Frame dimensions difference
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10
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From: California
Frame dimensions difference
Is there a difference in dimensions between a 1964 frame and a 1966 or a 1967? Reason: I've installed a 454 c.i. bb in my 1964 corvette and I have about 1" clearance between the harmonic balancer and the front crossmember. I would think there would be more. Solution: An underdrive pulley system with dampner pulley combination. Input is welcomed. Thanks.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
Is there a difference in dimensions between a 1964 frame and a 1966 or a 1967? Reason: I've installed a 454 c.i. bb in my 1964 corvette and I have about 1" clearance between the harmonic balancer and the front crossmember. I would think there would be more. Solution: An underdrive pulley system with dampner pulley combination. Input is welcomed. Thanks.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,671
Likes: 10
From: california
holy cows, just a thought, but i worked on tons of C3s. they must have that same notch in the frame. i never noticed or looked. but they must have (they also came with big blocks). all the C2s and C3s were the same...
Race Director
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 17,638
Likes: 3,651
From: Central Arkansas
1965 was also the first year the rear kickup rails got the indentations for disc brake caliper clearance (I think only a concern if the spring breaks). I think 65 was also when the triangle reinforcements at the rear of the main frame rails appeared - but I'm not 100% sure on that. I think dimensionally however, the major dimensions of the frame are unchanged.
Thread Starter
Cruising
Joined: Dec 2009
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: California
Frame Dimensions response
Thank you for your replys - very helpful. I was not aware of the notch, and yes the engine does set off center slightly. Short of posting a picture of the notch, can you give me an idea of the dimensions and placement of the notch? And if doable, will I loose frame integrity if I attempt to do have it done? Other application would be an entire pulley system made to fit which I would rather not do. FYI, I re-enforced the front end with HV springs, converted to front disc brakes, and HV shocks. Thank you again. 
Drifting
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,680
Likes: 68
From: Towanda KS
If you can find a donor crossmember, you can section out the notch area and weld in the notched piece with no loss of frame strength.
In my opinion, if you have an inch of clearance now, that is enough. The engine should not move that much. Run it for awhile and see if you have a problem before you pull it out again.
tc
In my opinion, if you have an inch of clearance now, that is enough. The engine should not move that much. Run it for awhile and see if you have a problem before you pull it out again.
tc
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 5,691
Likes: 12
From: columbus oh
Thank you for your replys - very helpful. I was not aware of the notch, and yes the engine does set off center slightly. Short of posting a picture of the notch, can you give me an idea of the dimensions and placement of the notch? And if doable, will I loose frame integrity if I attempt to do have it done? Other application would be an entire pulley system made to fit which I would rather not do. FYI, I re-enforced the front end with HV springs, converted to front disc brakes, and HV shocks. Thank you again.
1st Gear
Joined: Dec 2012
Posts: 1
Likes: 0
From: Concord North Carolina
Need help- Trying to build a temporary frame for my 1964 corvette after it is removed from the chasssis. What and where is the best place to find dimensions to construct this temporary frame. Thanks
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http://lbfun.com/Corvette/Tech/vettetech.html Look in the Tech Section at Body and Frame for Body Dolly.
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Last edited by dkleather; Dec 23, 2012 at 11:14 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2001
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From: Ocala FL
Is there a difference in dimensions between a 1964 frame and a 1966 or a 1967? Reason: I've installed a 454 c.i. bb in my 1964 corvette and I have about 1" clearance between the harmonic balancer and the front crossmember. I would think there would be more. Solution: An underdrive pulley system with dampner pulley combination. Input is welcomed. Thanks.
The issue they did have was typically there wasn't enough room to change belts, unless you removed the two lower bolts in the pulley to let it swing upward.
Once underdrive pulleys came into common use, the belt issue was solved.
If you are running hot from the underdrive pulley, then change to a smaller pulley on the water pump.
If you are having charging issues, use a smaller pulley on the alternator.
Cutting and welding the frame is a bit of work, and once you do it, the frame is permanently marked.
These pictures show the notch in a '68 frame. If the notch wasn't there, the pulley would clear by about 3/8 inch.
