68 coupe frame for convertible
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
68 coupe frame for convertible
Hello guys,
I do have a early 68 convertible Corvette with a weak frame.
I can get a good 68 Coupe frame and I'm wondering if this Coupe frame fits under the convertible body.
I have read that the convertible frames of the e.g C2 67 had additional mounts #2 under the sill plate.
I don't know if this is also the only difference of an 68 coupe frame to the convertible frame because welding this mount on each side should be a big problem.
I appreciate your meaningful responses
Best regards
Joerg
I do have a early 68 convertible Corvette with a weak frame.
I can get a good 68 Coupe frame and I'm wondering if this Coupe frame fits under the convertible body.
I have read that the convertible frames of the e.g C2 67 had additional mounts #2 under the sill plate.
I don't know if this is also the only difference of an 68 coupe frame to the convertible frame because welding this mount on each side should be a big problem.
I appreciate your meaningful responses
Best regards
Joerg
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 11,608
Likes: 780
From: Eustis ( Area 51 Bat Cave ) Fl
here is a great link,
http://www.71corvette.com/frames.html
Purist chalk marks and factory correct aside,
with work c3 frames swap around but some of course are far easier, the 68-72 all swap around pretty easy-o, so couple to convertible doesn't matter,
My early 69 convertible has a early 68 coupe chassis, I had the tech make a removable transmission cross member as I was not sure what transmission I want and now I am covered,
My early 68 chassis was missing the large rear supports gm added late 68 and I also had my tech add those which I got all my parts from Willcox,
my build,
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...m-project.html
http://www.71corvette.com/frames.html
Purist chalk marks and factory correct aside,
with work c3 frames swap around but some of course are far easier, the 68-72 all swap around pretty easy-o, so couple to convertible doesn't matter,
My early 69 convertible has a early 68 coupe chassis, I had the tech make a removable transmission cross member as I was not sure what transmission I want and now I am covered,
My early 68 chassis was missing the large rear supports gm added late 68 and I also had my tech add those which I got all my parts from Willcox,
my build,
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...m-project.html
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 31,278
Likes: 4,372
From: Westminster Maryland
Hi J,
Welcome!
First Post!
The same frame was used for both coupe and convertible bodies.
There was a difference in the frame for a 4-speed car and an automatic car.
The 4-speed car frame has a welded in place transmission crossmember and a small additional bracket welded to the top of the driver's side frame rail for the clutch linkage z-bar.
The automatic car has a transmission crossmember that's bolted in place thus more easily removable during the installation of the transmission.
How about a few pictures of the 68 you're working on?
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Welcome!
First Post!
The same frame was used for both coupe and convertible bodies.
There was a difference in the frame for a 4-speed car and an automatic car.
The 4-speed car frame has a welded in place transmission crossmember and a small additional bracket welded to the top of the driver's side frame rail for the clutch linkage z-bar.
The automatic car has a transmission crossmember that's bolted in place thus more easily removable during the installation of the transmission.
How about a few pictures of the 68 you're working on?
Good Luck!
Regards,
Alan
Is my vette stock?? HAHA
Joined: Oct 2015
Posts: 20,216
Likes: 9,354
From: Im not allowed to tell you
2020 C3 of the Year Finalist - Modified
2020 Corvette of the Year Finalist (performance mods)
2019 C3 of Year Winner (performance mods)
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
You can buy the stiffening gussets and weld them in yourself since your pulling the frame anyway. Or just use the better of the two frames.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 3,729
Likes: 267
From: Austin Texas
Corvette of the Year Winner 2017
2016 C3 of Year Finalist
same frame coupe or convertible,
Automatic frames have removable cross member.
never could understand why they chose to welded in, the 4 speed cross member.
Automatic frames have removable cross member.
never could understand why they chose to welded in, the 4 speed cross member.
Thread Starter
6th Gear
Joined: Jul 2016
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
Many thanks for your all the kind and meaningful response.
It helped me for my decision in regards of a new frame the modification (gussets)
Best regards
Joerg
It helped me for my decision in regards of a new frame the modification (gussets)
Best regards
Joerg
Last edited by hjwb; Jul 27, 2016 at 06:51 PM.
