Getting a frame...what else do I need?
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
Getting a frame...what else do I need?
I have a 1970 driver-quality project car.
I've decided to do a frame swap as my next major project. My frame has some dogleg issues and is the victim of a previous hit in the front passenger wheel. It is that hit which has things misaligned to the point of being a real pain in my rear.
My plan is to get a frame and construct a rolling chassis outside my running car, then 'swap' the frame in a winter or two. My engine is new, as is my radiator.
I have agreed to purchase a frame from a fellow forum member. It's not quite the right year, but am confident I can make the proper modifications so it will be perfect for my use.
The frame's seller has offered that he has numerous other parts that I could purchase to make my 'rolling chassis' project a bit easier and that he'd work with me on price.
MY QUESTION: What other bits would be most helpful to me to complete this project?
My intent is to use new Wilwood brake and hub assemblies on both ends. I'd also like to run offset trailing arms. I'm running new brake/fuel lines, obviously. I'm keeping my engine and trans and probably rebuilding my existing rear end for cost. Most components like gas tank are in fine condition on my car.
So outside of that, what would be most helpful?
---Front A-arms?
---Front uprights?
---Front springs?
---Roll bars?
---Driveshafts?
What am I not thinking of that would make my life easier?
I've decided to do a frame swap as my next major project. My frame has some dogleg issues and is the victim of a previous hit in the front passenger wheel. It is that hit which has things misaligned to the point of being a real pain in my rear.
My plan is to get a frame and construct a rolling chassis outside my running car, then 'swap' the frame in a winter or two. My engine is new, as is my radiator.
I have agreed to purchase a frame from a fellow forum member. It's not quite the right year, but am confident I can make the proper modifications so it will be perfect for my use.
The frame's seller has offered that he has numerous other parts that I could purchase to make my 'rolling chassis' project a bit easier and that he'd work with me on price.
MY QUESTION: What other bits would be most helpful to me to complete this project?
My intent is to use new Wilwood brake and hub assemblies on both ends. I'd also like to run offset trailing arms. I'm running new brake/fuel lines, obviously. I'm keeping my engine and trans and probably rebuilding my existing rear end for cost. Most components like gas tank are in fine condition on my car.
So outside of that, what would be most helpful?
---Front A-arms?
---Front uprights?
---Front springs?
---Roll bars?
---Driveshafts?
What am I not thinking of that would make my life easier?
Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 4,270
Likes: 20
From: Central Michigan
I have a frame swap planned for my 68 as well...was just discussing the details with another forum member yesterday
What year frame are you going to use? If 73-later you'll need to add rubber body mounts to your shopping list, 74-later you may need to make some mods to the rear of the frame to be able to mount the bumper brackets
What year frame are you going to use? If 73-later you'll need to add rubber body mounts to your shopping list, 74-later you may need to make some mods to the rear of the frame to be able to mount the bumper brackets
Thread Starter
Drifting
Joined: Jan 2012
Posts: 1,908
Likes: 129
From: Fredericksburg Virginia
The frame is a 1976, is my understanding.
I am prepared to modify the rear of the replacement frame to accept my bumpers. My frame is pretty shot, so there is a growing chance that I will cut off the rear-most portion of my frame (the little bit that is still in great shape) and graft it on my "new" frame.
My understanding from research is that this about the only difference.
The frame is a 4-speed, as is my car, so the z-bar mount is there. I'm thinking about modifying the transmission cross-member so it is removable.
New rubber on every component and body mount is a given. That is part of the blessing of TIME I'm giving myself with this 'outside the car' build.
My question is really just for metal parts...hardware that will best help me create a rolling chassis without requiring very many parts from my running car.
I am prepared to modify the rear of the replacement frame to accept my bumpers. My frame is pretty shot, so there is a growing chance that I will cut off the rear-most portion of my frame (the little bit that is still in great shape) and graft it on my "new" frame.
My understanding from research is that this about the only difference.
The frame is a 4-speed, as is my car, so the z-bar mount is there. I'm thinking about modifying the transmission cross-member so it is removable.
New rubber on every component and body mount is a given. That is part of the blessing of TIME I'm giving myself with this 'outside the car' build.
My question is really just for metal parts...hardware that will best help me create a rolling chassis without requiring very many parts from my running car.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 2,503
Likes: 33
From: McGrady NC
St. Jude Donor '15-'16
I would buy as much as you can afford to get the new frame as close to rolling as possible to limit downtime. Upper and lower control arms, steering components, spindle assemblies, are a good start. Rebuild everything for the rolling frame before you touch your car to start scavenging parts from it.
I'm doing a 77 right now that same way you are doing yours. When i'm ready to pull the body off my good 77 the new chassis will be ready to swap over the motor and transmission and them drop the body on it, hook up all the loose ends, and fire it up.
I'm doing a 77 right now that same way you are doing yours. When i'm ready to pull the body off my good 77 the new chassis will be ready to swap over the motor and transmission and them drop the body on it, hook up all the loose ends, and fire it up.
Last edited by CaseyJones; May 19, 2014 at 11:17 AM.
