kaman

My frame has rot so I am looking at my options. Not worried about originality. Can I use other than a 68 frame?

gbvette62

68-72 frames, are all a direct bolt in, but basically any 63-82 frame, can be made to work.

After the 68-72 frames, 65-67 and 73-74, are probably the closest, then 64, 75-79, 63 and finally 80-82.

The main difference in frames over the years, is the rear crossmember, and the shape of the frame section, after the rear end. The 63 and 64 frames, have some body mounts, located differently, too.

The 80-82 frame, is the least like the 68. The trans crossmember is different, and the rear mount, the rear frame horns and the rear crossmember, are all unique to the 80-82 frames.

68/70Vette

In 1980, I bought a new frame from GM parts for my 69, which had a tweaked frame. Since the 69 was later stolen, I sat the frame aside, and years later I decided to use it for my 70. I've since made a rolling frame. When I went to fit the 70 frame extensions onto the frame they wouldn't fit. The frame extension are used to mount the front bumper.
.....making a long story short, I eventually discovered by calling Volunteer Vettes, that the frame I bought for my 69 was actually a 73 frame. When frames for 68 through 73 were in stock at GM Parts, if you ordered a frame for a specified year between 68 and 73, what you actually got was a 73 frame. The frame extensions for 68 through 72 don't exactly fit the 73..there's three mounting holes and one or two are different....for a body shop this was be a brief annoyance. Yo've got to drill one (or two?) new holes in the frame.

Not sure, but I think the frame extensions for the 68 are slightly different than the 69. But once again, It'll be just an annoyance.

....Last time I checked Volunteer Vettes had a big stock of frame parts.

Also, if you've big bucks, you have the option of buying a custom made frame that will allow you to use a C4, C5 suspension parts.

A new frame weighs about 300 pounds. If you have one shipped, the weight is not the problem of course...it's the size.

682XLR8

Just yesterday I did a search on this same subject since I'm keeping an eye out for a replacement frame for my 68, and came up with info very similar to the above posts

kaman, if your frame is bad enough to need replacement, check the rocker channels, also check the seat belt mounts and other metal items riveted to the fiberglass under the car

Easy Mike

I keep this in My Favorites list: http://www.71corvette.com/frames.html

LeMans Pete

That is a great link, thanks!

68/70Vette

Thanks for the information. I looks like when I add my 70 body onto what I've now discovered is a 73 frame, the body mounts have been lowered slightly to accommodate rubber bushings between the body and frame. So maybe I can mount my 70 body with rubber bushings and keeps the traditional body to frame height!!

dmaxx3500

i thought the rear angles in front of the frame kick-ups,wornt there till 69'?

Easy Mike

Late 68s got them.

vette68

Wow. Did I reply to the wrong thread!

Jesse 982

I replaced my 68 frame with a new frame from Vette Products of Michigan. He makes a exact copy of the factory frame since he bought all the jigs and tooling from GM when they discontinued the C3’s. He will make any changes or additions you request. I went with a removable center crossmember even thought my car is a manual trans. I also had the rear kick up supports as my early 68 didn’t have them. It’s a quality frame but kinda pricey.

Best of luck, Jesse

vettebuyer6369

6 year old post.