I probably should have looked before buying the car, but I still have not checked out the frame condition on my recently purchased 71 Supreme. I have been told since that these cars often rot the frame out just behind the front wheels. If this is the case, can this be repaired? Or would I need a new frame? Or would it basically turn this into a parts car?

 

It all depends. If the rust is confined to a small area, a good frame shop can easily weld in new metal. If the rust is substantial you can always replace the frame, but that's essentially a body-off restoration. The price for good frames seems to be going up rapidly. At the Spring Carlisle swap meet this weekend, the asking price (not to be confused with selling price, by the way) for A-body frames that had been sandblasted and painted was $2,000 for a HT frame and $2,600 for a convert frame. You'll need to decide what the car is worth.

 

DAMN....and I just GAVE a straight frame away... I'mma dumbass...

John

 

At the risk of veering off topic, prices for A-body parts at Carlisle were just INSANE. Completely shredded A-body buckets that needed all new foam and upholstery (and probably frame repair) were going for $400-500 a pair. 12 bolt posi axles for $1250. Rusty Cutlass front fenders for $200 each.

Again, these were asking prices, but people see this and think their junk is solid gold.

 

hmmm, that would meant that I may be better off parting out this car instead of rebuilding it. But that would go against the entire reason I bought it.

decisions, decisions...

 

What part of the country are you in? If you would post the city and state someone nearby might be able to help you. I have a couple 68-72 hardtop frames myself, and a 1971 Supreme project car but unless your close by it would probably cost too much to ship.


Eightupman, I don't want to think about how many I've cut up and sent to the scrap yard in the last 25 years! We all have 20/20 hindsight

 

Sorry about the location, forgot to fill that in, however it would not help much as I am in northern British Columbia, Canada, closer to Alaska than to Washington.