C2 / C3 chassis frame swap
Thread Starter
BubbaHut
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 944
Likes: 32
From: Lake Norman NC
2020 C5 of the Year Finalist - Modified
C2 / C3 chassis frame swap
Does anyone know exactly what modifications need to be made to an early, let's say "74" frame to put it under a 65 - 67 ? Does it matter if it is a coupe or vert ?
Will all the body mounts line up correctly ? Bumper mounting locations etc ? I may need to try this if it can be done without a great deal of re-fab work ??
Thanks for any help in advance..
Will all the body mounts line up correctly ? Bumper mounting locations etc ? I may need to try this if it can be done without a great deal of re-fab work ??
Thanks for any help in advance..
Team Owner
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 53,937
Likes: 9,333
From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
2024 C2 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
2015 C2 of Year Finalist
There are plenty of mid year frames out there for sale from people building resto mods. The money you save from buying a shark frame you will make up for modifying it.
Unless you have a frame jig and all other tools I would not try it
Unless you have a frame jig and all other tools I would not try it
Racer
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 262
Likes: 3
From: PA
It is not a trivial effort. The shop where my vette is at just converted a C3 to a C2 it took them 5 days and they had to use the rear kick ups from the C2 and move all of the perches and custom fabricate the front horns for the radiator and bumper mounts. Way more money in the conversion than if they had purchased a new one. You can find the frame specs online if you perform a search and want to attempt the conversion.
I agree with nowhere man either buy a used one or buy a new frame from vette products of michigan.
I agree with nowhere man either buy a used one or buy a new frame from vette products of michigan.
Last edited by 65LS6C4; Dec 2, 2012 at 11:32 AM.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,573
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From: Conroe Texas
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/c1-a...y-63-vert.html
Melting Slicks
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 2,488
Likes: 501
From: Willowbrook IL
St. Jude Donor '13-'14-'15-'16
Why not just buy a brand new frame with NO RUST made from the original mold stamping from Vette Products in Mich? Much better than any used rusty, and maybe bent used frame.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 2,640
Likes: 67
From: Livin' large and havin' fun in wonderful Oklahoma
This is great route to go. There's no wondering how much of the girl is left after 45 years. Brand new "right out the box". I've been there and have first hand experience on how well this works.
Instructor
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 189
Likes: 6
From: van buren arkansas
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Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
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From: Conroe Texas
http://www.parts123.com/parts123/yb....Z5Z5Z50000082A
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,827
Likes: 959
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
I put a C4 suspension under my C3 several years ago but I bought a spare '69 frame and did all the cutting and welding on that, and the original frame is sitting unmolested in the corner of the garage. I expect my wife will be able to get a bit better price out of the car after I'm gone given the pile of matching numbers parts sitting there with the old frame.
Not trying to stop anybody from doing whatever they want to do with their car, but I'm just curious.
Tech Contributor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 15,573
Likes: 117
From: Conroe Texas
Le Mans Master
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 5,770
Likes: 694
From: Maryland
St. Jude Donor '05, '09, '15
I think everyone's situation may be different and not rule out modifying a c3 frame for a midyear. I purchased a good C3 frame for $600 delivered to my house. Midyears frames seem to be $3000 and up used. I am going to mod the frame myself, including gm performance recommended stiffening, as a project. When it's ready I'll put it in. I expect to be under $1000 total with mods, stiffening and corrosion treatment. That does not include project creep!!!!! Tom
Last edited by Sky65; Jan 28, 2014 at 03:18 PM.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 6,440
Likes: 1,867
From: Folsom CA
I too have a 74 frame that will live under my 66 when I get it done. I think this comes down to how much you enjoy doing the work. If this type project is fun for you it does save you money, if you count your time investment you would be ahead by buying a good 66 frame.
Racer
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 422
Likes: 67
From: Carrollton Texas
C3 frame under a C2
sfsvettes, I just did this on my '67 which had a swiss cheese original frame that was held together by the body!! I purchased a '75 super clean frame/chassis/suspension for $800 and did all the work myself. If you can weld it's not expensive at all.
I added a removable tranny crossmember while at it. I'm probably all in for around $900 including the welding wire/grinding disks (I was able to sell off some of the rear suspension and gear box to offset some costs). You can see my frame work on my build thread and I can answer any questions you may have if you decide to tackle it yourself. Slalomfiend
I added a removable tranny crossmember while at it. I'm probably all in for around $900 including the welding wire/grinding disks (I was able to sell off some of the rear suspension and gear box to offset some costs). You can see my frame work on my build thread and I can answer any questions you may have if you decide to tackle it yourself. Slalomfiend
Navigator
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Franklin TN
66 frame
-Lewis Moorer (SSRSC on this forum)
lewis@allcommercialfloors.com