Corvette Alu chassis

[Fluffy]

The C7 now has a aluminium chassis:

http://www.corvetteblogger.com/2013/...de/#more-13519
















The welds need some working ...

I have the impression the shape is the same as the C6, do you think it will be retro compatible to some extent?

[Roadkillz]

Better late then never I guess.

[DarthAWM]

Originally Posted by Roadkillz

Better late then never I guess.

I suppose you would prefer Titanium now, or a carbon fiber monocoque?

[Fluffy]

Originally Posted by Roadkillz

Better late then never I guess.

I don't know, aluminium makes repairs less easy.

[Roadkillz]

I was more stating the fact that this is old news by now, as we knew that the C7 had an aluminum chassis before it was shown off.

[Fluffy]

Originally Posted by Roadkillz

I was more stating the fact that this is old news by now, as we knew that the C7 had an aluminum chassis before it was shown off.

Ok, this I understand, but the driver for me posting the photos is that the frame looks a lot like the C6 frame.

As such, I wonder if it will be compatible with the C6 vehicle.

[stinger430]

Originally Posted by Fluffy

Ok, this I understand, but the driver for me posting the photos is that the frame looks a lot like the C6 frame.

As such, I wonder if it will be compatible with the C6 vehicle.

It certainly looks as if you can retro-fit a more traditional rear window "bubble" in the back there. Just in case the new rear hatch creates too many blind spots.

[Chris Draper]

It may look similar but it's far from.

This new frame is built in 4 sections instead of 1 solid rail.

here's the old for reference

[Fluffy]

Originally Posted by Chris Draper

It may look similar but it's far from.

This new frame is built in 4 sections instead of 1 solid rail.

I am not challenging the fact that it is different, however, just because it is in 4 parts instead of one, doesn't mean the profil is different.

Also, the pic you provided is for the ZR-1, I don't know if it is the same profil as the regular C6.

[AlexY]

Originally Posted by Fluffy

As such, I wonder if it will be compatible with the C6 vehicle.

No, the dimensions are all different. Were you thinking of retrofitting a C7 frame into a C6?

[Fluffy]

Originally Posted by AlexY

No, the dimensions are all different. Were you thinking of retrofitting a C7 frame into a C6?

Parts, if the frame is the same, tomorrow a C6 with a bent frame could have been repaired with the C7 frame.

If the size is different, you will to rely on after market frames.

[Chris Draper]

If you have a bent frame you probably have some other problems to worry about then in a C7 frame will fit.

I really doubt they are retrofit-able.

[Fluffy]

Originally Posted by Chris Draper

If you have a bent frame you probably have some other problems to worry about then in a C7 frame will fit.

I really doubt they are retrofit-able.

Let me rephrase my thoughts, if I was in the engineering department, I would have tried to make the chassis the same. It would make spare parts cheaper because, as a manufacturer, I need to provide OEM parts for 10 years (at least in France this used to be the law).

I would have done this, especially in a situation where money is tight.

You are probably correct, the frames are probably different.

[C4forlife]

Frame rails both steel and aluminum are available complete. As a aluminum certified frame repair tech this come up for me every now and then. With the proper tools such as a Celette bench you can repair anything you want but the labor would total the car out fast. I always insist on using a Celette versus a traditional measuring system on vettes and other high end stuff.

[spd98]

Originally Posted by Fluffy

I don't know, aluminium makes repairs less easy.

Not really, it's weldable and bendable just like steel. You just have to have experience working with it.

C7 has some cast parts in the frame from looking at it. That could be interesting in the future.