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Frame replacement options

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Old Oct 15, 2004 | 04:44 PM
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Default Frame replacement options

I may want to replace the frame in my '73. What year frames could I use? I think 69-74. Is this true or are other years acceptable?
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Old Oct 15, 2004 | 05:46 PM
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I don't know the difference but Ben has/had a 69 frame for sale. Don't know if he still has it but here is his E mailBen
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Old Oct 15, 2004 | 08:17 PM
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I put a 77 frame under my 73 last winter, the only diffrence is the last 16". The bumper mounting is the same from 68-73. I have a few pictures of the process on my work computer if you email me i will show you how i did it. You should keep an eye on ebay i was able to get a rust free frame from texas for $178.50 and was able to find a trucking company to deliver it to wisconsin for $280.00 then sandblast and por15 came out very nice. John
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Old Oct 15, 2004 | 08:43 PM
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there is a company that has a badazz tubular one
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Old Oct 15, 2004 | 08:51 PM
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Originally Posted by johns73
You should keep an eye on ebay i was able to get a rust free frame from texas for $178.50 and was able to find a trucking company to deliver it to wisconsin for $280.00 then sandblast and por15 came out very nice. John
Thats sad when shipping is almost twice as much as the initial cost.
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Old Oct 15, 2004 | 09:12 PM
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Thanks for the replies. I've have seen a few ebay frames that are near me but, I wasn't sure about the fit.

I'm curious to see how johns73 did his work.

John, what's magical about the "last 16 inches"?

-mike
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Old Oct 15, 2004 | 09:19 PM
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I think the front crossmember (vacuum reservoir) changed in 73 with the new bumper. the rear might have changed in 74, too? joe
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Old Oct 15, 2004 | 09:23 PM
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Originally Posted by joe73vette
I think the front crossmember (vacuum reservoir) changed in 73 with the new bumper. the rear might have changed in 74, too? joe
it did. i had to cut off about last 30" to make it work on my 72 also saved the serial numbers that way
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Old Oct 15, 2004 | 09:24 PM
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The rear changed in 74 because of the soft bumper. 69-73 should work, but there are differences between manual and automatic transmission frames. I think even 68 would work, but there were some problems with that year's frame that were corrected in 69, I wouldn't recommend one. You can buy new frames from Vette Products of Michigan, try a search, and make sure you are seated when the price comes up.
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Old Oct 15, 2004 | 09:39 PM
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How are the manual vs auto frames different?
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Old Oct 15, 2004 | 09:42 PM
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I thought the only thing changed from 68 to 69 were some extra gussets. And differences from auto to manual were the bolt on vs weld on crossmember right? That is the only difference i ever heard of.
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Old Oct 15, 2004 | 09:45 PM
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Originally Posted by lostpatrolman
differences from auto to manual were the bolt on vs weld on crossmember right?
Yes, but that's quite a difference. Joe
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Old Oct 15, 2004 | 09:58 PM
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Originally Posted by mzmgb
How are the manual vs auto frames different?
There are some extra welded on attachments and brackets for the clutch linkage. Not sure about the welded vs bolt on crossmember, could be true. Many people have been successful in converting between auto and manual, but I know some welding will be required. Frame repair sections are also available, see my first post, same place.
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Old Oct 15, 2004 | 10:09 PM
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Originally Posted by mzmgb
How are the manual vs auto frames different?
The auto has a bolt in crossmember, the manual is welded in and has a bracket for the clutch Zbar welded on. THe last 16" was changed from 73 to 74 for the soft bumper.

Steve
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