Replacement Frames

[James S.]

Hello every one, How does NCRS look upon GM service replacement frames or a replacement frame from a reproduction place. And who would be a good supplier of a replacement frame?
Jim

[Michael G.]

Re: Replacement Frames

Hello every one, How does NCRS look upon GM service replacement frames or a replacement frame from a reproduction place. And who would be a good supplier of a replacement frame?
Jim

I assume you referring to the frame supporting the body. GM to my knowledge does not have a replacement frame however Vette Products of Michigan has a very nice reindition. Like any other replacement part used in the restoration process it would be judge accordingly at a NCRS judged event. Points would be allowed for condition but deducted for "untypical". Others with judging experience will chime in with detail. The use of a reproduction frame is a great alternative to replacing a damaged or rusty original. There are many in use although it's not widely 'broadcasted'.

[Harry S.]

Re: Replacement Frames

Hello every one, How does NCRS look upon GM service replacement frames or a replacement frame from a reproduction place. And who would be a good supplier of a replacement frame?
Jim

It's like all other judged items as viewed with CDCIF. (Configuration, Date Completeness, Installation and Finish) If it's configured like a frame for year then it's ok. Remember, a 63 frame is greatly different than a 67 frame and easy to spot. So you need to know what your configuration is then ask the provider to ensure his frame will work for you.

I agree that a new replacement is much better/safer than fixing a rust/bent original. There still may bad areas on the inside that can't be seen.

[William B.]

Re: Replacement Frames

Have a new Vette Products frame under my original '67 as the car has lived in Ohio all it's life and was not safe to drive. I am very pleased with their product but was an 8 week wait. $5250 painted.

[John H.]

Re: Replacement Frames

And who would be a good supplier of a replacement frame?
Jim

Jim -

There's only one supplier of GM-licensed new reproduction frames, made from the original GM stamping dies and weld assembly tooling - Vette Products of Michigan.

[Michael G.]

Re: Replacement Frames

Jim -

There's only one supplier of GM-licensed new reproduction frames, made from the original GM stamping dies and weld assembly tooling - Vette Products of Michigan.

It was my understanding Neil and his company owned the (GM) tooling to make the frames.....not necessarily a GM licensed product? Quality stuff.

[Jim T.]

Re: Replacement Frames

Do not need frames for my 68 or 70 original owner Corvettes, but I am sure glad that this company makes them. Have often wondered if Joe Lucia has a frame replacement stored for his 1969 convertible.

[Joe L.]

Re: Replacement Frames

Do not need frames for my 68 or 70 original owner Corvettes, but I am sure glad that this company makes them. Have often wondered if Joe Lucia has a frame replacement stored for his 1969 convertible.

Jim------


I came very close to purchasing one once-upon-a-time. I did not for three reasons:

1) If the car was damaged badly enough to bend the frame, I probably would not want it anymore;

2) Inasmuch as my car has lived in California all its life and has rarely been out-of-state (and never to salted road states), I should never have a problem with corrosion-induced damage;

3) A Corvette frame is heavy and difficult to store.

[Joe L.]

Re: Replacement Frames

Have a new Vette Products frame under my original '67 as the car has lived in Ohio all it's life and was not safe to drive. I am very pleased with their product but was an 8 week wait. $5250 painted.

William-----


As I've stated before, if a frame is needed for a Corvette, I think the way-to-go is a reproduction manufactured by Vette Products even if there may be "nuances of non-originality". There are just too many problems that used frames may suffer from which are not readily apparent. Chief among them is a frame that has been bent and repaired. LOTS of Corvettes have had their frames bent and "straightened" during their life (especially those that end up "donating" their frame to the used market). The frame is just too important and fundamental to take a chance on such problems. Plus, the cost and effort to install it is just too great to take a chance on finding out after everything is done that it's "not right". The Corvette hobby is extremely fortunate to have a source for new, high quality reproduction frames of USA manufacture. So, if one needs a frame, my advice is to take advantage of it.

[Page C.]

Re: Replacement Frames

The frame is one of the most important parts to the car. For judging purposes it only cares 15 points on originalty and 15 on condition. The minor differences in confirguration couldn't amount to one or two points. The condition would probably get the max.

[Joe L.]

Re: Replacement Frames

All-----

One more thing to keep in mind: where do you suppose all of the used frames that are on the market come from? Do you suppose that they come from pristine Corvettes that someone decides to part out? Do you suppose that they come from restorable Corvettes that someone decides to part out? If you don't think they come from any of these type of cars, then, with one exception, they must come from cars that are not even restorable. What might that infer about possible "deficiencies" affecting the frame?

The one exception might be pristine or restorable cars in good condition that are STOLEN and the thief NEEDS to part out. Personally, if I needed a frame, I wouldn't want one of those, either, no matter how good it was.

[Jeff P.]

Re: Replacement Frames

Jim

Vette Products would be the best choice.

[Patrick H.]

Re: Replacement Frames

Jim------


I came very close to purchasing one once-upon-a-time. I did not for three reasons:

1) If the car was damaged badly enough to bend the frame, I probably would not want it anymore;

2) Inasmuch as my car has lived in California all its life and has rarely been out-of-state (and never to salted road states), I should never have a problem with corrosion-induced damage;

3) A Corvette frame is heavy and difficult to store.

I think that someone would have seen that sitting around the house.

[Michael G.]

Re: Replacement Frames

Jim

Vette Products would be the best choice.

It's the only choice for a reproduction frame made with original GM tooling.

[James S.]

Re: Replacement Frames

Hello every one, How does NCRS look upon GM service replacement frames or a replacement frame from a reproduction place. And who would be a good supplier of a replacement frame?
Jim

Hello everyone and thank you for your input. The advise I recieved was very help full for me to make an informed decission on the replacewment of my frame for my "69. A used frame would be to risky to use from a safety standpoint and hidden defects such as I have on my frame where the the side rails have a large accumilation of rust inside which contributed to the frame going soft at the weldment for the rear kick-up.
Reframing a 'vette is expensive and to spend money on a used frame would be a waste of money and time. I
will check in with Vette Products this week and inquire for one of thier frames.
Best Regards, Jim