redwingvette

What do I do when there isn't any metal left to support the body on the mount? I have found that the body is sitting on the frame because the steel pads are completely rusted out.

Big Fish

Are you referring to the rocker channels, reinforcements, or the plates that retain the mounting nuts? If any of the 3, you will probably have to replace them like I did. Rocker channels are a lot of fun, (not) the rest is a lot easier. Let me know if you need some advice on the channels, this is a very common problem that most owners really don't want to hear about.

redwingvette

Big Fish,
I managed to remove the bolts an mounts from the #2 mounts so far. The mounts came out from the inside of the car. All there is is a big hole right down to the frame. The nuts are still in good shape on the frame. The #3 mounts are giving me alittle more problems but have the same condition as the #2's as far as the body mounts. A big hole down to the frame. The #4's were rusted to the point that I cut the bolts off and pushed them up thruogh the insde. I haven't got to work on the #1's yet.
How did you replace the Rocker channels and reinforcements?
Thanks

NHvette

This is sad news. :cry :cry
Your description sounds much like my 75 was.
Check out my website in my sig - go to Corvette stuff - 75 pics.
It's LOTs of work to repair. I replaced the whole birdcage/rear clip.
They sell the rocker channel from #1 to #3 in 3 pieces.
Lots of fiberglass removal, cutting, grinding, welding.
Consider also - that your windshield frame is likely in need of attention.
The price of the parts adds up fast.
I decided to buy another rear clip - and found one with a rolling chassis (also needed)
for $1200. All the parts for the windshield frame and rocker channels can easily go over $600.
It's a tough decision - repair or replace.

Well, I hope you dig into it more and find that it's not that bad - maybe
only the rocker channels need repair. Good luck.
:seeya
Oh yeah - check the #1 and #4 body reinforcements that rivet to the
fiberglass and support the mounts



[Modified by NHvette, 1:38 AM 7/19/2003]

Big Fish

NHVette pretty much summed it up, he is right on target with everything he said. Rocker channels are one of the hardest things to replace, you need the body off the frame so you can get underneath and grind off the 30-40 spot welds on each side for removal. NHVette mentioned fiberglass cutting, I didn't need to do that because I ground all the welds off from the inside of the channels and the came out with no problems then. (VERY time consuming). Welding the new ones in is a piece of cake (using "pocket " welds). The reinforcements at the most rear location are not difficult. There is also the lap belt reinforcements that welds to the channels (I fabricated new ones from 12 gauge steel) Getting the old ones out was not easy. But after all the above, just like NHVette said, you need to take a serious look at the windshield frame, and what about the frame itself? Rustout is quite common just forward of the kickups in the corners above the gussets. Another part of the body that is big problems is the reinforcement for the headlight mounts. Do the rivets all show up as "dimples" forward of the hood on the hood surround? Rust causes that as well, and those will keep coming back without correcting the rust problem there. I was lucky with my project that the windshield frame and most underbody reinforcements were in pretty good shape, but you certainly need to evaluate your problems before going much further. There are a lot of other things you will probably want to do to that car once the body is off the frame as well. Before you know it you are spending several thousand. I am not trying to discourage you on this project, and would be willing to give whatever assistance I can. :cheers:


[Modified by Big Fish, 6:18 AM 7/19/2003]

redwingvette

Looks like the windshield frame is in good shape as well as the rocker support. I have replaced the #4 brackets earlier. I'm going to check out the rest once I get everything lifted of the frame. The frame is in real good shape. It looks like the mount reinforcements are the worst of it. If all I had to do was drive my Vette, I would be missing out on a lot of the fun. :lol: :lol:


[Modified by redwingvette, 5:51 PM 7/24/2003]

redwingvette

Pictures of my Body mount area's http://hometown.aol.com/bmclau5079/page5.html

GTR1999

Looks like the 75 I'm working on,well maybe only the Left #3. I'm going to try and fix with the body on. I have a repair bracket made for the #3 location.
Good luck and keep me posted on your progress.
Gary

Big Fish

Looks worse then mine did before I replaced the rocker channels. I really don't know how you could expect to repair this without replacing them.

Budman68

Please document the replacement of the (4) mounts. Mine are rusting the bolts are fused. I planned on replacing them when paint this winter. :smash:

redwingvette

Big Fish, Looks like I will be doing them as well. Thanks for the input.

NHvette

Brian,

I bought the center sections of the rocker channels a while back - before
getting my new rear clip. If you're gonna order them anyway, let me know.
I'll let 'em go for 1/2 price (save yourself $50). You'll definitely need the front
and rear inserts, though. The center piece goes from #2 to #3. You'll likely
need the rear insert to attach to the rear door pillar. The front insert (I
believe) consists of the U shaped insert and the front section the looks like a
foot (extending to the #1).

Does anyone have pics of the front and rear insert sections ??

ps - I mentioned cutting the fiberglass back to make the job easier - plus any
windshield frame work would require some 'glass (and glass) removal.

One easy piece to pop off is where the #3 access holes are. This panel (with
the hole in the middle) can be chiselled off easily - allowing much more room to work.

Here's a pic with the panel popped off:



:seeya


[Modified by NHvette, 3:12 PM 7/19/2003]

redwingvette

Thanks, I would be happy to get them from you. send me a e-mail as to where I can send a check. Make sure you include the shipping cost. I checked zip and put their blow up pic on the web page with my pics.
Thanks for all the help.

NHvette

Yes - but beware. The blow-up picture that you have shown illustrates the
original steel that came from the factory. In this case, the rocker channel
extends from #1 to #3. The rocker channel 'inserts' that Zip sells (and I
have) are from #2 to #3. There is about 8-12 inches missing from the front
section. There are also complex bends in this area - so ake sure you can get
all the parts that you need. Alternatively - you can find a set that are cut
from a donor car if you look hard enough. I'll try to get a picture of them soon.

redwingvette

I've been working on the car for a while but the honey dew list keeps getting in the way. Is it better to leave the hood on or take it off. I think it will help if I pull the rad and shroud out and the hood has to come out to do that. I have most of the front end ready to lift except for that. All the body mounts are off. #1's are broken off. Right side #2+3 bolts would not come out but they did turn so I cut the heads off for now. Left side #2+3 came out. I worked on both #4's last spring so they came out. The bolts holding the rear bumpers look like there are not going to come off without a lot of work. I spayed them with WD40 and before I try to take them out I will put heat to the wons I can get to. Any tips?
Thanks


[Modified by redwingvette, 5:52 PM 7/24/2003]

cardo0

:( Sorry to hear about your frame problems redwing. Your shark looked very sick in your pix and I'm now scared to pull the covers and look at mine. I know my rear most rubber mounts that are exposed to the rear tire have nearly rotted off. The visable part of my frame looked great at time of purchase and have verified it's a California shark. But I know I need to replace my body mounts.
Your car looks like an expensive fix so please let us know if this is even doable/curable. I'm shure we all would like to see if we can save our aging sharks so please post your experience.

Good luck Brian.

Big Fish

If it were mine, I would go ahead and remove the radiator, just because it's very fragile. removing the hood and anything else you can to lighten the load would not hurt either. If you leave the radiator surround in place it will provide a bit of reinforcing for the front end during the work process. Have you got a way to lift it? I used large ratcheting type straps, I was able to adjust them for a nice level pick with a come-a-long. Ive heard the ready made body lifting straps are too long for most garage ceiling heights. You will want to provide support under that front end while work is going on. Don't forget the ground straps, one in left rear by the radio antenna, and a couple in the engine compartment. One is by the right motor mount, a smaller one is on the driver's side connecting the bird cage to the frame. Steering, battery cables,wiring, vacuum lines, and brakes need to be disconnected. There is also a cable for the seat belt reinforcements attached to the frame that will need to be removed.

Edit: I forgot to mention Eastwood has drill bits specifically made for drilling off those spot welds, at least in the areas you can get a drill in there. It might save you a little time and aggravation.


[Modified by Big Fish, 9:57 PM 7/20/2003]

redwingvette

Big Fish,
Thanks for the info. I have a 10ft ceiling and two come-a-longs. I am trying to round up the lift straps but haven't got them yet. I have a friend that did his 73 vert about 10 years ago that is going to help when it comes time. Where did you get your parts from?


[Modified by redwingvette, 5:53 PM 7/24/2003]

Big Fish

It's been nearly a year since I did the rocker channels, can't remember for sure but might have been Corvette Central. You do need to be sure that you are getting replacement rocker channels, not inserts. The "kit" will consist of (2) inserts for the pillars, the main channel, and a seperate piece that goes between the main channel #2 mount and the #1 mount. I would suggest trying all the major suppliers, especially those who help support this forum. I remember I had to wait 2-3 weeks for these parts. Your original channels are 1 piece like the picture you posted, I may be wrong but I don't think you can buy the 1 piece units anymore. The real fun part once the old channels were off was fabricating new lap belt reinforcements, mine were completely rusted out. Probably a good thing this all happened to me, could see getting in a wreck and having the seat belt rip out of the floor. :eek:

NHvette

I've seen the seat belt reinforcements somewhere = maybe Paragon.
I do believe that the 73 reinforcements are a bit different from the 75s.

The channels I have are the inserts. They are meant to fit inside the old
channels and weld in place under the originals. I was convinced that I could
make them work ... but never got the chance.

Seriously - take a look for used parts from a junker after you finish evaluating the situation.