57 4 Door Hardtop - First Trifive

[chevynut]

Wow, that seems like it took a long time. I dropped it off on November 23rd, 2 weeks ago. I thought it would have made it by last week sometime. Hope everything made it okay.

[Fladiver64]

Yes they took there sweet time, was at the terminal last Wednesday but they could not deliver it until today. Looks like they bent the right side hardtop body mount during shipping, of course they said this was because I didn't ship it in a complete crate, not their fault, I am arguing but may not get anywhere. I did get it unloaded and moved around to the shop, now just need to get the shop t the point I can start working on it.

[Fladiver64]

Well with new shop built, got the 57 out of storage and parked in the driveway. Still working on getting shop organized but things are getting closer. When looking at the body there is rust damage under the area that has the bel air panels, enough that there are pin holes. The rest of the panel is solid. I am wondering if I can cut out and replace that sheet metal or should I get a replacement quarter, and before any one asks yes they make rear quarters for a 57 4dr HT. I am concerned that is two very long weld seams across an entire panel and I am by no means an "expert" body man. The quarters are $750 each so it is not a small investment. Looks like I need to do outer roockers and a bit by the trunk, but the floors look solid.

[chevynut]

How large of an area is rusted? If you need to cut out much and don't know how to work sheetmetal, you may be better off with new quarters. Look for rust at the bottom and under the taillight area and that might help you decide which way to go. It wouldn't hurt to try to patch the rust, just for the practice. If you screw it up you'd need a new quarter anyhow.

BTW, I didn't know they made new quarters for a 4DHT. Amazing they don't make them for wagons except the 55 Nomad.

[Fladiver64]

Well its been a long time getting back to this project, work, two other cars, and house projects kept this on the back burner. So today I got the frame up in roller status. Tomorrow I have some friends coming over to swap the body off the old frame on to the new.

[Fladiver64]

Well the big swap went well lots of help and the stance on the new frame looks great!20046351_10155070386806032_7418597804017905129_n.jpg19990465_10155070386656032_5235558398538355214_n.jpg19990514_10155070386616032_8409050119293466401_n.jpgIMG_20170715_161309.jpgIMG_20170715_161219.jpgIMG_20170715_104629.jpg

[chevynut]

Looking good!

[NickP]

Question on these mounts - Vette or GTO? I have a set from a GTO and noticed they offset the engine to the pass side. Do yours?

Well the big swap went well lots of help and the stance on the new frame looks great!20046351_10155070386806032_7418597804017905129_n.jpg

[chevynut]

Nick his LS side mounts are from a Vette. They center the engine in the frame using our frame mounts. I understand the GTO mounts use one side from a Vette and the other is unique to the GTO. But I didn't think they offset the engine.

[NickP]

I have a set and have at some point measured them at 1.00" Offset to the pass side. I just thought it might be of interest to some if the need was present. I wonder if in the GTO the engine is centered and the mounts are used for a clearance issue? I may have to review the part numbers on the set I have. It's interesting how some parts crossover and can be used. Do they (Vette) reside in stock (on K frame) location specific to your design or land elsewhere?