecart

And check the upper A-arms to see how many shims were used to align it. If it's got a LOT on one side and almost none on the other, that's a good sign that something is whacked out.

Double Aught

Ok, let me be the one. Back off from this car for right now. As described by you, it doesn't look as it should. Seriously, take a step back, a few breaths and think. My opinion is wait. Be patient. Frame work is $$$$. Don't forget, you originally wanted a steel bumper car. This is about as far away from your dream Vette as you can get.

NHvette

My first instinct was to turn and walk away, but
if you really like the car and think it is a good deal -
then have it checked out.

I have the frame dimension drawing, if you'ld like it.
It's tough to measure with the body on, though.

I dont think you will easily tweak a 1/2" out of the front body
alignment, unless it is simply one of the front frame horns bent.

Good luck - and be careful
:seeya

Robert N

Here's my .02. I agree that you should wait for the chrome bumper. But Dave is right. If the car is a good deal, why not check it out? If the seller will not let you, there's good reason to be concerned. Either way, you seem to be keeping your head in lne with your heart and being diligent. As long as that stays true, you will get the vette you want.

MARKUS_P

Another thing to think off, Rick
When I put my body back on the frame again, I was able to move the body shell a little left and right before bolting it down.
There´s a little space for allignment.
Another reason could be that the body itself was repaired poorly, maybe it´s the body and not the frame?
I don´t know the car, maybe it´s all together ;)
1" is a little much for a misallignment of the body on the frame, even with a poorly repaired fender :rolleyes:

WashingtonRacer

You know something, My vett is currently the exact same way that you explained it. I already took it to the frame shop and told them to fix it, when I got it back the front end sat like a foot off the ground. I about fliped out, and asked what the hell did you do, that ain't fixed, but they took me under the car and measured multiple points on both sides, and it did look to be square. So I took it home, and pulled the front extension off, and played with the front end, Made 2 new cracks by the hook connection, but brought the front end back to it's PROPER height, and Level. But I still was not able to even get the front end to budge from side to side, I tried loosening the mount on the engine side by the firewall, but that didn't even help one bit. Marckus, what mounts would you loosen to be able to adjust the front end from side to side?

I would love to do this cause that is now the only thing keeping my vett from becoming a Perfect vett. I was going to let it go and just drive it, but if it isn't that much effort, then I need to do it now before I finalise my prep and paint.

lou

Measure from the top fender line to the wheel well line. If the is a difference, then it is probably is poor body work from a repair. If they are identical, start looking at the frame and suspension.

lou

joe74

mine is the same way only opposite sides. I have seen other members post this same question.. Mine runs fine, handles fine, no weird tire wear or dog-tracking.

MARKUS_P

Washington Racer, you´ll have to loosen all the body mounts. 8 mounts positioned as following:
2 at the engine firewall as you described
2 at the bottom of the A-pillar (the pillar that goes down from the windshield frame to the floor panels) You´ll find that mount under your carpet near the front speaker location.
Another 2 right before the rear tires (you have to take off the rear wheels to get proper access)
Another 2 under the storage area.

If all the mounts are loose, you will be able to rotate the body shell a little bit.
That doesn´t mean you can bend the front to its proper position, you can only ratate the whole body. That will affect all side distances between fender and all four wheels. Maybe you are able to find a middle postion?
I played around with it, BTW I bought new poly mounts from Energysuspension, and I could adjust it a little.
I attached a frame drawing so you can find the mounting points of your body a little easier. My explanation wasn´t very accurate due to my lack of english knowledge ;)

Tom73

Markus
What year is that frame diagram for?
tom...

03whitecoupe

I concur with those expressing caution when dealing with frame issues. I can speak from experience as I spent around $12,000 on a complete chassis restoration because my original frame was junk. Keep looking.

dladd74roadster

Rick,

My car is the same way. It doesn't have excessive shimming in the front end either. My car has never been wrecked. I have known this car since it was new. It came from St. Louis this way. It drives fine in every respect.

It probably isn't a bad idea to take it to a shop and have it checked out though. But don't be surprised if they don't find any evidence that it has ever been hit.

Good luck on the purchase.

dl

RS69

I have seen the same thing on a 72 convertible for sale in my area.
The car looked very good until I notice the front wheels not being
in the same place in the fenders. The hood wasn't opened so I
was unable to check the a-arms shins.

I would walk away unless the car is really affordable.



[Modified by Cool427shark, 8:59 AM 9/18/2002]

MIKER

Just for reference, I thought that I would add pics of my car. The front end on my '80 is somewhat as you described. I cannot find any evidence of impact, etc. Maybe it is simply the result of poor workmanship on the assembly line? I don't know.
Either way, it sounds like you don't have a warm fuzzy about this car. If it doesn't feel right for YOU, pass on it. Don't get over anxious.
But, for under $10K, the car sure does appear to be CLEAN in the picture! :yesnod:

R. Bruno

My car has a similar condition and it is frame related. It drives and handles fine, but was hit in the rear at some point and the frame is tweaked behind the rear wheels. Look at the body mounts and see if they sit square on the frame. On mine, the left rear (point of impact) is slightly off.

I see Jenny is selling her car for 10,000. Looking at the pictures and mods, that seems like a great price. (Posting was a day or 2 ago.) Why not consider it?

NHvette

Before everyone starts to loosen their mount bolts and shift the body around, you might try this:

Under the door sill plates, there should be two plastic plugs in holes
through the fiberglass and rocker channel. One of these holes on each
side will line up vertically with a corresponding hole in the frame. These
were used for initial factory body placement. You're supposed to use a pin
that is something like .52x" in diameter. I just used a sharpie pen to check
and see if it was close. This simple investigation may show an obvious need
to re-align the body.

BEWARE: Those sill plate screws can rust into the rocker channel enough to
warrant use of your favorite drill.

Proceed with caution. Body mount loosening can lead to body-off resto.
:seeya

72GACRZR

Rick, if you have doubts walk away. To find your dream vette you need to walk away from the 80-90% ones. I should have walked,so I know its near impossible.

My 2 cents on the wheels, try measuring wheel well to ground on both sides, maybe its weak springs and leaning over one way.

:seeya