73 Frame Replacement

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Sep 16, 2009 | 06:05 PM

jayshe9999

Thread Starter

6th Gear

Joined: Sep 2009

Posts: 6

Likes: 0

From: NJ

73 Frame Replacement

Can I replace a 1973 frame with a 1975 or 1976 without too much work?
Is there any books that give instructions?
My frame is rusted on the frame rails, differential crossmember and the driver side kickup.

Sep 16, 2009 | 06:31 PM

Artsvette73

Drifting

Joined: Jan 2004

Posts: 1,991

Likes: 3

From: Piscataway NJ

It can be done but you will have to graft the rear frame rails and rear crossmember. The cut I made was stepped not straight. No book just measure twice and cut once

Sep 16, 2009 | 06:57 PM

crf311

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2003

Posts: 3,029

Likes: 94

From: meraux LA

Best to get a 73 frame. 73 was the only year with rubber front bumper with chrome rear bumpers.

Sep 16, 2009 | 07:07 PM

stpman

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 2,865

Likes: 1

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by crf311

Best to get a 73 frame. 73 was the only year with rubber front bumper with chrome rear bumpers.

The 74 frame is similar but still requires work

Sep 16, 2009 | 09:16 PM

72LS1Vette

Safety Car

Joined: Aug 2001

Posts: 4,883

Likes: 11

From: North Easton Mass

Quote:

Originally Posted by stpman

The 74 frame is similar but still requires work

But not nearly as much as a 75-76 frame.

Rick B.

Sep 17, 2009 | 01:31 AM

Buddy1980

Racer

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 297

Likes: 3

73 frame

I have a nice solid 75 frame if you are interested, pictures and ad are in c-3 and c-3 parts for sale. Can be used with little mods. you do not have to cut the frame at all for it to fit your 73 body.

Sep 17, 2009 | 06:44 AM

stpman

Melting Slicks

Joined: Oct 2002

Posts: 2,865

Likes: 1

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

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buddy1980

If you don't change the frame rails on the 75 frame don't plan on mounting the rear bumpers with the stock brackets

Sep 17, 2009 | 06:57 AM

73BLWN

Racer

Joined: Apr 2005

Posts: 259

Likes: 45

From: Columbus Mn

I replaced my 73's with a 1969 frame. I don't recall having any issues. Others posted issues with the rear bumper supports. Odd since the changes would most likely be in the nose. I had no issues at all with nose.

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Sep 17, 2009 | 08:45 AM

johns73

Racer

Joined: Jul 2001

Posts: 361

Likes: 9

From: Dresser WI

I put a 77 frame under my 73 and the only change was to the last 18'' of the frame. No other mods were needed.

Sep 17, 2009 | 11:14 PM

#10

73, Dark Blue 454

Melting Slicks

Joined: Mar 2005

Posts: 2,838

Likes: 10

From: Austin TX

I'd use a 68-73 frame. The only mods for the non-73 frames (68-72) would be the need to relocate two or three holes in the frame horns for the bumper support (battering ram). No big deal.

Sep 17, 2009 | 11:41 PM

#11

Buddy1980

Racer

Joined: Nov 2008

Posts: 297

Likes: 3

73 frame

the 75 frame will fit the 73, only mod is to alter rear bumper brackets. and the 75 frame is actually more heavy duty on the rear frame rails than the 73.