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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
From: I may be getting old but I refuse to grow up
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.