Frame Works

Now that I have everything off the frame, I wanted to beef it up by completing the welds

This is the Vette frame up-side down.

The factory only spot welded the frame.

Here is a full weld pass down one of the frame rails.

To strengthen the frame, I fabricated gussets.

Gussets ready to be welded to the frame.

A-arm bracket is welded, and gusset is welded on the bottom side.

Finished welding this gusset in place.
Not too bad for an old stick welder!

This is the welded gusset on the other a-arm mount

A few more welds, the frame is almost ready for the suspension.

I had gusseted the differential mount, but later discovered that the body will not clear those gussets. I cut the gussets off with a torch, but in doing so, I slightly damaged the frame. In order to repair the damage, I had to fabricate a couple of plates to weld in place.

After cutting off gussets at the differential mount.

Damage done by torch.

Plate held in place with C-Clamp.

All finished

Welds completed at front shock mount.

Gussets complete at A-Arm mounts.

Welds complete on driver's side frame rail.

I boxed in the front part of the frame to add strength where the sway bars will connect.

Frame going back under Vette body dolly.

Here is the 454 short block bolted to the frame.