Frame Off Restoration

Status
Not open for further replies.

Streetbu

Know it all, that doesn't
Supporting Member
May 22, 2011
3,721
11,525
113
Central NY
Yes Schwartz is the only one besides a used one. A single person can remove the body in a day by themselves with the right equipment/setup. Going back on is a different story. Front clip can stay on when being removed. Here's mine. Full build is detailed, check out the link in my signature.

IMG_20160529_134115863_zps6dnstxqa.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

MechMan

Master Mechanic
Sep 13, 2018
337
139
43
Kingsport, TN
if you can afford Schwartz Performance then I would go that way. There is quite a bit of work to do even on a good condition stock frame and you will never get it close to a Schwartz Performance
I currently have the luxury of time in regards to saving money. Just a lot to spend on the frame though i know it fixes a lot of the stock short comings.
 

TURNA

Rocket Powered Basset Hound
Jul 24, 2009
10,941
19,990
113
Socialist NY
there is a chassis shop in port jeff

Pro Chassis Design
(631) 254-3641
 

MechMan

Master Mechanic
Sep 13, 2018
337
139
43
Kingsport, TN
By the time I actually start this project I most likley will not be in NY anymore.
 

MechMan

Master Mechanic
Sep 13, 2018
337
139
43
Kingsport, TN
This is true. Almost made out this year but some financial issues popped up on me that has halted it until at least next year.
 
  • Like
Reactions: 1 user

abbey castro

Royal Smart Person
Oct 31, 2015
1,042
1,303
113
Harker Hts TX
I did it, will I do it again, NO. But go for it.
Pit Falls:
Budget is never enough, endless bank account require depending on how far you want to go. I went with all GM parts or OEM suppliers for lots of the expendable parts, bushings, gaskets etc. Most of my engine compartment hoses are the originals!
Time schedule; Not enough hours in years (Took me 12) work kept me on the road for months at a time. Frame build up with all suspension and motor/trans only took 1 Saturday.
Help Needed: I did it all by myself except removal/and installation of body. Took my neighbor with forklift tractor.
Buddy Help: A definite asset to keep you motivated when you're about to give up ( I didn't have one then)
Parts: Take pic of part installed before removal! Tag part place bolts in clear plastic bags. Blast/paint/chrome parts immediately after removal. See pic of parts hanging from rafters cleaned and bolt bags stapled to wall ready for install. No bolts in boxes!
Junk Yard Trips: Find G-Body take as many bolts as you can as well as little pieces that you might need because yours are bad or missing. All clips and little specialty fasteners are available online. Clipsandfasteners is a great place.

Tools:
A Harbor xxxxx sandblast cabinet is cheap and makes parts looks new. So easy, I couldn't have done it without it.
Engine hoist
A good air wrench makes for fast removal of bolts.

Special tools I didn't use any even though my tool box has a bunch of Kent Moore GM Spec special tools for GM Cars.

Last but not least: When some asks you say instead of " I bought it this way two years ago, you say "YES I did it myself and I know where every nut and bolt goes"

Good luck and you'll yank your hair out bu.... it puts a smile on your face when you drive it. And by the way I put on all the original factory brakes and then went with 2002 Camaro rear disks and S10 brakes in the front this year.
 

Attachments

  • BodyDrop3.JPG
    BodyDrop3.JPG
    49.7 KB · Views: 128
  • BodyPrep5.jpg
    BodyPrep5.jpg
    55.7 KB · Views: 145
  • PrePaint3.JPG
    PrePaint3.JPG
    60.5 KB · Views: 157
  • Copy of RearEnd2.jpg
    Copy of RearEnd2.jpg
    55.3 KB · Views: 129
  • ZZ4RF1.jpg
    ZZ4RF1.jpg
    50.5 KB · Views: 126
  • IMG_20190610_151245509_HDR.jpg
    IMG_20190610_151245509_HDR.jpg
    138.2 KB · Views: 132
  • 20180908_162334.jpg
    20180908_162334.jpg
    88.9 KB · Views: 148
  • 20180620_172712.jpg
    20180620_172712.jpg
    310.4 KB · Views: 124
  • LittleGargeCOntents (2).JPG
    LittleGargeCOntents (2).JPG
    726.6 KB · Views: 139
  • Like
Reactions: 1 users
Status
Not open for further replies.

GBodyForum is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. Amazon, the Amazon logo, AmazonSupply, and the AmazonSupply logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates.

Please support GBodyForum Sponsors

Classic Truck Consoles Dixie Restoration Depot UMI Performance

Contact [email protected] for info on becoming a sponsor