C3 Frames ?????
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: You are here to build strength, not demonstrate it
St. Jude Donor '08
C3 Frames ?????
If I have a 1972 with a rusty frame, what year C3 can I use for a replacement? I have been looking 68-72, but can I go as high as 78,80?
Any info will broaden my search.
Thanks
Any info will broaden my search.
Thanks
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
Likes: 383
From: Plano TX
Re: C3 Frames ????? (markyerger)
68-72 are direct fit. later is better as GM added more braces each year as they found weak points. 73 can be made to work easily as only the front bumper attachment changed. you will have to drill some holes in the frame for the chrome bumper setup. 74 and later is more difficult as the rear part of the frame changed. It is still possible but it is not near a direct fit.
Race Director
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 15,146
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From: NM
Re: C3 Frames ????? (markyerger)
One small detail to keep in mind. The 68-72 used a steel body mount. In 73 that was changed to a rubber mount. The rubber mount is a little taller then the steel mount so to keep the body at the right height in relation to the frame the frame body mounting points were lowered slightly starting in 73. So with a 73 and later frame you will need to use the rubber body mounts.
tom...
tom...
Drifting
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,987
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From: Manchester, Dead Center in the Middle of TN 25 miles to Jack Daniels,10 miles to Geo Dickle, and .8 mile from the Liquor Store at I-24 Exit 114
St. Jude Donor '05
Re: C3 Frames ????? (markyerger)
Years ago we put a '63 frame from a burned car under a '71. This was done in '73. We cut about 22" off of the 72 frame and welded it to the '63 and rolled it under the '72. Most frames are of very little difference and can be altered with a little effort.
The '72 car is still in my town and with the same owner since we combined the cars. JIM :smash:
The '72 car is still in my town and with the same owner since we combined the cars. JIM :smash:
Le Mans Master
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 8,339
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From: I can walk to MA
Re: C3 Frames ????? (zwede)
73 can be made to work easily as only the front bumper attachment changed. you will have to drill some holes in the frame for the chrome bumper setup. 74 and later is more difficult as the rear part of the frame changed. It is still possible but it is not near a direct fit.
changed, but that bolts up the same for all C3 years (I believe). I'd have
to dig the 75 out of the snow to check, but I think the frame horns are the same.
The back end of the frame is 'what gets you'. The gas tank moved in the later
C3 years with the bubble glass. A 73-77 should work OK, if you can cut and
change-over the rear crossmember - where the rear bumper(s) attach(es).
Here are a couple posts of mine from the archives:
My handle changed from "Daves_rusty_75", so if you see this in the archives - it is me.
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=343484
http://forums.corvetteforum.com/zerothread?id=354276
[Modified by NHvette, 8:25 PM 1/21/2003]
[Modified by NHvette, 8:27 PM 1/21/2003]
Advanced
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 56
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From: Marietta GA
Re: C3 Frames ????? (NHvette)
Marcus is correct about the 1973 frame. I sold the frame from my '73 parts car to my friend last year for his '69 and he had to relocate the holes for the the front frame extensions. :thumbs:
Race Director
Joined: Sep 1999
Posts: 11,361
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From: Plano TX
Re: C3 Frames ????? (NHvette)
Are you sure, Markus ? I know the bumper support/frame extension
changed, but that bolts up the same for all C3 years (I believe).
changed, but that bolts up the same for all C3 years (I believe).
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Safety Car
Joined: Dec 2002
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From: Lake Wylie SC
Re: C3 Frames ????? (markyerger)
There's one on eBay right now. A '72.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6767
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6767
Safety Car
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 4,269
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From: St. Charles IL
Cruise-In 5-6-7-8-9-11-12 Veteran
A CI-6 Car Show Winner
Re: C3 Frames ????? (markyerger)
If you are going to do mods to make a different year frame work, why not just buy the (new) frame components you need and repair yours? It would probably be better than original. I was not at all impressed with the quality of the factory welds on my 75. Vette products of Michigan has all the frame components.
Advanced
Joined: Jan 2000
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From: Daphne, Al
Re: C3 Frames ????? (Big Fish)
Well, I dunno about all the fitment issues.
But I have a '74 frame that you can have if you can find a way to Daphne AL.
It needs to be cleaned up but to my knowledge it is sound.
Hey I'll even throw in an old motor, heads... shoot just bring a semi! :eek:
But I have a '74 frame that you can have if you can find a way to Daphne AL.
It needs to be cleaned up but to my knowledge it is sound.
Hey I'll even throw in an old motor, heads... shoot just bring a semi! :eek:
Thread Starter
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 9,737
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From: You are here to build strength, not demonstrate it
St. Jude Donor '08
Re: C3 Frames ????? (markyerger)
Thanks a million for the info on the frame in York PA.
I live in Delaware, and that is 45 minutes from me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :rofl:
I live in Delaware, and that is 45 minutes from me!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :rofl:
