Frame repairs

[Tim L.]

I'm starting my minor frame repairs on my 66 L79 convertible restoration project. The end caps on the main frame rails are both rusted out. Are those welded ALL the way around? From the little material left on mine, it appears the corners were not welded. Looking for some photos of the end caps for reference. Thanks for any help.
Tim

[Leif A.]

Re: Frame repairs

Note in the photo of my '67 below. On the driver's side end cap, the lower right corner is open to release moisture. On the passenger side, the lower left is open. Hope this helps.

[Don H.]

Re: Frame repairs

Tim, You are welcome to come look at mine anytime. Don H.

[Richard M.]

Re: Frame repairs

The amount of weld on those caps can vary quite a bit. I replaced these on a 67. You'll be surprised what you find in there and may have to make some repairs once inside. Best to use a coating to protect the inside cavity from future intrusion. Also coat the inside of the end cap before welding it in. A weld through primer works best so it doesn't burn off on the inside.

If the body is on it's a bit trickier but doable. I did it on my 63 that way. Last pics, blue car.

Rich

[Frank D.]

Re: Frame repairs

If its been on a Corvette, then Rich has dealt with it sooner or later...
I coated both my 61 and 63 internal frame with 6 cans (each) of Eastwood's internal frame coating..
Easy if you have a lift, messy but doable on jack stands:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cm7W7Db5vdw

[Tim L.]

Re: Frame repairs

Tim, You are welcome to come look at mine anytime. Don H.

Don, don't worry I'm sure I'll be over a lot looking at yours for reference!! Tim

[Tim L.]

Re: Frame repairs

Note in the photo of my '67 below. On the driver's side end cap, the lower right corner is open to release moisture. On the passenger side, the lower left is open. Hope this helps.

Leif, that's exactly the information I was looking for! Thanks for the photos, also great to see what shows after the side pipes and body is on. I got mine from a given-up restoration start - body off and all taken apart. It is a factory side pipe car. Thanks, Tim

[Tim L.]

Re: Frame repairs

The amount of weld on those caps can vary quite a bit. I replaced these on a 67. You'll be surprised what you find in there and may have to make some repairs once inside. Best to use a coating to protect the inside cavity from future intrusion. Also coat the inside of the end cap before welding it in. A weld through primer works best so it doesn't burn off on the inside.

If the body is on it's a bit trickier but doable. I did it on my 63 that way. Last pics, blue car.

Rich

Rich, thanks for the photos of your process. Mine looks very similar as far as repairs. Both the inner and the end caps are gone on both sides. Interesting to see the two holes in the inner plate, I will add that to the pieces I have made. Tim

[Tim L.]

Re: Frame repairs

Here is what I've roughed in on the passenger side. Hoping to get the end cap on this weekend and start on the driver's side. Thanks for the help.
Don't know why the photos rotated on me. Sorry!
IMG_2035.jpgIMG_2100.jpg

[Tom E.]

Re: Frame repairs

Tim,
When I repaired my end caps I also replaced the corner gussets as they were weak as well. I noticed in your photo one of the holes appears eaten out. The preformed gussets are inexpensive and easy to install. Might be worth considering while your in there
Tom

8213C3FC-5CA8-4FDC-AE5F-205B54B48EC5.jpg

[Tim L.]

Re: Frame repairs

Tim,
When I repaired my end caps I also replaced the corner gussets as they were weak as well. I noticed in your photo one of the holes appears eaten out. The preformed gussets are inexpensive and easy to install. Might be worth considering while your in there
Tom

[ATTACH=CONFIG]104217[/ATTACH]

Tom, I will definitely evaluate them. Thanks!

[Richard M.]

Re: Frame repairs

Tim I rotated your photos at the bottom to what I think what you intended. I've had the same cell phone photo issues. What I do is use MS Photo viewer to fix them, even if they are oriented correctly in that view. I view it, then rotate it so it's wrong, save it, then rotate back to correct view, then save again. Works every time. If you're uploading directly from the phone then based on Android, there are Rotate functions built-in. I use Android, not sure about the iPhone.

Those 2 holes in the internal mid cap support of the '67 are clearly seen and there's one partially visible on the '63 frame. The replacements didn't have them, and I didn't bother to drill them. I think they were there for additional airflow into the cavity. Didn't really help much on that '67 frame though did it?

Did you fabricate your own internal support? They have the flanges as original to weld to the side frame slots.

More of the '63 I did...
P1040009.jpg

P1070030.jpg

P1040016.jpg

P1040015.jpg



Your rotated photos....
Tim_IMG_2100.jpg
Tim_IMG_2035.jpg

[Tim L.]

Re: Frame repairs

Thanks for the tips Rich!!