Remove the conv. body from the frame? I want to remove the body from the frame so I can Sandblast the frame, paint it, and give it new rubber-parts/bushings when I mount on the parts. Do I really have to meld on some stages inside the convertible body? Even if Im not planning to does any welding work on the body? How should these stages look like, placed, anyone have a picture? ------------------------------------------------------- Or is it wrong to start with the frame before Im finished with the body? ------------------------------------------------------- Does everyone think the frame should be black? Im thinking on paint it like the body, but the floor should be black. But that would perhaps just be pointless; I will probably treat the floor & frame with black protecting mass. ----------------------------------------------------- I have earlier gotten the tips about whole body mounts sets, and I wonder if There are any complete set for the front also, around the steering and so? ..bushings.. ----------------------------------------------------- Many questions, many thanks! :TU:
Although its not an Electra, this web page should give you an idea of a nice looking chassis. http://members.shaw.ca/orangecrush/chassis.html
Hi Conny, here is a pic taken just before body came off the frame. Also note they did the same thing to the door openings once the doors were off. On my car, we had no idea what the underneath structure was like, if the car is very solid then it might not be neccesary. Better safe than sorry (I saw a nice looking 70 chevelle at a show a few months back, the door gaps were almost touching at the top yet about 5/16" near the bottom aft corners....bent I think).... On convertibles, if you need body work done, best to get all that done before you lift the body. That way the body is strong. If its good, then you can paint it after and mask the chassis, or paint it off the chassis. There many ways to do it. Everyone paints the frames black because that is the color GM made them. If you were thinking of painting it body color then I would do the bottom of the car body color as well. Ties it all together. Hope that helps. Your english is fine, I can't speak any swedish so you are doing better than me!! :beer later Tim
I agree with the above, best to brace the front and rear door jambs before lifting the body. As for bodywork, if the frame is rusted through, it may be better to mount body on new frame before bodywork...Be sure to keep your core support mounts! body mount kits don't have them. As for front end kits, try Kanter.com. Good luck, Dan
Does everyone think that a rusty frame should be replaced? I can see that the owner before have welded some metal over a rust hole. Must it mean that the frame is a wreck? It dose not look like it is sick when you look at it, only think you notice is that one patch, But it perhaps is sick on the inside? -Not so easy to get another frame just like that Over here so hope you dont scary me all too much now. -Thanks for all the answers this fare!
No. Usually they rust where the body mounts are located and in the boxed sections. The body mount parts can be repaired easily enough, just need a piece of metal with a hole the right size. Other damage can be repaired as well, but without looking at in person very tough to tell. Its hard to say what you are up against without seeing any pictures. later Tim
Well, it all depends on where you start and what your goals are?? I had a beautiful paint job done on my 72 conv but the underneath was original. So I supported the body at the 4 corners just in front of the back wheels and behind the front wheels and raised the body off the frame. Took all the undercoating off that was added through the years on the underside while it was supported in the air on the lift. Taped off the body and sprayed the bottom, blasted the frame etc and painted it all black, rebuilt the engine/tranny, brake lines, gas lines, suspension et all. Re-attached the body to the frame with all new mounts and it went back together just fine. Again, did not have to do any paint or interior work so everything held together. I think it has come out real well. Marco posted some pictures in members rides for me. If you have the interior out and are going to paint the car, then you will have to brace it as pointed out by Tim. It will be a big job either way so be ready. Good luck, Mike
