69 frame and 74 frame not that much different!
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN
69 frame and 74 frame not that much different!
I have a 69 coupe project that had a rotted frame. We took the body off the frame and it was gone. The thing fell into pieces as we lifted the body. The body of the car actually held the frame together it was so bad.
I have a 74 parts car on property and we pulled the body from it to see if the frames were close and to see if we could use it. I cant believe how close and how exact these frames are. The only thing we have to do is take the extended bumper braces off the 74 frame (which are bolt on) and bolt the nose section of the 69 frame onto the 74 frame (which is also bolt on) and the rest are exact.
I have heard all along how the frames are drastically different due to the bumper mounts, but they all were bolt ons, they seemed very close to me.
One thing I need is a bolt in crossmember/transmission support for the 74 frame. Does anyone have one or know where I can pick on up on the cheap?
Pictures to come, this 69 is going to be a fun one!
I know my 72 vert isnt finished, but I seem to have more fun tearing them down and getting them ready for paint than finishing them hahaha.
I have a 74 parts car on property and we pulled the body from it to see if the frames were close and to see if we could use it. I cant believe how close and how exact these frames are. The only thing we have to do is take the extended bumper braces off the 74 frame (which are bolt on) and bolt the nose section of the 69 frame onto the 74 frame (which is also bolt on) and the rest are exact.
I have heard all along how the frames are drastically different due to the bumper mounts, but they all were bolt ons, they seemed very close to me.
One thing I need is a bolt in crossmember/transmission support for the 74 frame. Does anyone have one or know where I can pick on up on the cheap?
Pictures to come, this 69 is going to be a fun one!
I know my 72 vert isnt finished, but I seem to have more fun tearing them down and getting them ready for paint than finishing them hahaha.
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN
He is really excited and its cool to do something with him and watch him around the car.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,435
Likes: 793
From: Redondo Beach, California
Uh-Ohhh. I think you're going to have a problem. I have a 74 frame that I'm trying to use on my 70. My 70 and your 69 have the same parts for front bumper to frame attaching hardware. Specifically, the front frame assembly (part 3958797-8) will not bolt up to the holes in your 1974 frame. Similarly there'll be a problem bolting up the brace assembies (part 3958795-6). See UPC 14 Sheet A2 in your 1969 AIM.
Why am I trying to put a 74 frame under my 70? I once had a 69 with a bent frame so in 1979 I ordered a 69 frame for the 69. The 69 was later stolen and I just stored the frame. Eventually I bought a 70. Now I've rebuilding the 70. I decided to just build up my "69" frame and eventually just remove the 70's body and install it on my "69" frame. Early this summer I started trying to install the 70's bumper hardware onto the frame and discovered the above fit problem.
After much trouble here's what I discovered; in 1969 if you order a 69 frame you get a 69 frame, if you order a 69 frame in 1970, you get a 70 frame, ...and if in 1974 you ordered a 69 frame, you get a 74 frame. Any year after 1974, if you ordered a 68 to 74 frame you got a 74 frame.
I'd be interested in hearing how you solve the problem. Just drill new bolt holes???? Thanks
Why am I trying to put a 74 frame under my 70? I once had a 69 with a bent frame so in 1979 I ordered a 69 frame for the 69. The 69 was later stolen and I just stored the frame. Eventually I bought a 70. Now I've rebuilding the 70. I decided to just build up my "69" frame and eventually just remove the 70's body and install it on my "69" frame. Early this summer I started trying to install the 70's bumper hardware onto the frame and discovered the above fit problem.
After much trouble here's what I discovered; in 1969 if you order a 69 frame you get a 69 frame, if you order a 69 frame in 1970, you get a 70 frame, ...and if in 1974 you ordered a 69 frame, you get a 74 frame. Any year after 1974, if you ordered a 68 to 74 frame you got a 74 frame.
I'd be interested in hearing how you solve the problem. Just drill new bolt holes???? Thanks
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN
Upon first glance they seem to be in the exact same place as far as bolt holes and mounts. Ill check tomorrow when I get to the shop and put a tape measure to it. Thanks for the heads up!
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 1,832
Likes: 38
From: Cedar,BC
Better take another good look at the rear of the frame,there is a bit of work to do,you definately want to do it now before the body is in place.There are the brackets for the absorbers that need to be cut/ground off and a couple of holes need to be drilled and slotted,just take the measurements off the 69 frame.Should only take a few minutes but a total PITA to do later.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 4,883
Likes: 11
From: North Easton Mass
I have a 73 frame for my 72 and when I put the body on the bumper bracket holes didn't all line up with the frame horns. I knew in advance that they wouldn't so it wasn't a suprise, but I did have to drill 1 new hole in the bracket and extend another one to get the bolts in. I chose not to drill holes in the frame horns since the brackets are easier to modify.
Rick B.
Rick B.
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Race Director
Joined: Aug 1999
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From: WI
If you or anyone else is interested I have a nice clean 69 4spd rolling chassis, the body is still on it but everything I can see is clean...PM me if interested. may sell a bare frame also.
redvetracr
redvetracr
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN
I dont know what I have then because my front frame extension for the 69 bolted right up to the 74 frame. The holes are in the exact same spot and it all bolted up and has the exact same position. I do see one hole I will have to add in the rear of the frame on each side for the rear bumper mounts but the rest of the frame holes are exact. Did my 74 get a frame replacement sometime in life and end up with a 69 frame?
Redvetracr I sent you a PM on prices and location.
Thanks for the advice guys!
Redvetracr I sent you a PM on prices and location.
Thanks for the advice guys!
Team Owner
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 38,923
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From: Southbound
Cruise-In II Veteran
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jan 2006
Posts: 2,664
Likes: 1
From: Nashville TN
Thanks again!
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 40,435
Likes: 793
From: Redondo Beach, California
Better take another good look at the rear of the frame,there is a bit of work to do,you definately want to do it now before the body is in place.There are the brackets for the absorbers that need to be cut/ground off and a couple of holes need to be drilled and slotted,just take the measurements off the 69 frame.Should only take a few minutes but a total PITA to do later.
The only reason I think I have a 74 frame is that a search of NCRS archieves revealed postings that said after 1974 the 1974 frame became the replacement frame for the years 68 through 74. There are two frame extention part numbers for chrome bumpered cars. There is one part number for 1968 and another part number for 1969 through 1973. I tried the 1968 and a 1969 part number frame extention and neither fit. So I do believe its a 74.
