Ty18769

I have a 72 coupe with a frame that is less than stellar. Original base 350 motor and tranny, 68k miles. Has a cam and headers. Painted black at some point and the original saddle interior has been replaced with a black interior as well. It is an amazing looking 10 footer. However, if I'm realistic about keeping it long term, it will need a new frame.

There is a guy local to me selling a 76 roller. Good looking frame and suspension, that I can get very fair. I've read all of the relevant posts and differences in the frame styles over the years. I guess I'm just looking for opinions. I have some lifelong friends that are professional welders who could help with making the 76 frame ready to accept the 72 body. Just trying to get a feel if it's a good idea or not. Opinions?

the roller

bazza77

It looks like you already have the rolling 76 chassis , its doable for sure , there are guys on here that have done similar .Priya is also putting a 69 rear body on her 78 so that is similar thing as well

I think(hope) its mainly the height of the body mounts , the frame horns and of course the last couple of feet of the back of the frame which are different .(just behind no.4 mount )

If your 72 has rusted in the "usual" places then that back section is probably still good so grafting that on to the new one is an option .

I hope you go ahead with it , always interesting to see frame swaps in progress .

I hate to be a spoiler but if the frame is rusty, how is the birdcage on your 72 ?

P.S Its easy for me to rattle off all that is "just" needed to do ,this has been going around in my head for ages as I'm doing a 69 body onto a 78 frame ,but I haven't got to the stage of a rolling chassis yet so the fun part is yet to come (for me ).

Alan 71

Hi Ty,
I believe I'd pass on the 76 frame and look for a 69-73 frame for your car.
A 69-73 frame will ensure a straight foreword swap.
The rear crossmember on a 76 frame is about 3" lower than the rear crossmember on a 68-73 frame.
This difference has an effect on the mounting of the rear bumpers.
Regards,
Alan

Wee

Glenn454 (ebay seller) had a steel bumper frame for sale a few weeks back...I'm not sure if it sold or not....Shipping would be an issue....He is located in Buford GA. Good guy to deal with.

Brian

PS....I have a black on black 72 myself.

Pop Chevy

I put a 78 frame under my 64. It wasn't that bad a job.

crf311

I have a completely restored 72 frame , re manufactured 454 with alum heads , rebuilt th400 trans, rebuilt trailing arms, new SS fuel lines, new Dewitt's alum radiator with el. Fans.

I was restoring the 72 BBC vette when a tornado hit our building. It destroyed the body, but the chassis was not touched. I can send pictures if you are interested. I'm in New Orleans.

bazza77

Being in a place that never has Tornados ,I think that is just an incredible scary as h**l story .

And that would be so easy a swap too , I could have used that frame for my efforts here as well , if only......

AllC34Me

I probably missed it but where is "local to me"?

I have a 1969 frame I am finishing up now and could use that 76 roller to rebuild for my 77 project car I am starting on now. Depending upon what you have in the 76, what you want for your 72 frame, and where you are located we might be able to work a deal that allows us both to win.

Let me know location and I will give you more details on the 69. It is correct for 69-72 and is completely restored and ready to use.

Thank you.

David Howard
AllVettes4Me

PS: Mine is not listed yet in the for sale area but it is being shown in the C3 General area under 69 frame restoration.
https://www.corvetteforum.com/forums...-along-ii.html

Ty18769

PM'ing you.


Tyrus

LT-1 kid

I have a very nice no rust 69 frame complete roller with an auto cross member
cary Il