C2 Frame Swap
Thread Starter
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Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 65
Likes: 2
C2 Frame Swap
Good Afternoon,
I have a few questions, I have a 64 coupe frame and wanting to put it under a 65 Convertible. I read about the one mount under the floor I will have to add.
Will the rear bumpers be ok?
The 64 has drum brakes on the front, I'll be changing it to disc brakes. Any big hang up's there?
Do I just look for a 65 frame? or repair the rusty one?
This is not an award winner Corvette. All matching numbers to this point though. I'd like to make it a nice driver.
Any advise is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Jeff
I have a few questions, I have a 64 coupe frame and wanting to put it under a 65 Convertible. I read about the one mount under the floor I will have to add.
Will the rear bumpers be ok?
The 64 has drum brakes on the front, I'll be changing it to disc brakes. Any big hang up's there?
Do I just look for a 65 frame? or repair the rusty one?
This is not an award winner Corvette. All matching numbers to this point though. I'd like to make it a nice driver.
Any advise is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Jeff
Last edited by jflory04; Jan 30, 2025 at 01:44 PM. Reason: Bold print on title
Pro
Joined: Mar 2020
Posts: 605
Likes: 300
From: Virginia Beach, VA conxefteris@msn.com
Whether you repair or replace the frame depends on the location and extent of damage. You need an expert opinion. I'd check with local car enthusiasts.
You'll need to look at a 65 AIM and see what body mounts the convertible needs. Maybe someone with a 65 can post a picture.
You'll need to look at a 65 AIM and see what body mounts the convertible needs. Maybe someone with a 65 can post a picture.
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From: Sitting in his Nowhere land Hanover Pa
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He just needs to weld the convertible body mount perch to the coupe frame under the door sill just like St Louis did with every frame that came in the door
Drifting
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 1,622
Likes: 85
From: Export Pa.
Good Afternoon,
I have a few questions, I have a 64 coupe frame and wanting to put it under a 65 Convertible. I read about the one mount under the floor I will have to add.
Will the rear bumpers be ok?
The 64 has drum brakes on the front, I'll be changing it to disc brakes. Any big hang up's there?
Do I just look for a 65 frame? or repair the rusty one?
This is not an award winner Corvette. All matching numbers to this point though. I'd like to make it a nice driver.
Any advise is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Jeff
I have a few questions, I have a 64 coupe frame and wanting to put it under a 65 Convertible. I read about the one mount under the floor I will have to add.
Will the rear bumpers be ok?
The 64 has drum brakes on the front, I'll be changing it to disc brakes. Any big hang up's there?
Do I just look for a 65 frame? or repair the rusty one?
This is not an award winner Corvette. All matching numbers to this point though. I'd like to make it a nice driver.
Any advise is greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Jeff
DMK
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Joined: Jul 2018
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From: San Antonio, TX/Mahopac, NY
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He already said he wants a good driver.
1. Remove the #2 body mounts from the current frame and weld them to the ‘64 coupe frame.
2. No worries about the front crossmember notch missing on the ‘64 frame with a small block.
3. Don’t try to replace the rusty frame unless you love that kind of work. There is a really good chance the “good” metal has actually thinned where it looks solid and a 100% chance the rust is much worse than your original assessment indicated.
You have a great solution with the ‘64 frame. Have fun!
1. Remove the #2 body mounts from the current frame and weld them to the ‘64 coupe frame.
2. No worries about the front crossmember notch missing on the ‘64 frame with a small block.
3. Don’t try to replace the rusty frame unless you love that kind of work. There is a really good chance the “good” metal has actually thinned where it looks solid and a 100% chance the rust is much worse than your original assessment indicated.
You have a great solution with the ‘64 frame. Have fun!
Thread Starter
Advanced
Joined: Dec 2014
Posts: 65
Likes: 2
He already said he wants a good driver.
1. Remove the #2 body mounts from the current frame and weld them to the ‘64 coupe frame.
2. No worries about the front crossmember notch missing on the ‘64 frame with a small block.
3. Don’t try to replace the rusty frame unless you love that kind of work. There is a really good chance the “good” metal has actually thinned where it looks solid and a 100% chance the rust is much worse than your original assessment indicated.
You have a great solution with the ‘64 frame. Have fun!
1. Remove the #2 body mounts from the current frame and weld them to the ‘64 coupe frame.
2. No worries about the front crossmember notch missing on the ‘64 frame with a small block.
3. Don’t try to replace the rusty frame unless you love that kind of work. There is a really good chance the “good” metal has actually thinned where it looks solid and a 100% chance the rust is much worse than your original assessment indicated.
You have a great solution with the ‘64 frame. Have fun!
Drifting
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 1,402
Likes: 998
From: Sacramento, Ca
EarIy '64 frames didn't have the triangular gussets at the crossmember where the frame kick-ups are. If yours doesn't have those gussets I would buy and weld them in. You'll already be welding the convertible body mounts, so might as well take another hour and weld in the gussets.
Ted
Ted
Pro
Joined: Dec 2023
Posts: 656
Likes: 198
From: Katy,TX
For a disc/drum car you will need a residual pressure valve in the rear for the drums. I would upgrade to a dual reservoir MC when you do the swap just for safety, Possibly add an adjustable proportioning valve in the rear line to to dial in front to rear bias.
If the rear trailing arms and brakes are OK you could swap the rear disc setup on also.
If the rear trailing arms and brakes are OK you could swap the rear disc setup on also.