what to do about my convertible frame

[Andy69]

My 69 convertible frame needs some work. It needs to have the mounting holes repaired, some other holes repaired, and it needs straightening. I also have to have it galvanized or sandblasted and painted or power coated.

That's a lot of work and $$$.

I can get into an aftermarket frame starting at around I think $2500. Redone convertible frames cost that much as well.

The aftermarket frames will be more expensive to complete, as none of my original suspension parts will fit, but the end result will be a much better handling car as I will be able to use true coilovers, etc.

but, I'm not really out to make this into a pro touring handling machine. I'm probably not going to race (although notice I didn;t say never), but I'll probably use the car just for cruising around and going to shows.

Any suggestions as to what to do?

[BlueSS454]

Repair and refinish the original frame. The body mount areas are easy to repair with some 1/4" flat stock, a welder, and a grinder. The biggest expense is going to be having a shop put it on a frame rack, check the specs, and pull if and where necessary. One other alternative that might be cheaper would be to find a hardtop frame and box it in.

[Les Saville]

Andy, I'd fix the original frame unless it is bad rusted out, you will be glad you did when you start bolting on new or refubished GM original parts.

[Andy69]

WEll, I guess that's a good point, Les. There are many more parts available for the stock frame. And, they are cheaper.

[Andy69]

well that makes sense, I gues with an aftermarket frame I'd be locked into buying expensive aftermarket parts

[Dean]

Well, you know that I prefer "like factory original" even though I might be in the minority more and more every day.
I agree with Tom and Les for sure. :yes:

[Andy69]

The only thing I was thinking is that the aftermarket frames would be much stiffer. With a convertible, that matters.

[Sid Coleman]

Well you can always add stiffeners to your frame while you're repairing it. Time to throw away the bondo and get a small but decent welder and go to it :)

Now for the Healey- I'm gonna invest in a steel company, 'cause you're gonna need a LOT :D

[T-Man]

Nice.

Bringing the love from down the street to the new house. :D

[Andy69]

Well you can always add stiffeners to your frame while you're repairing it. Time to throw away the bondo and get a small but decent welder and go to it :)

Now for the Healey- I'm gonna invest in a steel company, 'cause you're gonna need a LOT :D

uh, the Healey is aluminum :)

so, what kind of stiffeners? I've seen a few people add gussets to the rear xmember.

[BlueSS454]

How bad is the frame out of spec? If you need a frame spec sheet, I have one somewhere.

[Derek69SS]

I agree with keeping the stock chassis. If you're not going to try racing it competitively, the benefits of the aftermarket chassis won't really be seen... With the right combination of bolt-ons, you won't be able to push the limits of the stock chassis on the street anyway.


Now for the Healey- I'm gonna invest in a steel company, 'cause you're gonna need a LOT :D


uh, the Healey is aluminum :)

Hear that Sid? You're going to have to invest in beer cans. :biggrin:

[Andy69]

How bad is the frame out of spec? If you need a frame spec sheet, I have one somewhere.

It's about an inch/inch and a quarter down at the horns, starting at the firewall area, and the rear is twisted about 2 inches out starting just in front of the rear turn ins

[Andy69]

you won't be able to push the limits of the stock chassis on the street anyway:

my wife might beg to differ with you, having experienced my driving :)

[1972convss454]

I would find a good donor frame from a HT, cut the boxing from my old frame and be as good as new.

[Aaron Thomas]

+1 for repairing the original frame as long as you have some welding skill. I did a frame swap about 4 years ago and moved the car from CA to AZ and have to title the car and am still a bit worried on the paperwork for that. Fixing the original frame relieves the paperwork headache, allows you to make improvements (stiffening) and will still keep the matching frame. Even though your intent isn't for a #'s matching restoration, I think the use of a non original frame might scare a few when it comes to resale value (not that we ever intend on selling our pride and joy). I'd ask a few others on what order they would perform the repairs, weld, straighten and powdercoat seems right to me but then again it might be better to straighten then weld and powdercoat. Someone more knowledgeable can answer, just posing the question to ask.