Lateral-g project car to frame on to frame off
 

There will only be a couple more poll,s on the project car so we have a focus on what we are doing and get started with the actual build, I would like to do frame off it is only a couple days extra work and we can get alot better pics of the suspension, As far as the front suspension we are not going to do just simple bolt ons as we thought we were, instead we are going to do some drastic changes at a minimal cost, It will be more interesting and make the car work better, I will leave the frame off up to the poll so frame on or frame off

I say "Frame ON", because the intention (from what I understand anyway) is to show the beginner what can be done without a lot of cash outlay... something almost anyone should be able to accomplish.

My thought is that a frame-off is beyond the scope of most beginners. We should be staying low-budget, and SIMPLE.

My thoughts exactly.

Thats what I like input We will do what the majority wants to see. Thanks and keep it up.

Jeff

Derek brought up a really good point. I would also add that, a frame off build is just that. It starts to put the project in a more "complete" category that is open to higher standards and possible criticism. I think the scope of this project is "what can a average car do to his car, in his driveway/garage for under $15K?" I'm worried we may start having feature creep if we go down that road and the budget will be blown. I mean a lot can be done with a bit of elbow grease, a rented pressure washer and a rattle can. Just my $.02 anyway.

Ben, Thanks for your input, this car is a project and to show what we can do with that amount of money and to also show others what they can do, alot of times a new comer or first builder spends his hard money in the wrong area and well we have seen it happen, that also is why the poll, it shows a focus point thats what every project needs is focus and platform, After the polls are done they will be stuck on 100 percent and the budget well its my money!!!!!!!!!!!!! Im sticking with it......... The art renderings that is also something every car builder needs to do, No matter how big or small the project it is a strong focus point for every project, Keep it up We will be building a car soon then the real fun starts as soon as we know what we are building keep the polls rollin :thumbsup:

Yes, the only way to stay under $15k IMHO, is to take advantage of some used parts... and it's hard to stick used parts on a brand-new, and freshly painted chassis.

I dunno... on our first "restoration" we pulled a '61 Imapala off of the frame. Only a couple of bolts there, a few friends, and it's sitting on the ground. I don't think this means the frame needs to be sand blasted and powder coated, but it does mean that it can be pressure washed, cleaned up, and spray-bomb painted with a nice durable paint.

Beyond that, my current project is being done by... well... me. I painted it, but I have never painted professionally. I pulled the body off of the frame, but (at the time) my parent's garage didn't have a lift. I did thw body work, including making a fiberglass spoiler for the trunk, but I have never done professional body work.

My point is that an enterprising person would have no trouble pulling the body. Beyond that, it will make repairing any damage (G bodies tend to rot their rear frame rails) and will make it a better job for little or no additional money. I hope I haven't offended anyone here, if I have, I apoligize.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"

Also a couple very good points. I guess I really could go either way as long as money isn't spent sandblasting and powdercoating it. I personally think that's overkill for this particular project.

Frame on definately. When you go frame off you open a whole new can of financial worms that you'd double your budget on trying to accomplish. Plus you'll push you seat time way out in the future, in other words, it will be a long time before it sees the road.

As soon as the polls are done the project will begin as a time factor well winter is already hitting here and track reopens in late april depending on conditions so we have 6 hard work months so I feel our time factor is perfect, for no stress build and time to shop and swap on parts to save money.

I vote frame on because things come up as Ummgawa stated. I have been going the frame off yourself route for alittle over a year. Now I'm replacing the fuel and brake lines, possibly the tank, hey let's add a little shine to the frame as well, what about Rhino lining the underbody. Since I have the body already off. The only way I will do another frame off is if I have all the parts that I intend to use right there and plan on putting it back down within the next day or two.

Keep it simple !! imo frame on :yes:

Thanks and if our focus is straight we can do it with no added costs and stay within the budget

I say frame off since, as sparky stated, this is going to be a G-machine so you will want to get all the rust out and reinforce the frame for stiffness at the same time. Also, I think the focus should be thought of as how "bad a$$" a pro-touring car you can build for that kind of money! What a shame if the outside looks great and when you like under the car the frame rails are spray can painted and you can see a little overspray here and a little rust there..... I think it will look cleaner if you do a frame off not to mention it will be done right(read "thorough" here as it can be done "right" even with the frame on!) since you can correct whatever comes up along with an easier installation of suspension parts.
Most people that are into cars tend to have friends with the same interests so I don't see why it would be out of the question to figure in the "friend" factor as far as labor!

Please vote not just a reply, Thanks to all we only have a few days on this poll.

Poll closed Frame ON
 

This was a close one the vote is in and the Poll Closed frame on with 57.45% of the vote, Thanks to all who voted