80 vs 79 Frame

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Jul 10, 2013 | 02:25 PM

Dega500

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80 vs 79 Frame

Are there any significant differences between a 79 and 80 frame?

Thanks

Jul 10, 2013 | 02:33 PM

scottyp99

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From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!

In 1980, the Corvette went to the Dana 44 "batwing" differential, and the way it mounts into the frame is different. As far as I know, that's about it.

Scott

Jul 10, 2013 | 02:35 PM

Dega500

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Thanks Scott

Jul 10, 2013 | 11:06 PM

Gale Banks 80'

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From: Seattle Washington

The sales brouchure said the Frame was lighter but no body is really sure how much or why. The Trans Cross Member is diffrent as in all the cars were Single Exhaust so they no longer had the Exhaust Holes. I think both Auto and Stick cars had removeable X members. And the above Dana 44.

Jul 10, 2013 | 11:48 PM

Buddy1980

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80 and 79 frame

I had a 75 and a 80 frame in my shop recently, and the wall thickness on the 75 frame was about .120", the 80 frame wall thickness was about .100". This was measured in various places on both frames with a micrometer. This should explain why the 80 thru 82 frames are lighter. I believe 79 and older C-3 frames have the .120" thick frame. Thanks

Jul 10, 2013 | 11:52 PM

scottyp99

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From: Oxford MA-----You just lost the game!!!!

I'm not positive about this, but I think the transmission cross-members will still fit back and forth between '79 and '80 both ways, so it's not a deal-breaker, but it's still something to be aware of. However, the differential mounts will require some fabrication. I suppose it's do-able if you want to use the frame bad enough, like if you got it for free, or something.

Scott

Jul 10, 2013 | 11:59 PM

Dega500

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There is one for sale near me. I thought it might be nice to have one to clean up and get ready for a swap to save time if I ever talk myself into pulling the body.

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Jul 12, 2013 | 02:43 PM

Gale Banks 80'

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From: Seattle Washington

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buddy1980

OK this is good to know and what I have suspected all along. I kinda think the Trailing Arms might also be a bit thinner. A wile back on this sight the big thing going on was to narrow the Frame for more inside Tire clearance. With my 1980 I don't think this would do anything with out mini tubbing the car as well as I have moved my Tire-Wheel combo in untill it rubs and both the Frame and Tub hit at about the same time. So I have wondered if the 80 frame is a bit narrower at this point than the early frames.