Replacement C2 frames, judging differences?

[William B.]

My question is basically for 63-7.
Vendors are reconditioning old frames and selling them, I understand if you kept the frame replacement to the correct year it would be hard to detect it was a replacement frame, during judging, without looking for the serial number.
My question is some vendors are building brand new year specific frames for your car, are they easily detected or do they pass current judging guidelines.
If they are easily detected please point out the differences found.

[Keith B.]

Re: Replacement C2 frames, judging differences?

It’s my understanding that Vette Products of Michigan bought the GM tooling. Can’t see any deducts beside the finish.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Replacement C2 frames, judging differences?

William,

If they are detected it's because the vette products frames are assembled better than the originals. I have looked at them closely at Carlisle and to me they are a very nice solution for a bent or rusted frame.

If you have to pay someone to repair an old frame you can certainly make a case for the new frame. As far as serial #'s and how it is viewed by law I'm sure others can offer there experience, my feelings are most people do nothing.

[Dick W.]

Re: Replacement C2 frames, judging differences?

Just make sure the brake and fuel line clips are attached in the correct place. That is the only difference that I have seen. Not a big thing other that comparing.

[Harry S.]

Re: Replacement C2 frames, judging differences?

There are differences. The 64 frame is the closest to a 63. Some holes need to be filled and some added. The bracket for the 63 parking brake needs to be added. In 65 a major change happened to accommodate the big block. There are more as we move forward. I use a simple rule, determine what a bare frame weighed for your year car. Weigh your frame. If there is a weight loss (significant), due to rust get a new frame and do the best you can to match the configuration. Safety First when it comes to frames.

[Gene M.]

Re: Replacement C2 frames, judging differences?

Take for instance the 65 vs 67 frame. The center cross member (one exhaust goes thru) is different one hard lines go thru frame vs over the top of cross member. Everybody knows about the front engine cross member change for big block option.

There are differences in all years so research out what your year build requires to be correct.

The small issues with mounting holes are easy to replicate but shape of the steel forming is another issue.

[William B.]

Re: Replacement C2 frames, judging differences?

Sounds like a frame replacement is an accepted practice, and will judge very well. if the replacement is done correctly for the year. My thought is we need to make these cars safe first and originality may suffer sometimes. I am sure there would be a dollar value when resold but NCRS should always judge cars without concern to value or resale.

[Richard G.]

Re: Replacement C2 frames, judging differences?

The 1963 frame lacks the triangle reinforcements where the frame kicks up for the rear tire clearance.
1963 Picture;

Later C2's

I am not sure when this triangle piece was added but I know 65's had the reinforcements.
However if is missing it is a simple way to ID an early frame.

[Alan D.]

Re: Replacement C2 frames, judging differences?

Triangle was added around April 1964, along with many other changes to the 64.

[Greg H.]

Re: Replacement C2 frames, judging differences?

This is a 67 frame as it arrived from Vette Products and you will have to locate and drill the brake and fuel lines.

Thanks

[Richard G.]

Re: Replacement C2 frames, judging differences?

They sure do a nice job, considering all the effort it takes to reproduce something as complicated as a car frame.
The welding is much nicer with the obvious missing spark tracks where the welding rod was dragged to the next stitch weld on the originals.
Welding technology is just another thing that has changed over the last 50 years. Seems it is all been robotize now days.

[Dick W.]

Re: Replacement C2 frames, judging differences?

Vette Products builds the frames year model specific. I have replaced several frames with their products and the only differences I have seen are the clip holes.

[Michael G.]

Re: Replacement C2 frames, judging differences?

My silver 63 has a new frame from Vette Products. The only difference, other than welding techniques, is the lack of holes for brake and fuel lines. They're easy to add, if you have the old frame for reference. I found no problems in assembling it.

Vette products will build the year your looking for, they'll even add a removable trans crossmember, if you desire.