My son and I continue to discuss how far to go with the Riv we purchased last week. There is pretty significant rust to the frame, and the paint is bubbling in several spots. The prior owner cut out and bolted in floorboard replacement metal (Looks horrific).

Neither one of us have experience with doing a frame off restoration, but I don't feel good about not addressing the rust below. Any thoughts on cost or timeframes involved in having the frame dipped? We live in Chicago, and I see some local vendors, but have missed the correct person when I have got a chance to call.

The other thought would be blasting the bottom at home (don't have a lift). How effectively can this be done in conjunction with the chemical rust converters?

Thanks again for your advice! I would appreciate not getting into the debate as to whether or not to proceed, or to get a another vehicle and use this one for parts, etc. It's already decided that we are moving forward, it's just how.

Keith,
Depending on how much work you're willing to do, you have some options. Sand blasting equipment is available to rent for home use and is not expensive, it is just messy and dirty!
Have you thought about rust encapsulating paint like Eastwood or POR 15? If applied properly, they will stop the rust.
I guess I fall backon to what kind of restoration job are you planning on? A frame off would mean that you would disassemble the entire car and if that is the case, chemical stripping is the way to go with the frame, as it removes the rust from inside and out. This is expensive and time consuming, but effective.
As far as the floors go, there are replacement floor pans designed to be welded in available from Classic Fabrications. They advertise in the Riview.
Just some thoughts!
Tim

Speaking from the point of view of someone who is just finishing up his first frame off restoration..

It is a big job but you already know that.
Plan on spending twice your budget and taking 3 times the time.

I too had major rust, I looked at dipping but didn't like the results of having maybe the solution still not nuetrelized in the car.

What I did was had the frame blasted and then powder coated after repairs. Cheap and it looks great. But I removed the body from the frame, it was the best way in my case.

One thought on doing it yourself, is to get a rotisserie, that way if you do it yourself, you can do it in comfort.

Keep in mind that anything you do to the car to improve it's overall condition, is a good thing reguardless of how small it is. Nothing keeps you in a better frame of mind than fixing something that was broke, or not working properly. and yes, it will cost alot more than expected and take a lot longer, but hang in there, "It just keeps getting better"

<<steve 3560>>

What year is the car and what is your budget?

To blast a frame that has significant scale rust requires a very large commercial type compressor, blaster, safety equipment, and it makes a big mess. If the frame has scale rust, it needs to be removed before a chemical rust converter is used. You can do the tedius process of using a chipping hammer and wire wheel to remove the scale or take it and have it blasted which does a significantly better job. It can be done on the car but some areas you just can't get to. If you are removing the body anyway, take the frame and have it blasted, then epoxy primered or powder coated.

I would not be surprised if when the frame is blasted, you find thin areas that will need welded and reinforced. Budget restoration on a rusty car to cost 3 times what you think it will and take 10 times longer. Expect when you strip the paint in the bubbled areas you'll find rust much worse than expected which pushes up the cost and time exponentially.

I always strongly discourage folks from trying to do a full resto on a car that is rusted badly unless the car has sentimental value due to the huge cost and likely an end result that may still not be satisfactory but as long as you understand that up front, you'll be OK.

Is this for a 1st generation riv? If so, and assuming that you have the space to work, a frame off is the way to go. Removing the frame from the body is simple and can be done in a day with common tools, a jack, and some jack stands. I'd remove the front clip, the body to frame bolts, speedo to tranny cable, trannny linkage and lift body off the fame and support it with jack stands. Then slide the frame from under the body. It's a little tedious, but at least you can get the to the frame to repair, clean and detail it (along with all of the other stuff that you removed from the car.)

I applaud dyou for your efforts. I live in southern california and accustomed to rust free cars. I would not dream of undertaking a rusty project becuase there are so many good 1st gen carcasses out here. Although is sounds like you're determined to move forward this car, you can probably save time, dollars, and achieve better results with a rust free car.

Like someone said, replacement panels are available and there's a myriad of folks reading this board with spare parts and technical knowledge. So, I don't think you'll have too much problem finding parts. Get a service manual, a pair of coveralls, and muster up some patience. I'm still working on my '65 GS after 14 years.

Restoring a car is like going on a vacation. Where do you want to go? What do you want to spend? What do you want to do when you get there? How long do you want to be away? Planning is key for a great expierience !!!


Your starting out on the right track by asking about what others have done to restore their car. Keep your mind and options open !!!!!! Be aware that taking on a project of this level is not only costly but time consuming and will challenge even the extremely motivated.
Doing a detailed assessment of this car's condition before any work is started is critical to the end result and completion of the effort. You dont know what is missing , useable, available ,repairable. How well or poor are the previous repairs and what other sins have been covered over ? Do a personal skill inventory . What skills do you and you son possess ? What outside help will be needed in the restoration? What equipment will you need and what tools do you have? A disassembled car takes up 3 times the space as an assembled one. Do you have the room to store things for the long haul ?Describe what you want as a finished car. A "Pebble" quailty restoration or a nice driver ? Something in between? Whats your budget ? Break it down into categories; mechanical, body , paint, chrome, upholstery. Know what to expect before getting deeply into things. This way you minimize the surprises that are sure to present themselves.
You appear to be placing the cart in front of the horse at this stage by speaking about blasting/repairing the frame and floors without having these other issues known.

If you need to go over things in further detail . Give me a call or drop me a PM. I'd be happy to help you figure out things .