Shell/body change..... (1 Viewer)

[pip235]

I am curious on some thoughts from members......I have a mechanically sound 98 with 150k on it.

Back story, purchased in 2009 with 49k miles on it....I maintained it well over the years, but the frame is starting to get some cancer, not terrible, but the major issue is the passenger rocker panel and rear dog leg is rotting away. The LC was hit hard in the passenger "B" pillar early in its life and had a shoty repair done to it. Living the midwest isn't doing it any justice......

II have an opportunity to pick up a rust free 2000 LX rolling body and chassis......interior is gutted, but everything I need to do a swap is there for a reasonable price.

Do you think it is worth it to make the chassis and body swap to keep my LC alive and living strong?

Thank you for the input.

 

[MountaineerLC]

I think the one big factor is how cheap are you getting the LX and do you have a shop and the time, tools and know how to do the work yourself?

 

[2020 Rocks]

Why not just transfer everything over to the rust free one? Engine, transmission, interiror, etc.

 

[pip235]

I think the one big factor is how cheap are you getting the LX and do you have a shop and the time, tools and know how to do the work yourself?

It's an OK price.....and I know how to and can do the work.

Why not just transfer everything over to the rust free one? Engine, transmission, interiror, etc.

Essentially that's what I would be doing......

 

[2020 Rocks]

It's an OK price.....and I know how to and can do the work.



Essentially that's what I would be doing......

Your original post seemed to indicate swapping rust free body onto your current LC's frame. Unless there is some issue with titling the rust free LC, it just makes sense to swap everything over to the black one.

 

[pip235]

Your original post seemed to indicate swapping rust free body onto your current LC's frame. Unless there is some issue with titling the rust free LC, it just makes sense to swap everything over to the black one.

True, it does sound like that....I would just combine all the good things from each unit. A lot of work, but probably worth it.

 

[2020 Rocks]

True, it does sound like that....I would just combine all the good things from each unit. A lot of work, but probably worth it.

There have been a lot of body swaps done in the 60 section. The reason it might be easier to just swap the powertrain is that there are a lot of rusty bolts and hardware that may need replacing with a body swap and it generally seems to entail more man hours than just swapping the good bits to the rust free lc.

Edit: I should say frame swaps on 60's, but it entails removing body in order to replace chassis frame.

 

[saucebox]

DO IT! It'll be a million times harder than it looks due to all the little odd bits you almost can't even plan for. But it feels so dang good when you're done.

I did it many years ago to a 60 series, and stripping it that far down means you'll know every single part of it. And you'll have access (miles of access) to fix anything that's kind of a PITA otherwise. I remember dropping in a new OEM heater core just because I could.

Of course, I was just out of college in 2008. Jobless!

 

[FxFormat]

Do it, pull the drivetrain and swap to the black LX. Might want to replace the headers while at it, i'd imagine yours is ticking right now.