FrankenSport - The Body Modifications

It's a labor intensive job to replace floor pans but this was a necessary step. The old floor pans are cut out, then replacements will be trimmed and welded into place. 1976 to 1982 Corvettes had Steel floor pans in case you were wondering.

The pans are spot welded and riveted in place. These will both have to be drilled out. Once trimmed and test fit, the new pans will be spot welded in and riveted to the fiberglass toe-boards as were the originals. 

Final trimming and fitting of the floor pans. We were able to lower them a little over an inch which will help with the custom seats. 

After spot welding seam sealer is used followed up by primer and undercoating. The front toe-board area is re-riveted and also sealed off.

Looks better than it ever did when it left the factory, as well as stronger.

To clearance the body for the narrowed chassis as well as the C4 rear differential and torque arm the rear storage compartment needs to be removed.

Also, because each chassis rear kick-up were moved inboard 2" to make room for larger tires without flaring the fenders the wheelwells also need to be moved inward (Tubbed).  After marking and cutting, the rear tubs are temporarily attached. The body will be trial fit on the chassis. Once we're comfortable with the location of the tubs, we'll fiberglass in all the gaps. When done, they will look like they were always there.

The rear wheelwells are fiberglassed into permanent position. 

After fiberglassing is completed both inside and out is painted. 

The original storage area for the Jack, Relays, and Battery was removed to allow clearance for the tube frame and C4 suspension. An access door was fabricated to allow access where compartments will be fabricated to store relays and electronics, out of the way. The entire interior will later be insulated with a sound and heat absorbing material.

A very time consuming but necessary process of cleaning the engine compartment is a must. A lot of time is spent smoothing the firewall and inner fenders so when painted it will have a nice finish. Black hides a lot, but we are painting the engine compartment a different color. 

Body is almost ready for body and paint work. 

Another test fit of the body and test fitting the PCM, Power Steering Tank, Hydraulic Clutch, Intercooler Coolant Tank, Intercooler Pump, Heat exchanger,  overflow tank, wiper washer tank, and other necessities. 

A HydroBoost Brake system is being used to save room and solve clearance problems with the stock 9" booster. A HydroBoost system gets it's power from the Power Steering pump as opposed to using engine vacuum. Brakes are a good thing. And this Vette will stop on a dime when done.

Keeping it all cool. A custom DeWitts Aluminum Radiator with dual Spal fan setup. 

Rebuilt evaporator housing.