80 frame conversion for 79
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Cruising
Joined: Dec 2021
Posts: 11
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From: New York
80 frame conversion for 79
I have a guy near me that has a few 80-82 frames that are in good shape at the right price. I own a 79 that's currently body off frame in my garage. It needs pretty substantial frame work and I was looking at finding a better frame. After some research I am still inconclusive if I should try and make the 80 frame work with my 79 drivetrain, by cutting the rear end crossmember off of my frame and weld it on to the better 80 frame, or if I should just use the 80s rear drive train, with the batwing, ditch the Eaton and basically make the car an 80. Anyone have any experience with this? Or any suggestions?
Race Director
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 11,949
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From: Virginia
Contact @AllC34Me if he doesn't see this thread.
I have both an 80 and a 79. My understanding is that the metal in the frame of the 80 is slightly thinner. Ergo, weaker. Not that they were particularly stiff to begin with. I don't know if that is a consideration.
Also, all 80 frames have removable transmission crossmembers, so that's nice. Be sure to use the trans crossmember from your 79, if possible, to avoid the single notch of the 80.
Best practice might be to use your better iron diff with the aluminum batwing (which will require a shorter driveshaft), but almost all aftermarket rear suspensions ONLY work with 68-79 frames, so YMMV.
I have both an 80 and a 79. My understanding is that the metal in the frame of the 80 is slightly thinner. Ergo, weaker. Not that they were particularly stiff to begin with. I don't know if that is a consideration.
Also, all 80 frames have removable transmission crossmembers, so that's nice. Be sure to use the trans crossmember from your 79, if possible, to avoid the single notch of the 80.
Best practice might be to use your better iron diff with the aluminum batwing (which will require a shorter driveshaft), but almost all aftermarket rear suspensions ONLY work with 68-79 frames, so YMMV.
