Differences between 63/64 frames and 65-66 frames
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,113
Likes: 4
Differences between 63/64 frames and 65-66 frames
I thought i would start this page since i see so many questions about what makes the frames different. As soon as get the chance to return home again to Birmingham I will take pics of my father's 64 frame and my 65 frame and post the pics and list the differences. For now here are the pictures i have.
Difference 1: Front crossmember on the 63-64 frames only have one indentation which is skewed to the passenger side of the frame.
65 frame front crossmember
Note the indentation in the center and the one skewed to the passenger side. The indentation was added for clearance of the big block harmonic dampner. Obviously midyear vettes were not equipped with big blocks until 65-hence why the center indentation was not present before 65.
Side pipe slots behind doors
No slots behind doors in 63-64
No gussets from 63-64E
No seat belt reinforcement cables until 65
63-64 had inner body mount position for coupes
Indentations in rear kick up assemlies for caliper clearance added in 65
Difference 1: Front crossmember on the 63-64 frames only have one indentation which is skewed to the passenger side of the frame.
65 frame front crossmember
Note the indentation in the center and the one skewed to the passenger side. The indentation was added for clearance of the big block harmonic dampner. Obviously midyear vettes were not equipped with big blocks until 65-hence why the center indentation was not present before 65.
Side pipe slots behind doors
No slots behind doors in 63-64
No gussets from 63-64E
No seat belt reinforcement cables until 65
63-64 had inner body mount position for coupes
Indentations in rear kick up assemlies for caliper clearance added in 65
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 54,016
Likes: 9,378
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
the 67 frame had a braket for the praking brake pulley.
also there is a difference for how the disk brakes were incorpated in
also there is a difference for how the disk brakes were incorpated in
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 3,105
Likes: 96
From: Sunrise FL
How about the differences from 68 to 82? I may need a complete donor frame for a 66....
Some of the changes: Body mount locations; front frame rails; rear crossmeber; removable crossmember for auto trans
Some of the changes: Body mount locations; front frame rails; rear crossmeber; removable crossmember for auto trans
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
Posts: 6,304
Likes: 278
From: Ocala FL
'63 has different height body mounts than the others.
The second crossmember indentation is NOT for the harmonic balancer, as it sits behind the crossmember, it is for the pulleys. This is why you can put a big block in a '63 or '64 with small crank pulleys.
Trailing arm stops are located differently '63 and '64 from '65 up.
Drain holes at rear of side rails are different in '63.
'63 has attachment for e-brake on side rail.
The second crossmember indentation is NOT for the harmonic balancer, as it sits behind the crossmember, it is for the pulleys. This is why you can put a big block in a '63 or '64 with small crank pulleys.
Trailing arm stops are located differently '63 and '64 from '65 up.
Drain holes at rear of side rails are different in '63.
'63 has attachment for e-brake on side rail.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,113
Likes: 4
This post is for 63-67. I know there is a gas tank crossmember difference and then some other differences after 69 but i am not sure of them. Maybe you should start a new post. From what i hear 68-69 frames are the best to convert to fit a midyear.
Advanced
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 52
Likes: 0
From: Oklahoma City OK
These are the guys I used for my '66 frame repair. They have a very complete catalog of corvette frame and chassis parts. They also have the original frame jigs they were built on. They stock both repro and used donor parts. I ended up sending my frame to them as it needed a complete front crossmember replacement. Was very pleased with their work.
Caledonia Classic Cars, P.O. Box 176, 6331 Ashley Ave., Belding, MI 48809-9611. Phone 616-794-5026, Fax 616-794--5028, 888-245-5224
While it was several years ago I suspect they are still in business.
Rgds,
Ike
Caledonia Classic Cars, P.O. Box 176, 6331 Ashley Ave., Belding, MI 48809-9611. Phone 616-794-5026, Fax 616-794--5028, 888-245-5224
While it was several years ago I suspect they are still in business.
Rgds,
Ike
