69 to 73 frame questions
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3rd Gear
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 3
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69 to 73 frame questions
I am working on a 71 coupe. Everthing I have read says that a 69 to 73 frame is interchangeable except for the trans crossmember being welded in on a standard trans. I have located a 73 frame within driving distance to purchase. My question is the 71 uses solid metal body-to-frame mounts and the 73 uses a rubber type body-to-frame mount, so could you use either? Has anyone tried this before? Thanks for any input that you may have.
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 3
From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
I don't believe you will have any problems using solid or rubber mounts. The latter seems like they would be more desireable due to less vibration being transmitted to the body? I don't think you would want to run a combination of both styles though.
Melting Slicks
Joined: Apr 2004
Posts: 2,008
Likes: 38
From: Space Coast Gator Territory
There are a few members here with early C-3's who claim to have switched to rubber mounting spacers to reduce noise. There is no reason this and the 73 frame can't be used for your application. If you are not interested in an NCRS restoration and the donor frame has a fixed tranny crossmember; you might consider making it removable before replacing the body.
Racer
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 363
Likes: 0
From: Winston-Salem NC
Racer
Joined: Aug 1999
Posts: 341
Likes: 1
From: Levittown Pa
I did this in my first 71 vette used the same frame and installed the rubber mounts. Personally I did not fine it worth the trouble. the ride is not that much noticable. And the body sits higher off the frame you can see the bottom edge of the frame from the side.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
Likes: 24
From: I can walk to MA
Easily go from solid to rubber mounts (higher by about 1/2").
But ... going rubber to solid (like using the 73 frame with solid
mounts) woudl lower the body on the frame by about 1/2".
I think you might have some clearance issues, as the body and
frame get pretty close in some areas. Go poly - for no other reason,
they are cheaper than the stock rubber mounts.
But ... going rubber to solid (like using the 73 frame with solid
mounts) woudl lower the body on the frame by about 1/2".
I think you might have some clearance issues, as the body and
frame get pretty close in some areas. Go poly - for no other reason,
they are cheaper than the stock rubber mounts.
Last edited by NHvette; Jun 17, 2005 at 11:00 AM.
