williestj

hey all. i'm new to the Corvette world recently purchasing a 1988 convertible. i was wondering though if it rides on a unibody construction or body on frame. i have a book that says the 84 thru 86 models were unibodies and the 87 and up models were changed to body on frame. then today on an online site i find it was the 84 thru 91 that were unibody and 92 and up body on frame. any help would be appreciated to clear this up for me. i am a truck driver and am gone often so i havent had time to completely go thru the car yet. it runs and drive good, looks good from a distance though up close you can tell it was given an under-par repaint. it is my long term project toy. thanks jon

StealthLT4

They're all body-on-frame. No changes to the frame from 84-96, just suspension stuff, cosmetics, and engines. Fiberglass bodies don't do too well at carrying loads

rodj

But in the C4 case ,the body is bonded to the frame so it is not removable as with conventional body on frame setup except with a sawzall

williestj

so if i got an 84 and made a total hot rod out of it chassis could handle it? 88 conv is mine and momma's cruiser

lostnfoundC4

My FSM refers to it as a "uniframe"

williestj

but i've seen it in two different places listing it as a uni-body vehicle and also as a body on frame. i can see the change in design, but the yrs of which are what is conflicting to me. as the the hot rod bit, i've come across, and i'm sure all of you have too, some rather cheap but decent 84 and 85's out there. i would like to get one of those and do a project with my boys. also, has any seen or done a digital to analog dash conversion?

65Z01

When you look into the FSM it shows the full frame details.

Converting from digi to analog dash could be tricky unless you go with a carb setup and eliminate the ECM as the dash is integral to some of the functions.

BrianCunningham

The A & B pillar hoops are build into the frame

floridamale

Try this place for a C4 gague package
http://vettaid.com/default.aspx?cid=W5lW9TcdoWA=

89er

In most cases the stock gauges are fine. Replace the burned out light bulbs, clean the connectors and touch up the broken solder joints.