In this segment, repairs are made to the Corvette's frame. Once the frame repair is done, the steering is checked and adjusted. Note: This is a summary of steps included in the automotive restoration procedures shown in this episode of Classic Car Restoration. These are general guidelines for restoration procedures on this particular make and model of vehicle, and for the level of restoration selected for this project. There may be variations in procedures depending on model, condition of vehicle, level of restoration undertaken and the types of replacement parts or upgraded kits selected. Always follow proper safety precautions, and read and follow manufacturer's guidelines, diagrams and safety notices that come with any replacement parts or kit that you select. Safety Alert: Always follow appropriate safety guidelines, and wear protective gear when working with welding equipment and torches. Welding classes are available in most cities. Safety Alert: Always wear eye protection when working with power tools or pneumatic tools.
Materials:
Standard automotive tools (socket-wrenches, etc.)
Wire-feed MIG welder
Acetylene torch
Pneumatic die-grinder
Tack hammer
Screwdriver Seam sealer
Chassis spray-paint
Welder's helmet and face-shield
Welder's gloves
Eye protection
Rubber gloves Frame Repair The frame of the Corvette is in fair shape overall, but there are some specific areas that are severely rusted. To repair the frame, custom-made metal patches are cut to repair damaged areas. A MIG welder is then used to cover the damaged areas with the patches. A MIG welder is an electric wire-feed welder, and is ideal for this type of frame repair. An acetylene torch will be used to cut away old after-market brackets that were installed by a previous owner who apparently modified this car for drag-racing. Safety Alert: Before any welding or torch-cutting begins, the fuel tank is removed from the vehicle and the fuel-lines are drained. (Steps for removal of the fuel tank are detailed in a later segment.) Since welding and cutting produces a lot of sparks, it's essential that the fuel tank and gasoline is removed from the vehicle and the work area.
Steps:
- As Roger fabricates a metal patch to repair a rusted area on the Corvette's frame, host Mark Lambert cleans away rust from the vehicle frame using a rotary brush with steel bristles. It takes a while to fashion the metal patch, making fine adjustments and test-fitting to ensure a solid fit.
- A die-grinder is used to cut away the badly rusted area of the frame (figure A).
- The die-grinder is also used to cut excess metal off the patch-piece. A hammer is used to continue shaping the piece for a secure fit. The fabricated patch is made to follow the frame shape as closely as possible (figure B). Once welded in place, a well-made frame-patch may actually be stronger than the original frame.
- Once the proper shape is achieved, the patch is tack-welded in place using the wire-feed MIG welder (figure C).
- With the patch in place, a tack hammer can be used to fine-adjust the shape of the patch piece.
- Once any additional shaping has been done, the seams of the patch can be welded to secure the patch completely (figure D).
- After the patch work on the frame is complete, an acetylene torch is used to cut away the old drag-race traction-bar brackets (figure E).
- Once all of the drag-racing pieces have been cut off, the areas where they were mounted are ground smooth using a die-grinder followed by a rotary brush.
- Seam sealer is applied to the welded seams (figure F) to keep dirt and road-grime out of the newly patched areas.
- With the frame repairs complete, the drag-race brackets removed, and the frame thoroughly cleaned, a chassis-spray paint can be applied to seal and protect the frame and keep it looking good (figure G).
Adjusting the Steering
With the frame repairs complete, the next step in this restoration is to adjust the Corvette's steering using the steering-box located underneath the hood. An earlier test-drive revealed that the steering wheel exhibited some play during driving. Since the other steering components have been checked and found to be in good shape, the play may be due to wear in the gears inside the steering box.
The Corvette's steering box permits adjustment of these gears, which may well solve the steering problem. Adjustment of the steering requires two people, but the job can be done in just a few minutes. - The steering box is unlocked using an open-end wrench and a screwdriver extended through a factory hole in the fiberglass body. To adjust the steering, unlock the nut with about a quarter-turn, then adjust the steering using a slotted screwdriver (figure H).
- As one person sits in the drivers seat and turns the steering wheel in slight increments, another person can adjust the steering (figure I) until the excess play is removed.
- Important: Avoid over-tightening the steering-box mechanism, as this may cause binding of the steering.
In the segment that follows, the wheel hubs and bearings are serviced.
RESOURCES :
Corvette Black Book : 1953-2001
Model: 0933534477
Author: Michael Antonick
Corvette: The American Legend
Model: 0785343741
Author: Consumer Guide Editors
Classic Car Restorer's Handbook: Restoration Tips and Techniques for Owners ...
Model: 1557881944
Author: Jim Richardson
Order this book from Amazon.com
H.P. Books
Classic Car Restoration Guide: The Complete Illustrated Step-By-Step Manual
Model: 1850108900
Author: Lindsay Porter
Order this book from Amazon.com
Haynes Publishing
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