I started a thread over in the S-Type Forum titled Jag & Vette People. Thanks to those who expressed interest in my project. I purchased this 99 Convertible from Progressive Insurance. It has 71,000 miles, Six Speed Manual, Heads Up Display, Active Handling, F45 Suspension with Real Time Dampning, Dual Power Sport Seats, Bose Stereo with CD, Memory Seating and Column and maybe some other stuff I'm forgeting. Navy Blue in color with black interior and top. Currently has a set of chrome thinspokes but I bought a set of chrome C6 5 spoke wheels for it.

Some pictures of how I got it in a minute









I found all the parts to fix it locally at a good price. That is good because I over paid a couple grand for the car. The biggest challenge will be straightening the frame. I am working on a set of adapters to mount it on my machine. The frame is critical on these since everything attaches to it. Headlights, hood hinges, Upper control arms, lower cradle and the inner fenders get glued to it. So it has to be right or nothing will line up.

It may be a while for an update as I have other things to do. But I really want it done for next summer and hopefully the local Jag & Vette show in June.

 

Looking forward to watching the progress, Jim.

 

You're wasting your time, it'll always being a piece of junk.

Just joking Jim, I'm looking forward to the story unfolding, love the colour!

 

I belong also to Oldspower.com and most of the thinking there is pretty much like here. One guy just smacked the front of his 71 442 into a power pole, slid on a very slippery wet road. He's probably going to fix it depending on parts which might be a small problem.

 

Good luck getting some work done on it over the winter Jim. Linden Hall will come fast...but there's always another show!

 

You've got a long journey, will be waiting for updates.

 

How much did you pick the vette up for? The damage doesnt look that bad at least from these pictures but if you bent the frame then im sure its alot worse than I can tell

 

I really don't want to run a tab on this one. It was a mistake on my part but it's mine now. Much like my MGB and TR8, I don't really want to know. All I can say is I only paid 50 bucks more that the other guy bidding.

I started on the car last week. Figured I had better get going if it will be done for summer. The right rail straightened out nicely but the left is junk. I have one coming off ebay for a fraction of what GM wants. I'll post up a pic or two when I have some decent progress to report.

 

OK, the frame is fixed. Big step and I'm quite pleased with the results. Everything measures perfect.
I'm posting some photos of the offset lap joint where the new rail is sectioned in. This isn't some homebrew repair I came up with but is the specified method as described in the GM service manual. First one of the car on the rack with adapters I made.



Idea of the extent of damage




Damaged rail cut off and area prepped for sectioning



Replacement rail in place.


And with impact bar welded in..everything measures correctly and square. You have heard the saying "measure twice and cut once"...well this is a case of measure 20 times and weld once. I guess this looks difficult but actually removing the engine was a bigger PITA. GM says you can leave it suspended but I couldn't see how there would be room to work.

 

Engine back in and running again. I did some maintenance items while it was out. New clutch and hydraulics, oil pressure sender, new Damper Pulley, idler/tensioner pulleys, belts, plugs and wires.

 

Nice work, Jim!

 

Thanks, started fitting the panels yesterday.

 

Some pictures of it now that it's on the road. C6 Chrome wheels, Hankook Ventus V12 tires, new drilled & slotted rotors w/ceramic pads. Also blasted and painted the calipers dark blue to match. Drives like a dream. Ride of a Cadillac but goes like a rocket.

 

Wow! Another great job.
Wonder if my insurance would pay for a tow to PA if I get the car bent?

 

Great job on the frame. A very proper repair. Now it needs some headers and a tune

 

Nice job, car looks great, well done