Few concerns that I have: > I can't say this is fact or merely opinion, but I hear that part of the reason why the epoxy tends to crack on these frames so bad is because the frames are flimsy. This isn't the reason that the epoxy flakes off. The frames are NOT flimsy it just the epoxy was coated on to thick and after so many years has lost it's ability to "flex" with the chassis. Every chassis is designed to flex with the car as you drive, no frame should be built to stay put. Same with bridges, buildings, etc. Anything which is exposed to force has got to be designed to flex with it...otherwise...SNAP! > On the other hand, I've had another list member tell me that a stainless frame would be a really dangerous thing to do because it would rust anyway and be too strong in an accident. Stainless Steel is indeed strong but brittle. >As for being too strong in an > accident, PDC claims that the crumple zones in the front are properly designed to absorb energy just as well or better than the OEM frame. This has never been proven. Unless PDC has conducted some tests on it (driving the car insot a wall, etc.) then do not take the word of someone selling the product. I fear that since the Stainless Steel is brittle that it will shear/shatter/not crumple properly in an accident. Unfortunatley no one will find out until it actually happens to someone. >After removing bent bolts from two cars, I certainly wasn't excited about putting the same kind of bolt back on. (May God richly bless Toby! That man may be responsible for saving some lives already.) I don't feel that I am wasting any money on this car. The original bolts bent because they may have "rode out". Meaning the nut loosened causing some slack. It is recomended to double nut the bolts to eliminate this problem. Although seeing as Toby came up with stronger ones that would be even better ;). As for painting the Stainless steel you would not be able to do that unless you acid etched the stainless before hand to prep it. I went a different route...I sand blasted my old frame and recoated it with POR-15 paint. Saved ALOT of money and the frame will be around another 20+ years. Every rodder and restorer I've spoken too swears by POR-15...used it on every one of their projects. It will flex with the chassis and will NOT crack and it will not chip. If a chip does occer then the rust will only appear where the metal is exposed and not travel under the coating like is did with the epoxy. If you wanted to perform an engine swap then i would have saved the money you spent on the frame and went with an engine. If done right the frame can handle it as Darryl has proven with is Chevy engine swap and how the other guys proved with the caddy Northstar engine. If your front end was that badly damaged then you could have just simply purchased the front end extension from Rob at PJ Grady and replaced the old damaged extension. IMHOP, Steve