1970 Convertible

[Cary S.]

I am trying to get an accepted definition of a "Frame On Restoration."

Can anyone help?

[Michael W.]

Re: 1970 Convertible

You might be asking the wrong group. NCRS members tend to stay away from vague jargon like this one and the infamous 'all numbers match'.

Aside from the obvious -frame not detached from the body-, the phrase can mean whatever the user decides it means.

[Jack H.]

Re: 1970 Convertible

It simply means the restorer performed the restoration work without removing the body from the frame...

Some cars are so good/so clean, that it's not necessary to pull the body and completely re-do the individual chassis components. But, in most cases, it means the restorer took a time/$$$ short cut and left key chassis components (surface rust on the frame, various underbody components, fuel and brake lines, Etc.) 'untouched' in the restoration effort....

[D S.]

Re: 1970 Convertible

Or spend megabucks on a frame off restoration and make it better than factory original. One tends to carry this process to extremes. Hence, all those posts about enclosed trailers.

[Tom S.]

Re: 1970 Convertible

Cary
I have an idea I know of the 70 you are speaking of! If so something is a little rotten in Denmark I think. I asked a few question's about the car, I am or was interested and now after several days I can't get the gent to call me back! Let me know how it turns out for you!! Tom

[Patrick H.]

Re: 1970 Convertible

Aside from the obvious -frame not detached from the body-, the phrase can mean whatever the user decides it means.

On eBay it usually tends to mean that the car had a paint job. Little else seems to be "necessary to qualify" in the eyes of most sellers.

Patrick

[Tom S.]

Re: 1970 Convertible

Patrick I agree on E-Bay a paint job can mean it is a 100 point car. As I have said before let the buyer beware!!

[Joe L.]

Re: 1970 Convertible

I am trying to get an accepted definition of a "Frame On Restoration."

Can anyone help?

Cary-----


It's just as Jack and Mike described. In my opinion, a frame-on restoration is the preferred way to go, especially for a driven car. It's really just about as much work as a frame-off because, if it's done properly, a lot more effort is required to get at and restore things than in a frame-off. I absolutely do not recommend a frame off for a driven car.

[Alan S.]

Re: 1970 Convertible

Cary,
I think that in an off-frame restoration when you come to a Y in the road with a sign that says 'while I'm at it I might as well...", you take that side road. In an on-frame you don't have quite as many 'opportunities' for side roads and you might even ignore some of them.
I'm finding what Joe L. said to be VERY true; I'm having a hard time driving my 71 off-frame. But I LOVED doing it!
Regards,
Alan

[Anthony M.]

Re: 1970 Convertible

I don't think that there is a definition. It means what the user wants it to mean, anything from a paint job to a full blown restoration. Look for bills and photos as proof of what was done.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 1970 Convertible

Cary,
It means just what it states, frame on restoration. Back in the 70's most people never thought of taking a car off the frame for restoration because if we could afford a Corvette it was used as our daily driver. Now 20/30 years later you had better check things that were taken for granted back then like frame rust windshield pillar rust etc as all those little surprises = $$$$$$$$$$$$

[Roberto L.]

Re: 1970 Convertible

Hello, most of you have answered the post, I will not, save the obvious meaning. Let me comment about the frame off/frame on dilema. More then one decade ago I was "ready" to try a frame off restoration. I was thinking in every nut, every bolt dissasembling. About that time I joined NCRS and got very good info and advices from many of you like Jack (Humphrey). He made me think about the original parts in the car, the compromises in the restore/preserve equation and the like. That save, in some way, the originality of my car.

I started a more selected restoration and preservation (with frame on...). When safety or condition suggested a restoration of the parts, I did it, but always tried and try to preserve the components, interior parts, exterior, even components of the engine compartment.

It is perhaps a mix between preservation of originality and frame on restoration. I drive the car every week and it is difficult to keep it in top/pristine condition but I try.

I admire those frame off restorations, the cars look wonderful but also I am very interested in those original, well preserve cars we can learn from.

[D S.]

Re: 1970 Convertible

And if I'm not mistaken Roberto Luis resides in Argentina making it that much more difficult for him to have access to original parts and service. For a 1970 driver it is sure nice looking in the photos he sent me.