I am going to look at a 1968 convertible this weekend with hopes of buying it. I am not very knowlegeable about frame instepctions and I want to inspect the frame. The seller has told me that the frame has no rust. What is the best way to inspect the frame and what are the most common areas of frame rust on a '68. Thanks for your help.
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Re: 68' Frame Rust
Look at the frame under the back of the doors and where the trailing arms connect. A rusty look isn't the issue, how soft is.
Take something to tap with. A closed pocket knife, small hammer, whatever. Tap lightly and see if the metal rings like steel or thuds like rust. You don't have to tap hard.
Look for rusted out holes. If they are, you have work to do.
The picture below looks rusty, but it is really very solid. That is what you are looking for, solid metal.
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Re: 68' Frame Rust
Stick your fingers in those "key holes" under the door (in the frame) and if you find Chunks of rust, that's a good indication the frame and other parts of the car will have rust issues.
If the car has fresh undercoating on the frame, I would also look much further. Poke around the holes of the frame and look at anything metal under the car with a good light or even better on a lift. If you can find more than surface rust with out taking anything off the car, there is more rust once you start taking trim and interior parts off. Most 68's and early C3s will have some rust issues, if it is extensive, it will be expensive.....
Cheers,
SteveComment
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Re: 68' Frame Rust
Windshield frame rust damage is another area of concern. The perimeter of the windshield sets in the windshield frame. The top piece can be rusted through and water will drip on the console. Inspect the sides along the perimeter of the windshield looking inside at the frame where the vin is located. The framing under top of the rear front fenders where you can not see can be rusted through letting water drip on the drivers and passenger floor. Previous posts show a C2 that really looked nice, but up under the dash area, areas of bad rust out. Front crossmember that bolts in, that is under the radiator and the piece of metal that supports the radiator that bolts to each fender. But you can buy new body frames.Comment
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Re: 68' Frame Rust
If the owner will allow you to, lightly tap the frame with a small hammer. Rusted/rotten metal has a hollow or dull sound and good metal, with only surface rust will have a clear ring to it. If you get a hollow sound, poking around will usually find the hole or rusted out spot.
When I bought my first Corvette, the owner pointed out a rust spot and I stopped looking. I should have continued because this was a case of buyer beware. If I had to do it again, I would jack the car up, put it on jack stands and crawl under it with a good light and a small hammer. Familiarize yourself with the rear kick-ups and where they attach. These are often rusted, requiring a fair amount of work to return them to an original appearance.
GaryComment
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Re: If your interested Ernie
Email me off line and provide me with an e-address other than NCRS, and I'll send you some simply FABULOUS shots of my bare 68 frame and what to look for.
ChuckComment
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