Frame Measurements?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 303
Likes: 2
From: southeast Idaho
Frame Measurements?
Does anybody have frame drawings for a 72 that would show measurements from the various measuring holes to suspension points, ball joint centers, ect? I am starting on a c-4 suspension conversion and that info would be helpful in locating the new suspension, getting the wheelbase where it needs to be, ect.
T.I.A.
Mike
T.I.A.
Mike
Pro
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 606
Likes: 48
From: Mystic Ct.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,267
Likes: 4,362
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi Mike,
I believe Russ' link is to a drawing from the GM CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL.
There's also a drawing in the AIM that has some center line dimensions for a few of the suspension components.
I'd think you'll need more detail but these are the only 2 I'm aware of.
Regards,
Alan
I believe Russ' link is to a drawing from the GM CHASSIS SERVICE MANUAL.
There's also a drawing in the AIM that has some center line dimensions for a few of the suspension components.
I'd think you'll need more detail but these are the only 2 I'm aware of.
Regards,
Alan
Tech Contributor
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 20,905
Likes: 962
From: I tend to be leery of any guy who doesn't own a chainsaw or a handgun.
Mike,
I struck out trying to find that same information when I was doing my frame. I ended up just making a separate jig to position the wheels in the correct (or desired) trackwidth, wheel base, and ride height, and then temporarily welding the frame to the suspension jig. After that, it was somewhat straightforward to start positioning the suspension arms in the desired angles and then welding in the appropriate attachment brackets. As I mentioned in our earlier conversation, be prepared to spend a significant amount of time cutting out areas of the frame that compete for space with the new suspension links. (Side note, remember that the C4 front spindles are not in line with the ball joints like earlier suspensions.)
Keep us updated!
Mike
I struck out trying to find that same information when I was doing my frame. I ended up just making a separate jig to position the wheels in the correct (or desired) trackwidth, wheel base, and ride height, and then temporarily welding the frame to the suspension jig. After that, it was somewhat straightforward to start positioning the suspension arms in the desired angles and then welding in the appropriate attachment brackets. As I mentioned in our earlier conversation, be prepared to spend a significant amount of time cutting out areas of the frame that compete for space with the new suspension links. (Side note, remember that the C4 front spindles are not in line with the ball joints like earlier suspensions.)
Keep us updated!
Mike
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 127
Likes: 0
From: Monroe Washington
Frame drawing
Does anybody have frame drawings for a 72 that would show measurements from the various measuring holes to suspension points, ball joint centers, ect? I am starting on a c-4 suspension conversion and that info would be helpful in locating the new suspension, getting the wheelbase where it needs to be, ect.
T.I.A.
Mike
T.I.A.
Mike
Here is a frame drawing that I believe is from a 74 or so. The only difference is the aft bumper rail. Yours curves up instead of down.
Ron
[IMG]
[/IMG]
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 23
From: Prescott AZ
Does anybody have frame drawings for a 72 that would show measurements from the various measuring holes to suspension points, ball joint centers, ect? I am starting on a c-4 suspension conversion and that info would be helpful in locating the new suspension, getting the wheelbase where it needs to be, ect.
T.I.A.
Mike
T.I.A.
Mike
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 303
Likes: 2
From: southeast Idaho
I dont know of a kit to do that, you can buy frames or take your frame in and have it converted, both are buku bucks. I like tinkering and will enjoy the challenge of doing it anyway. Vetteguy, to answer your question, I didnt like the way the car drove with the latest of 50's engineering on the steering system and when I started seeing c4 conversion stuff showing up that looked like a good way to go. Keep in mind I started collecting stuff 7 years ago and I probably wouldnt go that route now what with all the c3 thats out now but I already made that decision so here I go. The c4 stuff is out of an 86 vette manual trans car.
Corvette Stories
The Best of Corvette for Corvette Enthusiasts
Top 10 Most Expensive Corvettes Ever Sold on Bring A Trailer
Brett Foote
10 Things Every Corvette Owner Needs (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
8 Most "Only Corvette Owners Understand" Quirks and Problems
Pouria Savadkouei
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
Burning Brakes
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 1,160
Likes: 23
From: Prescott AZ
I dont know of a kit to do that, you can buy frames or take your frame in and have it converted, both are buku bucks. I like tinkering and will enjoy the challenge of doing it anyway. Vetteguy, to answer your question, I didnt like the way the car drove with the latest of 50's engineering on the steering system and when I started seeing c4 conversion stuff showing up that looked like a good way to go. Keep in mind I started collecting stuff 7 years ago and I probably wouldnt go that route now what with all the c3 thats out now but I already made that decision so here I go. The c4 stuff is out of an 86 vette manual trans car.
