I am getting ready to build my 65 Chevelle Malibu SS and want to do a minitub on the rear end. I really hate to cut my original SS frame. I have a 4 door parts car and I was wondering if the frame is the same or not. If so I will use it to do all the chassis modifications and then swap the SS body over to it when all the paint and body work is done. Anyone have the information? I suppose I could take both bodies off and check but I didn't want to have to go through all that if they aren't the same.

Tim

Oh and by the way I am new here.

Welcome aboard. The 4-door car has a longer wheelbase. It can be shortened & made to work. I guess it all depends on how much modifying you want to do.
Mike

The frames are the same. It is the 68+ that has the longer 4dr wb.

Rene
66_Malibu

shooter's got it: the frames are the same.

But won't a mini-tub require modifications to the body as well?

First of all thanks guys for the quick response.

Second, yes the body will require modifications for the mini-tub as well as the frame modifications.

Now let me explain why I am asking all this. I am currently a contractor in Iraq and will be here for the next two years. The idea I had was get a buddy to disassemble the 4 door because I am only using it as a parts car so I am not too worried about how it comes apart. Then I can have the frame modified, acid dipped, galvanized, and painted and have it awaiting me on my next vacation home. I hope to have all the new suspension components, brakes, and rear-end waiting for that trip so that I can completely assemble the chassis while at home. Then the SS will go off to Goodmark to have all the panels replaced. I will then send it off to the body shop to have all the final work done such as the mini tub, panel fitment, smoothing the firewall, and opening up the trans tunnel for the T-56 trans. So the idea is that when I get home for good I have a completed chassis and a painted and smoothed body. I will then do all the final assembly work myself such as wiring and plumbing and installation of trim. Then the final step of course is off to the upholstery shop. I am sure as all plans go that something will go wrong but this is what I am shooting for. It is hard to work on a car when you are thousands of miles away from it but being here is what is going to allow me to actually build it the way I want it.

Thanks again for all your help. I am sure I will have more questions as I go through the build.

Tim