I am looking into using a 66 boxed elcamino frame under my 66 hardtop,I know the frame is 3.28" longer on the rear.I plan to shorten it in the rear,has any one used this combo,any other potential problems.

I am looking into using a 66 boxed elcamino frame under my 66 hardtop,I know the frame is 3.28" longer on the rear.I plan to shorten it in the rear,has any one used this combo,any other potential problems.


Cut it rite after boxing ends where it goes over rear of axle at the boxed end shorten it there and pul it back in place and weld it up.
If you have your old frame you can lay them side to side and that will answer all your questions. I put one under my 66 out of a 67 lemans and had to shorten it the same way. Powder coated it and strip as well as move lines and install new ones and set my body on it

You are going to add weight. 50~60lbs.Im going the opposit direction. My 66 Buick GS has the boxed frame, and Im going to cut it out.

Isn't there a difference in the wheelbase? If this is true, would not the extra inches need to be removed from a section between the front and rear axle centerlines?

If you cut at the center line the wheelbase would remain the same, Wouldn't it.
Isn't the idea to shorten the wheelbase which will in effect reduce the overall length?

I can't seem to get a handle on this? I've read this same question in quite a few threads and I still don't have it straight. Duh. Maybe I'm not reading it right.:confused:

The 64-67 A-bodies all have the same 115" wheelbase. The wagon and el camino frames are longer after the rear wheels.

Isn't there a difference in the wheelbase?


I can't seem to get a handle on this? I've read this same question in quite a few threads and I still don't have it straight. Duh. Maybe I'm not reading it right.:confused:

Skuido,
I think you are getting confused by the differences between 64 -67 and 68-72.

64-67 are all the same wheelbase (two different lengths of frames) as Randy said.

The 68-72 that you must be more familiar with had two different wheelbases and the three different lengths of frames.

You are going to add weight. 50~60lbs.Im going the opposit direction. My 66 Buick GS has the boxed frame, and Im going to cut it out.
50-60lbs??? :noway: I'd guess 25 maybe at the most.

That is 25 lbs where you need it most. The chassis stiffness will help performance in any type of racing more than a few pounds will hurt it.

50-60lbs??? :noway: I'd guess 25 maybe at the most.

The chassis stiffness will help performance in any type of racing more than a few pounds will hurt it.The roll cage will stiffen the frame back up,:yes:But if it's only 25lbs I will leave it.