77BuffaloVet

My 77 has rot at the usual location where the frame meets the kick up and the trailing arm is attached. Here is the issue: The trailing arm is securely attached, but not by a whole lot. The kick up is severly rotted on the outside and almost perfect on the inside.

I searched the archieves and got some good information, but I would like further suggestions from people who have repaired or strengthened this area. Should I get a kit? Has anyone here ever fabricated there own support?

I just got done welding a trailer together with a 220 stick welder so I can do the welding. And I have access to a machine shop to make the pieces I need to do it myself, so what I am looking for is thoughts, ideas, things to watch out for and any other general advice from people who have done this before.

Any help will be appreciated!!!

Thanks,
Chris :hat

stpman

DOes it look something like this?



If it is bad in that area I don't think you can fix it with the body on.

Steve

77BuffaloVet

It doesn't look that bad. The frame rails were welded by the previous owner and a gusset was added for support between the rail and the crossmember. That part is solid. This issue is the kickup mostly.

stpman

That looks a lot better than after we hit it with a hammer a few times.
I still don't think you can fix the kick-up with the body on.

Steve

MikeC

Its mighty hard to fix that area with the body on.

I patched mine a few years ago. I would consider everything that you do as a patch.

IMO, You can only permanently repair or even fully inspect the full extent of the damage with the body off.

Big Fish

I agree with the others, you need to pull the body. What are the rocker channels like? Be careful if you are not sure, Lifting by the channels can cause a real mess if they are also rotted out. You can buy literally all the frame components, cut the old ones off, weld the new ones in and you are good to go, but you will want to jig up the frame to check the measurements while the work in in process.

Glenn's 67 BB Vert

Man that picture makes me want to check mine more closly--do you guysdrive em in the winter??/ Just wondering Looks like lots of work Good luck Glenn :smash: :banghead:

6318

I say sell it to a Ford owner and buy a nonrusted vette...
:yesnod: :lol: :lol: :lolg:

redwingvette

"I agree with the others, you need to pull the body. What are the rocker channels like? Be careful if you are not sure, Lifting by the channels can cause a real mess if they are also rotted out. You can buy literally all the frame components, cut the old ones off, weld the new ones in and you are good to go, but you will want to jig up the frame to check the measurements while the work in in process."

I agree with Big Fish. If your frame is that bad then there is going to be more where you can't see it.
By the way- Thanks Big Fish for the advice when I was doing mine.

Big Fish

Redwing (Brian), glad I could have been some small sort of help. It's always good reading your posts in "both" the forums I frequent! :cheers:

Edit: Are you going to CI5 or Bloomington Gold?


[Modified by Big Fish, 5:56 PM 5/14/2004]

foundvettelifeisgood

In Buffalo, you are about 145 miles from Linesville PA near Meadville. Located there is Bair's Corvettes. http://www.bairs.com

Call them and ask for Brian. Let them put it in the air and tell you what you're in for. It's what they have done for a long time. :cheers: