OK guys, here's my dilemma...

I have torn apart the entire front end, including suspension (almost done), fenders, radiator "stuff", heater box, headers, etc..

I was originally going to take out the motor and trans., to clean up/paint the firewall...

Plus, I wanted to clean up and either paint or POR15 (& paint) the frame....However, I got to thinking about it and it seems like this would be Mickey Mouse at his finest...

Do you think that it would be sickening if I were to paint the frame portion from the firewall forward right now? The remaining part of the frame will remain AS-IS for the time being...Future plans will be to remove the body and complete the frame, as other things as well (new lines, etc.)...

It just really bothers me thinking that this will be so half-ace...?

The main reason I don't pull the body off right now is time...I want to get the car going...Plus, I don't really have the money to finish the "other" stuff (like brake lines, etc.) in the near future...

On the other hand, the suspension pieces are going to be freshly done (paint or powdercoat)...I'd hate to put those back on, only to take them off next year (let's say) when I pull the body off...

Basically, now would be a good time to do the "front half" of the car...

What'd ya think???

This is a good time to paint. I used POR 15 chassis coat. You may want to replace the front four body bushings two on each side, also the radiator bushings if it has any.

------------------

I don't think it's Mickey Mouse.
Do what you can now. I have went this rout B-4 and then painted the remaining frame as I replaced body bushings one side at a time.
The project will be more manageable if you work it the way you are little bits at a time.

Wayne
ACES 1556
TCG 186

------------------

.......do what YOU can afford......

------------------
"Laissez Le Bon Temp Rouler' Cha!"
Chevytalk Moderator (http://forums.chevytalk.com/cgi-bin/ubbcgi/forumdisplay.cgi?action=topics&forum=1970-1972+Chevelle&number=52)
My Car (http://hometown.aol.com/abayoukid/index.html)
"Jungle"Jim
A&P/ASE T/C#105
70SS396 & 70 Malibu
"I don't drive FAST, I just FLY low!"

Sounds like a good plan to me! Do what you can now, and at least the front will be done.Then finish the frame when you do the body, and can replace the lines.Breaking it down into smaller jobs can make it easier and more affordable.

It's not Mickey Mouse and it's done more often than you realize. Looks good when you open the hood, and you're halfway done with painting the frame. When you get around to pulling the body off, look at the work you will have saved.

All I can say is its better then what I did.
Poor Man's frame-off restoration...
POR-15 the visible parts of the frame that arent covered by the body.


------------------
Steve
64SS-327-4spd-sold to Original owner! (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/64old1.jpg)
65 Malibu 283/PG (Homepage) (http://www.angelfire.com/ca4/chevelle/)
Team Chevelle Member #71

Thanks for the responses, guys...

It makes sense to do it that way...I didn't want to do the front end (with p/c control arms, etc.) and put it on a "rusty" (it's not really that bad, but looks old) frame...Not to mention, the fact that just about "everything" is apart right now, except the motor is still in there. However, I do want to remove that, for a few reasons. One, is to get to that part of the frame. Also, the firewall should get done at this time (I've also removed the heater box). Finally, There has always been a small oil leak at the timing chain cover/oil pan, since I got the motor rebuilt a few years ago. The engine builder offered to fix it...it was just my laziness, I suppose...While it's out, I might as well clean it up and touch up some spots (repaint the block/pan prob.)

Do you know of an engine stand that could accomodate both the engine and trans? I am worried about separating the trans and messing it up when I put it back together...The first trans I put in, I think I may have messed it up by not putting the converter in properly, or something...The trans only lasted about 300 miles or so...luckily, B&M were good on their warranty...

Then again, knowing to pay special attention to that area, perhaps it won't happen again...

For the body bushings...I may go ahead and order a set here soon...At least replace the ones I can get to right now and get the remaining at a later time...I want to, at the minimum, replace the radiator support bushings (are those included in the kit?), since they looked kinda toast...

I'm just gonna have to keep in mind that this is not a show car (professionally judged), so I can do these things a step at a time, like you mentioned...Plus, it'll be half done http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

Oh boy, I can't wait to pull that motor http://www.chevelles.com/forum/smile.gif

Thanks!

------------------
I work to live, but make money for fun...when am I gonna have fun?

I know what I was gonna "ask"...

Are polyurethane body bushings worth the extra cost? Mainly from a performance standpoint...I am not too worried about stiffness, as I am putting on the poly bushings, etc. and have the KYB's (although I think these may be too stiff...I am looking for a "tight" vehicle though...

Why not??
Not many of us can afford a frame off resto and not even to completly redo the engine compartment. We all improve our Chevelles to the best of our abilities and budget. Many of us with our obligations can barely afford the hobby. I did exactly that, I pulled the engine out and cleaned it and made it as presentable as possible. Have you ever added the receipts just for an engine compartpment detailing. How about over 4k, to include engine rebuilt. As for an engine stand I bought one at BJ's for my big block for $49.00. Just have someone help you to install the tranny when putting it back. It will be a lot easier to do the engine compartment with engine and tranny out. Check the Resto Shop in Team Chevelle to get all the details on how to do the engine compertment. I used Eastwoods paints and the results were very good. I just went back to the US to see my Chevelle after 1 1/2 years and every thing looks good. Use aluminum foil to cover parts that you have painted to protect them.
Don't worry, you are not alone!!!
Luis!Canadian70SS
http://chevelle.veriotraining.com/mcc/jan99.htm

[This message has been edited by Luis (edited 12-30-2000).]