Frame interchangeability

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Oct 20, 2004 | 04:14 AM

corvettecris

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2004

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From: Charlotte NC

Frame interchangeability

I was just curious if anyone had any good leads on the frame interchangeability on a 68. My frame is pretty bad, and I'd like to just get a new one. I was assuming that a 68-72 frame would work just fine, but some agree and some disagree. I was wondering if anyone has done this before, or has any good research on the topic. The only changes I am aware of on the 68-72's are a kickup gussets.

Also, I know the 68 year radiator support assembly was unique. Do you think a non-68 frame will call for switching to a non-68 radiator support?

Oct 20, 2004 | 04:32 AM

comp

Team Owner

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From: eville in

i think there was a post a couple of days ago

Oct 20, 2004 | 08:14 AM

corvettecris

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2004

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From: Charlotte NC

I did a search before I posted, with no results. Any idea on the topic of the post?

Oct 20, 2004 | 08:23 AM

stpman

Melting Slicks

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

Check this out

http://www.71corvette.com/frames.html

Steve

Oct 21, 2004 | 01:43 AM

corvettecris

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2004

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From: Charlotte NC

I read that, but the only thing I didnt like is the fact that that information wasn't referenced. I have no idea who wrote that article, and what their qualifications are. I also am concerned because that information contradicts what a corvette salvage yard I contacted told me. They say a 68 frame is unique, and no other frame will work. The reason I want a second opinion is because the salvage place charges more for a 68 over any other c3, and I wonder if they're telling me that just to rip me off...

I just dont want to buy a non-68 frame, and be stuck with a huge, expensive piece of scrap because it wont fit.

Thanks for the input so far. As soon as I get to the bottom of this, i will post all I learnfor the entire vette community to benifit from.

Last edited by corvettecris; Oct 21, 2004 at 01:45 AM. Reason: misspellings

Oct 21, 2004 | 08:42 AM

Smokin Joe

Drifting

Joined: Sep 2002

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From: South Florida

Check with Cannon's Corvettes in North Carolina. They do a lot of corvette frame stuff.

Oct 21, 2004 | 10:12 AM

markdtn

Le Mans Master

Joined: Aug 2003

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From: Chattanooga TN

Pretty sure 68-72 interchange. Where in the country are you?

Oct 21, 2004 | 10:52 PM

crf311

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2003

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From: meraux LA

I think they only added some support on the 69 and later. Their is a differance between the 4speed and automatic frames.

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Oct 22, 2004 | 03:19 AM

corvettecris

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2004

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From: Charlotte NC

Thanks for the info. I am contacting Cannon Corvettes shortly. I will post what I find out.

I live in San Diego, by the way (Currently deployed to Iraq)

Oct 22, 2004 | 09:32 AM

#10

LemansBlue68

Melting Slicks

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From: May help you? You can sure as hell try!

Quote:

Originally Posted by corvettecris68

The '68 frame WILL interchange with '69-'72. Late '68 frames have the additional kick-up gussets and are essentially the same as '69-'72 frames. As noted, manual trans frames have the trans crossmember welded in, the auto trans frames have the cross-members bolted in. The '68 radiator support is unique but switching frames won't require a new radiator support. In fact, the radiator support does not even attach to the main portion of the frame. There is a bolt on front cross-member that the post-'68 radiator supports bolt to, but in the '68's that same cross-member does not have the rad support attaching holes so is unique in that respect. Later cross-members will work though if your cross member is rusted out (you will find that many are). A source for Corvette frames out in Cali is Crane's (in San Diego) and J&D (not sure where in Cali they are located but they advertise in a lot of the Corvette mags).

Stay safe in Iraq!!! We want you back healthy and soon!!

Oct 22, 2004 | 10:09 AM

#11

nhlgopens

Team Owner

Joined: Jul 2004

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From: South West - but north of Dayton, Ohio

Zip Corvette Products carries a repro 68 frame for manual tranny $4095 (part # SU-750) or auto tranny $3795 (part # SU-749).

Oct 22, 2004 | 12:39 PM

#12

corvettecris

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2004

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From: Charlotte NC

Now that's what I call a lead on some good info! Its expensive, but not much more thatn the quotes I've gotten on reconditioned frames. I will keep that option in mind if I cant find a better solution. I just wish it wouldnt put such a hole in my finances....

Oct 22, 2004 | 12:48 PM

#13

nhlgopens

Team Owner

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From: South West - but north of Dayton, Ohio

That's what we are here for... good luck and stay safe in Iraq. Our prayers are with you...

Oct 22, 2004 | 01:17 PM

#14

JLMvette73

Instructor

Joined: Jun 2003

Posts: 182

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From: Clinton Indiana

Take a look at CorvetteUSA. They're in Ramona, California.

http://www.corvetteusa.com/frames.html

Oct 22, 2004 | 02:12 PM

#15

crf311

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2003

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From: meraux LA

Keep an eye out for a used frame. I have run across some for around 1-2k. Best of luck and stay safe. And thanks for your part in keeping our country free and safe.

Oct 22, 2004 | 03:07 PM

#16

crf311

Melting Slicks

Joined: Jan 2003

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From: meraux LA

Justseen this on corvette society web site
2004-10-13 74 Corvette 4 Speed bare frame, no rot needs alittle work. $950.00 e-mail (winchy1@aol.com) N.Y. area.

Oct 23, 2004 | 01:31 PM

#17

corvettecris

Thread Starter

Burning Brakes

Joined: Mar 2004

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From: Charlotte NC

The best info so far (for me) is the CorvetteUSA in Raymona, CA. I checked out their website, and the prices seem very reasonable, compared to other prices I've gotten.

Thanks for everyone's help and support.

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