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I'm no John Z nor am I John Z, and while there are known errors in the NCRS '65 Judging guide, it has this to say about the frame (paraphrased):
The frame was part number 3864676 up to about 1 September 1964 after which the part number was 3871317 (note that it does not tie any physical changes to that serial number change).
A depression in the front cross member for harmonic balancer clearance was added in 1965 (no mention of a running change (implies Chevy was planning for the big block in the summer of 1964).
Although absent in some very early production cars, a keyhole shaped slot should be present on the bottom of each side rail to accommodate the N14 side exhaust installation.
Easy Rhino,
I have an early May, 65 SBC Coupe that does not have the Front Crossmember indent and no Keyholes for Side exhaust. I have side exhausts mounted bolt up through a single hole in the frame through a nut (unwelded).... Is there any chance this is a 65 frame knowing those things? Oh! One other thing, I have no visible rocker panel tabs. I am now suspecting that I own a 65 vin Coupe with a previous body lift for a replacement 63 or 64 frame.....
The current frame is very good and as mentioned in other threads, my BC is also very good......All comments are welcome!
dcamick, Have you looked to see if you have indents in your frame for the rear calipers? That is another change that was made on 65 frames. Without those indents the rear calipers may hit or come very close to the frame.
My SBC 65 was built 6/65 and has the sidepipes, not sure if it has the keyholes. It may have had the motor indent but maybe was cut out to accept a larger aftermarket 454 harmonic balancer. Curious!
Does anyone have a pic of the motor indent?
From: Middle TN by way of KY, OH, VA, IL, CA, FL, NY, SC, HI
Originally Posted by dcamick
Easy Rhino,
I have an early May, 65 SBC Coupe that does not have the Front Crossmember indent and no Keyholes for Side exhaust. I have side exhausts mounted bolt up through a single hole in the frame through a nut (unwelded).... Is there any chance this is a 65 frame knowing those things? Oh! One other thing, I have no visible rocker panel tabs. I am now suspecting that I own a 65 vin Coupe with a previous body lift for a replacement 63 or 64 frame.....
The current frame is very good and as mentioned in other threads, my BC is also very good......All comments are welcome!
I'm going to say that one is above my pay grade, but kind of sounds like an earlier frame, and not a '65 frame.
Any chance you can find the serial numbers stamped on the frame?
Also, where is your front to rear brake line? On top of the driver's side frame rail, or on the side? Any tell-tale brake line clamp holes showing?
Last edited by Easy Rhino; Sep 26, 2020 at 11:35 AM.
My SBC 65 was built 6/65 and has the sidepipes, not sure if it has the keyholes. It may have had the motor indent but maybe was cut out to accept a larger aftermarket 454 harmonic balancer. Curious!
Does anyone have a pic of the motor indent?
To the OP, if your 454 has a long water pump on it, the lower pulley will not clear the frame indent and would have to be cut out. I am not sure if a midyear will even work with a long water pump, but this could be the reason. Post a pick of the front of your engine.
Well, can’t tell if mine had the indent or not since it’s been cut away. Looks like a bit of overkill but I guess they wanted to make damn sure the motor cleared.
Well, can’t tell if mine had the indent or not since it’s been cut away. Looks like a bit of overkill but I guess they wanted to make damn sure the motor cleared.
I have to ask, what kind of front suspension do you have? That's not a stock lower a-arm bushing.
OK, short water pump also which is correct. Probably no way to tell whether it had the indent or not originally. It can always be welded back in, but that is a lot of work and you would obviously have to remove the engine.
Looks like a fun car, aluminum heads, water pump etc. 454's have tons of torque.
Yes, it is fun. Actually it’s a 496 stroker, full roller with a bad *** cam. Just got thru installing an M22W tranny which should hold up. I don’t race it, just street, but I just can’t seem to keep my foot out of it!
I hope you got your questions answered. This thread went all over the place!!! Sort of my fault.
Dcamick
No, I didn’t think so. But I do have one more question if you guys don’t mind. Where is the VIN # stamped on the frame? Can you see it with the body on?
