Frame comparision
Thread Starter
Tech Contributor
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 15,166
Likes: 3,968
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
Thanks
Gary
Pro
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 570
Likes: 0
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.
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.
Pro
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 511
Likes: 4
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.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 2,906
Likes: 228
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.
Team Owner
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 21,455
Likes: 462
From: Massillon,Ohio USA
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Unmodified
Cruise-In VI Veteran
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12
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. 
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
10 Reasons the C6 Z06 is Still A Performance Benchmark After 20 Years
Joe Kucinski
How Much Horsepower Every Corvette Engine "LOST" in 1972
Joe Kucinski
Top 10 DOs and DON'Ts for Protecting Your Convertible Top!
Michael S. Palmer
Top 10 Most Explosive Corvettes Ever Made: Power-to-Weight Ratio Ranked!
Joe Kucinski
150 hp to 1,250 hp: Every Corvette Generation Compared by the Specs That Matter
Joe Kucinski
8 Coolest Corvette Pace Cars (and Replicas) of All Time
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Corvette Engines RANKED by Peak Torque (70+ Years of Muscle!)
Joe Kucinski
Corvette ZR1X Will Be Pacing the Indy 500, And Could Probably Race, Too!
Verdad Gallardo
