Replacement frames for 65'
08-19-2001, 11:40 AM
#2
Re: Replacement frames for 65' (mooncricket)
SB can use 63 and 64 frame, BB cannot becauce a BB needs the notch in the front crossmember to clear the lower pulley assembly. The frame is essentially the same thru 82, but there are some minor changes along the way. Best to stick with a mid year frame or at the most up to an EARLY 70's frame. Body mounts will have to be moved, the frame from a 68 and up will not be "correct", and anybody worth their stuff in judging can spot the difference. Don't care about the "correctness", I didn't, and have a 69 frame under mine. Switch-out is time consuming and expensive, I mean expensive. Once the car is apart, it's so easy to replace stuff, and the cost just keeps going up. But, it is the easiest and best time to replace suspension and difficult to do parts now while the access is so easy. Get ready for the ride! :yesnod:
[Modified by 67ratrag, 9:43 AM 8/19/2001]
[Modified by 67ratrag, 9:43 AM 8/19/2001]
08-19-2001, 12:06 PM
#3
Racer
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Re: Replacement frames for 65' (mooncricket)
Complete frames are available from Vette Products in Lake Orion, MI (a suburb north of Detroit) for about $4,000 made from the original tooling. Vette Products has the service parts agreement with GM for several stamped/welded steel assemblies. Phone number is (248) 693-1907. Ask for Paul.
08-19-2001, 02:05 PM
#4
Re: Replacement frames for 65' (mooncricket)
mooncricket,
63 and 64 frames may at first glance appear the same as a 65 frame but there are differences.First:63 frames due to the lack of frame cushions are different than all other mid-years.All 63 frame mounts are at different heights than later years.Thats not to say you couldnt change them,but theres work involved.....Second:64 frames as well as 65 disc-brake delete frames do seem to be the same.......Third:there are a number of running changes to 65 frames so to choose the correct version you would have to research your serial no.and build date.Early 65 frames most certainly did not have the big-block dip in the front crossmember.This crossmember change was a running change that took place sometime in the fall of 64(obviously sometime before 396s).Also,the sidepipe attatchment holes were not in the frame-rails at the beginning of production.I even have first hand knowledge of a 65 frame with a side-pipe hole on one side and none on the other.Apparently,the new slotted frame rails did not come down the assembly-line at the same time.I have heard of others as well.......Fourth:contrary to opinion you can run a big-block in an early frame,but you have to have the balancer and pulley on while dropping the engine in.To remove either one,generally,you have to raise the front of the engine........There are,of course,also changes to the rear frame kicks in between 64 and 65 to do with the disc brake upgrade......All this is not to say that you cant modify any one into another,but patience can,more than likely,net you the exact frame that you need(or close)!.............Bill S
63 and 64 frames may at first glance appear the same as a 65 frame but there are differences.First:63 frames due to the lack of frame cushions are different than all other mid-years.All 63 frame mounts are at different heights than later years.Thats not to say you couldnt change them,but theres work involved.....Second:64 frames as well as 65 disc-brake delete frames do seem to be the same.......Third:there are a number of running changes to 65 frames so to choose the correct version you would have to research your serial no.and build date.Early 65 frames most certainly did not have the big-block dip in the front crossmember.This crossmember change was a running change that took place sometime in the fall of 64(obviously sometime before 396s).Also,the sidepipe attatchment holes were not in the frame-rails at the beginning of production.I even have first hand knowledge of a 65 frame with a side-pipe hole on one side and none on the other.Apparently,the new slotted frame rails did not come down the assembly-line at the same time.I have heard of others as well.......Fourth:contrary to opinion you can run a big-block in an early frame,but you have to have the balancer and pulley on while dropping the engine in.To remove either one,generally,you have to raise the front of the engine........There are,of course,also changes to the rear frame kicks in between 64 and 65 to do with the disc brake upgrade......All this is not to say that you cant modify any one into another,but patience can,more than likely,net you the exact frame that you need(or close)!.............Bill S
