C2 Frame Rot - repair advice needed

[Mark P.]

When I pulled the driver side trailing arm on my 1965 I found some rot in the trailing arm "box". I had a wheel bearing go bad and am sending the trailing arms out to be rebuilt.

Since the bottom of the "box" is the top of the cross member I know this is pretty serious. Most of the rot is in the "box" but some is starting to go up the side.

Has anyone made a repair like this with the body on ? I plan to restore this car at a later date but I can't imagine doing it now. I am in the middle of the restoration of my 1960 and want to get that done first.

I would like to repair this and not touch it for 5 years or so. I would like to do a couple thousand miles a year of driving, none will be in the rain. I'll then pull the frame and repair it right.

Any advice would be appreciated.

[Joe L.]

Re: C2 Frame Rot - repair advice needed

When I pulled the driver side trailing arm on my 1965 I found some rot in the trailing arm "box". I had a wheel bearing go bad and am sending the trailing arms out to be rebuilt.

Since the bottom of the "box" is the top of the cross member I know this is pretty serious. Most of the rot is in the "box" but some is starting to go up the side.

Has anyone made a repair like this with the body on ? I plan to restore this car at a later date but I can't imagine doing it now. I am in the middle of the restoration of my 1960 and want to get that done first.

I would like to repair this and not touch it for 5 years or so. I would like to do a couple thousand miles a year of driving, none will be in the rain. I'll then pull the frame and repair it right.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Mark------


I'd say you've got quite a problem on your hands. First of all, I don't think this area can be repaired without removing the body from the frame. Second, I think when you do remove the body from the frame, you're going to find other areas also in need of repair. So much so, I think that ultimately your best bet is going to end up being replacement of the frame.

Unfortunately, in the meantime I don't think you should drive the car. I wouldn't waste my time trying to re-install the trailing arms.

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but that's how I see it.

[Terry B.]

Re: C2 Frame Rot - repair advice needed

Mark,

I went through the same frame problem you have now. I was freshing-up the rear of the car and discovered the problem after I removed the trailing arms. I went through the thought of being able to have the frame repaired for about a month or so. I had welders come and see the car but they all had the same response, the body needs to come off to do the job correctly. After the body was removed the problem was much worse than anyone previously thought. The frame was completely rotten at the kick ups and I was actually able to fold it over on itself. I had to replace the frame and looking back it was the correct thing to do. What started out as a freshing up the rear chassis area turned out to be a frame off. Good luck on your decision and if you want to know more about my process on this repair, just email me.

Terry

[Tom A.]

Re: C2 Frame Rot - repair advice needed

I am currently doing that same repair on a 65. It is not an easy repair with the frame off and set up in a jig. Several other sections are being replaced also. Fortunately not enough to warrant total replacement but close. This damage leaves the trailing arm mount extremely weak. I also wouldn't suggest driving it like this.

[Dick W.]

Re: C2 Frame Rot - repair advice needed

The body has to come off to make the necessary repairs. Vette Products of Michigan has all the necessary pieces that you should need to make the repair.

[Chris E.]

Re: C2 Frame Rot - repair advice needed

Mark,

A buddy of mine did a partial restoration on a shark car a few years ago. He didn't address the frame. His brother was driving the car after it was back together, the car hit a big pot hole, the frame snapped at the weak point, and it literally drove itself into the ground. Thankfully Kevin wasn't hurt, but the car was a wreck.

Stay safe. This is a very important structural part of the car. If it is as weak as your photos are showing, I wouldn't drive it. Sorry, not what you want to hear.

[Steve L.]

Re: C2 Frame Rot - repair advice needed

Mark, My 73 frame wasn't nearly as bad as yours. But when I took my body off there was lots of other rust. It was a lot more evident when I had it acid dipped. I started re-welding new parts. But when I look back at it, I spent too much money on new parts and way way way too much time on it. I should have just bought a new rebuild frame. However, I can say that the frame is original- well,, most of it anyways.

As suggested by others, don't drive it, That kick up area is where there is a lot of torsional stress all concentrated right where your picture is.

[Tom L.]

Re: C2 Frame Rot - repair advice needed

Hate to be another one piling it on but my brother in law removed his body to do some work knowing he had some rust issues. He ended up ordering a new one from Vette products. Should be here soon. Good luck!!

[Gary F.]

Re: C2 Frame Rot - repair advice needed

There seems to be a pattern forming here. I bought a new frame from Vette Products. I DON'T take chances, and I couldn't be happier. I'd rather pay now, than pay later.

[Mark P.]

Re: C2 Frame Rot - repair advice needed

Did anyone notice the door gaps getting tighter or doors rubbing when they had the same frame issues as I did ?

My door gaps are still right and there is no rubbing.

I spoke to Mike at Vette Products of Michigan and he said once the structural integrity of the frame in that area start to go that the door issues will be the first sign.

We discussed my options and I am thinking about what I want to do with the car. A new frame seems to make sense but am thinking of logistics of that.

[Michael W.]

Re: C2 Frame Rot - repair advice needed

I stopped driving mine when I could no longer open the driver's side door. A full frame and birdcage replacement was required to make it roadworthy again.

Ironically the trailing arm pockets and rear kick up were fine, comparatively. They all rot differently, yours has the classic ssymptoms though.

[Dick W.]

Re: C2 Frame Rot - repair advice needed

Did anyone notice the door gaps getting tighter or doors rubbing when they had the same frame issues as I did ?

My door gaps are still right and there is no rubbing.

I spoke to Mike at Vette Products of Michigan and he said once the structural integrity of the frame in that area start to go that the door issues will be the first sign.

We discussed my options and I am thinking about what I want to do with the car. A new frame seems to make sense but am thinking of logistics of that.

A new frame is the easiest way to take care of your problems. It is ALL new metal, no repairs, no surprises. We have installed a couple of his frames and all we had to do was drill the holes for the brake and fuel line clips. I have replaced kickups, side rails, etc because the customer wanted his original frame. The money works out about the same when it all said and done.

[Mike G.]

Re: C2 Frame Rot - repair advice needed

The body has to come off to make the necessary repairs. Vette Products of Michigan has all the necessary pieces that you should need to make the repair.

what he said! i have bought sections of frame and repaired them but once you see more damage to the front parts you will probably have to replace the frame. what i have seen done... the c2 and c3 frames are pretty much the same except the rear section. c2 frames are hard to find but c3 frames are not. you can buy the new replacement rear section from VPM and replace the rear section of nice c3 frame and you have what you need. any necessary brackets you have on the old frame. i have a couple of c3 frames.

[Dick W.]

Re: C2 Frame Rot - repair advice needed

what he said! i have bought sections of frame and repaired them but once you see more damage to the front parts you will probably have to replace the frame. what i have seen done... .

The reason that you never see a frame rotted in front of the transmission crossmember is that they are well coated in oil. The only Chevrolet engine of that era that did not leak oil did not have oil in it.

[John D.]

Re: C2 Frame Rot - repair advice needed

What does a replacement C2 frame cost these days ?