rust on c3 frame repair estimates

[Peter M.]

Local 68 4 speed vert on CL so I took a look & this is where i stopped, Owner wants to know what it would take to fix, rear corners before doglegs on both sides

[Edward J.]

Re: rust on c3 frame repair estimates

Peter, there really is no way to estimate frame repairs, Body removal is likely the way to go. so its a lot of work, and a donor frame maybe be possible.

[Alan S.]

Re: rust on c3 frame repair estimates

Hi Peter,
The rust shown in your pictures could very well be just a small part of the rust on this frame.
When there are complete rust perforations in various locations as your pics show you can generally figure that the rust problems are much more extensive, but just haven't progressed so far as to be open hole.
With the information and pictures you posted I don't know that a realistic estimate of the cost of the repair can be made.
I'd say though that another frame, as Edward mentions, could certainly be needed to repair this car.
Are you still considering this car?
Regards,
Alan

Here are 2 photos of an especially interesting repair in about the same area of the frame.

[Ed S.]

Re: rust on c3 frame repair estimates

I have reservations as to whether this car is road worthy, safe to drive.

[Peter M.]

Re: rust on c3 frame repair estimates

Local 68 4 speed vert on CL so I took a look & this is where i stopped, Owner wants to know what it would take to fix, rear corners before doglegs on both sides

Hi Peter,
The rust shown in your pictures could very well be just a small part of the rust on this frame.
When there are complete rust perforations in various locations as your pics show you can generally figure that the rust problems are much more extensive, but just haven't progressed so far as to be open hole.
With the information and pictures you posted I don't know that a realistic estimate of the cost of the repair can be made.
I'd say though that another frame, as Edward mentions, could certainly be needed to repair this car.
Are you still considering this car?
Regards,
Alan

Here are 2 photos of an especially interesting repair in about the same area of the frame.

No As much as I want another C3 I have to wait, I have inspected 3 this month and all 3 have been dogs. i should have kept my last 2 a 72 LT1 & A 72 L48 with air that were cherry compared to these cars and less expensive to boot

[Joe L.]

Re: rust on c3 frame repair estimates

Alan and Peter-------

I agree. The frame on the car you're looking at is shot and almost certainly needs replacement, not repair. The cost for this including labor at a restoration shop probably exceeds $10,000. If there is birdcage corrosion to go along with the frame corrosion, which is likely, then the value of the car is whatever it's worth as a parts car.

[Bob W.]

Re: rust on c3 frame repair estimates

Peter I agree with Joe you just don't know how bad it is until you open it up as they say RUST NEVER SLEEPS!!!!


Bob

[Alan S.]

Re: rust on c3 frame repair estimates

Hi Peter,
I think waiting for a good car is wise.
It's one thing to discover you have a car that's very rusty, it's quite another to BUY your way into a car with the rust shown in your pictures.
Be patient!
Regards,
Alan

[Peter M.]

Re: rust on c3 frame repair estimates

Local 68 4 speed vert on CL so I took a look & this is where i stopped, Owner wants to know what it would take to fix, rear corners before doglegs on both sides

Thanks you all , BTW he said he was going to change the CL ad but its still up for the same price and no mention of rust, oh well, NEXT!

[Joe L.]

Re: rust on c3 frame repair estimates

Thanks you all , BTW he said he was going to change the CL ad but its still up for the same price and no mention of rust, oh well, NEXT!

Peter------


The only way he's going to sell this car for anything even close to what he's probably asking for it is to find a "fish". In other words, some neophyte that doesn't look any closer than skin deep. That person is going to get burned badly. It's just as P.T. Barnum once said..."there's a sucker born every minute...".

[Eric E.]

Re: rust on c3 frame repair estimates

Joe is right on point. We all started knowing very little about these cars and when we bought, some were lucky and some weren't. Lots of our knowledge came from addressing the problems we found. "Let the buyer beware" is unfortunately still words to live by. Maybe the current owner also bought this can of worms and is now trying to pass it along to someone else.

Peter, this one is a great one to learn a free lesson from and walk away without looking back.