C-2 frame detailing

[Keith N.]

Hi Folks: I have to clean up the frame on my "original" 1967. It's a beautiful example from above deck. Straight, great paint, etc., but the body has never left the frame, and the frame has some 'surface' rust (I hope) and significant build-up of grease and grime. Obviously the 'best' way that I can think of, is to strip the car down to the frame, and then strip the frame down, prime and re-paint, and work my way back up, but can't seem to convince the wife that it's worth the 10-12K I'm told it'll cost, as I don't have the time or agility to do it myself. Besides, the car won a Top Flight in '88 under a prior owner, and has remained extremely original all its life. I kind of hate to be the one to actually 'break' the seat of the bolts and loosen them up now. The last person to touch this stuff was an assembly line worker in the GM plant in 1967, so money isn't the only motive for avoiding a frame off, nostalgia enters into it as well. How would you approach a de-greasing and de-rusting operation like this without removing the body? Any info or experience would be appreciated.

[Rob A.]

Re: C-2 frame detailing

Keith,

I once attempeted to clean and repaint a frame without removing the body. After putting quite a bit of time into doing so, I decided to remove the body, which meant I wasted all the previous effort and time. You're doing the right thing making sure what you want to do now. Personally, I'd leave the body on, especially if you're not convinced you will be able or want do the work yourself. You'd be surprised how much cleaning and re-painting you can do with the body still on. You can do a nice job of cleaning up and touching up surface-rusted areas on the frame if you have access to the underneath. Simple 409 and a toothbrush works well. If you find only surface rust, you can first spray it with rustoleum "rusty primer" and then spray over it with a brand and shade of black that matches the areas of the frame that are nice enough to leave alone. Unless you are sure you are interested in a complete body off restoration....leave it assembled.

[Patrick H.]

Re: C-2 frame detailing

If it's original, I'd consider just cleaning it with diluted Simple Green and water, or Dawn dishwashing detergent and warm water. You won't ruin anything nor enter the "can't undo this" realm.

They're only original once, and once you start "fixing and improving" that's gone forever.

See my front frame picture below. I've received 3 Top Flights with this car and it has some surface rust on all the chassis. The car does not have to be perfect to be a 96% car.

Patrick

[Rob A.]

Re: C-2 frame detailing

Keith,

I agree with Patrick...as more cars are completely taken apart and restored, those that are nice enough to Top Flight and at the same time retain most of their originality are becoming harder to find. I have a '66 roadster that has never been taken apart and plan on keeping it that way. I prefer the original and not as clean as new look, to the shiny, restored look...obviously just my opinion.

[Brian K.]

Re: C-2 frame detailing

Keith,

I did this last year to my 66 coupe which has never been off the frame. It is a very nice car but not a top flight. jacked up one side at a time, wheels off, degreased with Krudcutter (like simple green), big scrub brush, & then a careful power wash. Later when I was putting all new brake lines & had the car up on stands, I applied POR15 by brush.

It looks pretty good for the amount of time I spent. I will do more this year. I drive this car as much as I can so I do things to it to improve the quality, rather than preserve originality. Don't get me wrong, I try to keep it original but the body mounts were shot so out they came!

Brian