Body is off, Now the fun begins

[Tom K.]

Well I finally got the nerve and time and pulled the body on my 67 vert. I have had this car for 5 years trying to decide whether to do a frame off. Last year when I had it up on the lift I found the gusset on the left rear differential mount was broken. I have since been working (in my spare time) on getting everthing unbolted and a week ago Saturday after a club judging event I finally got motivated. My 11 year old gearhead grandson was with me for the day and we pulled and braced the doors. On Sunday afternoon I raised the 2 post lift over the body, tied the body to the lift arms and raised the body clear, rolled the chassis out the door and rolled in the dolly. What a great feeling. I have since removed the NOM 350 and 4 sp.
Is it easier at this point to remove the rear or front components next? I am planning to make this a driver as I doubt that I will ever prove completely that this was a 390 or 400hp car and finding the original engine is probably out. I am planning to as much as I can on my own, so what are thoughts about cleaning the frame? ie wire brush vs blasting vs having it dipped?
Sorry this is so long. Looking for some thoughts and ideas.

[Timothy B.]

Re: Body is off, Now the fun begins

Tom,

You will find all your questions about the frame and body restoration can be answered here either in the archives or by posting.

Good luck on your project,

[Joe R.]

Re: Body is off, Now the fun begins

Well I finally got the nerve and time and pulled the body on my 67 vert. I have had this car for 5 years trying to decide whether to do a frame off. Last year when I had it up on the lift I found the gusset on the left rear differential mount was broken. I have since been working (in my spare time) on getting everthing unbolted and a week ago Saturday after a club judging event I finally got motivated. My 11 year old gearhead grandson was with me for the day and we pulled and braced the doors. On Sunday afternoon I raised the 2 post lift over the body, tied the body to the lift arms and raised the body clear, rolled the chassis out the door and rolled in the dolly. What a great feeling. I have since removed the NOM 350 and 4 sp.
Is it easier at this point to remove the rear or front components next? I am planning to make this a driver as I doubt that I will ever prove completely that this was a 390 or 400hp car and finding the original engine is probably out. I am planning to as much as I can on my own, so what are thoughts about cleaning the frame? ie wire brush vs blasting vs having it dipped?
Sorry this is so long. Looking for some thoughts and ideas.

Tom,

Congratulations! I had no idea our chapter judging meet was such a motivational affair! How about some pictures? You may want to talk to Jim Augustus about your frame. He mentioned some options to me in the distant past (at least as far as my memory goes!). I believe that one of them was a shop in Indiana (maybe), that cleaned and hot dip zinc galvanized your frame. I think he had used them with good results. I guess it depends on how long you want it to last and how much time & money you're willing to spend on it.

Joe

[Patrick N.]

Re: Body is off, Now the fun begins

Way to go Tom! Get some pics up for us to see
My 68 is essentially the same frame as the 67, I took the motor out, then body off, then suspension- not sure if it makes any difference front or rear first.

I sent my frame to a retoration center for blasting and refinishing, I had the frame checked to see if it was true or if it needed alignment. The front cross member was crushed as most people used it as a jack point, so that was hammered out and repaired. Take note of the shims used at each body mount location.

Here are a couple pics of that day, good luck on your project!
Pat

[Paul J.]

Re: Body is off, Now the fun begins

Tom, that's great. There's no sequence regarding the front or rear suspension, so it really does'nt matter which one you start on.

You'll get a lot of opinions on this, but unless you're building a restomod, put it back stock, to NCRS specs. Paint the frame and use rubber bushings. If you do this, it will provide good service for another 44 years and will have good value if you ever sell it.

Paul

[Mike G.]

Re: Body is off, Now the fun begins

i am a little bit ahead of you. here is where i am on my 70. i have been busy so i have not had time to work on it lately.