Frame comparision

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Feb 12, 2005 | 11:28 AM

GTR1999

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From: Connecticut, USA

Frame comparision

Just how interchangable are the 74-83 frames with the 68-73's bodies? I believe they will fit .Just not sure what might need to be modified and don't have a couple side by side to compare. This is just something I was thinking about for future reference.

Thanks

Gary

Feb 12, 2005 | 12:04 PM

fast idle

Pro

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From: glace bay nova scotia

there are several minor diffrences in the bracketry and such, but if you have the old frame and a wire feed welder,you should be able to do it.
the autos have the x member bolted and the standard was welded ,dunno why the standard's was welded in tho.
may be a good time to seam weld your front frame to fix the flex problems.

Feb 12, 2005 | 01:19 PM

GTR1999

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From: Connecticut, USA

Thanks, it wouldn't be problem welding it. I wasn't sure if the bumper area were different?
Gary

Feb 12, 2005 | 01:27 PM

82Vette'ster

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From: Phoenix AZ

The 80-82 used an aluminum differential (Dana 44) and cross brace assembly. Thus it is attached differently on frame. It has a couple of ears that stick up. If you get a 80-82 these could be ground off, but you would still need earlier cross brace.

Feb 12, 2005 | 04:54 PM

KENS80V

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From: Oakbank Manitoba

The biggest difference will be with the bumper mounting. Later frames had the shock absorber mounted crash bars while earlier models had the chrome (solid) bumpers. Also body mounts were solid in early years while later ones had rubber mounts.

Feb 12, 2005 | 05:27 PM

stpman

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From: I may be getting old but I refuse to grow up

A 74 frame isn't too different than the 73, I'm using a 74 frame under my 73. starting in 75 the rear was changed for the bumper shocks.

Feb 12, 2005 | 06:10 PM

MikeC

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From: Union Ontario

The rear most crossmember was changed for 78..... but the earlier frames can still be used with a small modification.

Feb 12, 2005 | 08:21 PM

Paul Borowski

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From: Massillon,Ohio USA

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Quote:

Originally Posted by stpman

A 74 frame isn't too different than the 73, I'm using a 74 frame under my 73. starting in 75 the rear was changed for the bumper shocks.

I've looked at both my '68s, my '74 & my '75 frames. Casually looking, the '74 rear part looks nearly identical to the '68 rear part. The '74 rear DID NOT have the shocks for the rear bumper like '75-'82s did. It had a "slider system" on the outside of the rear SIDE frame rails, so other than an extra hole or two, they "seem" identical. Now, on the front, because the '68 had a one year core support, the front of a '68 frame is different than '69-'72s. '69-'82 fronts MAY BE identical, it just may be the FRAME EXTENSIONS that bolt to the front frame ears that are different.