frame differences
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: May 2005
Posts: 208
Likes: 0
From: West Branch MI
frame differences
What's the difference(s) between 68 through 82 frames? Can a later soft-nosed frame be used for a chrome-bumpered earlier car?
Thanks....everyone's cars getting ready for some summer fun?
Thanks....everyone's cars getting ready for some summer fun?
Le Mans Master
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 7,106
Likes: 38
From: Newark DE
there are differences in frame specs betweem the early C3 frames and the later C3 frames.
There are minor measurment differences but there are differences in a number of the locations and it's enough that will most likely cause endless problems trying to get things to fit.
I have the different frame dimensions on my website tech page HERE
print out the two different C3 frame sheets I have up on the site and compare each measurament yourself and you will see what I mean.
Now, I've never done a frame swap so perhaps the differences in measurements listed will end up being minor or even no hassle at all but I would think that it would be easiest to swap out for a frame closer to the year car you have
There are minor measurment differences but there are differences in a number of the locations and it's enough that will most likely cause endless problems trying to get things to fit.
I have the different frame dimensions on my website tech page HERE
print out the two different C3 frame sheets I have up on the site and compare each measurament yourself and you will see what I mean.
Now, I've never done a frame swap so perhaps the differences in measurements listed will end up being minor or even no hassle at all but I would think that it would be easiest to swap out for a frame closer to the year car you have
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
I have compared the drawings on BarryK's website because I was thinking of using my 79 frame for my 72. There are small but significant differences in the front part of the frame - the body mounts are all slightly higher on the older frames due to the solid mounts. There are much bigger differences aft of the differential crossmember. The later frames would need an earlier back section grafted on to work with a chrome bumper rear end.
IMO you're better off locating a correct frame for your model range.
Rick B.
IMO you're better off locating a correct frame for your model range.
Rick B.
