Frame swap [Archive] - Chevelle Tech

: Frame swap


BEAUMONT1967
Apr 3rd, 09, 11:59 AM
I have just purchased a 1967 beaumont convertible and would like to know if a 1965 chevelle frame would fit

hypa
Apr 3rd, 09, 12:05 PM
I *thought* the 64-72 A body is the same thoughout the years.

BUT.
I'd wait for someone who knows for sure before you go out and buy new frames, as I'm not 100%.

BEAUMONT1967
Apr 3rd, 09, 12:08 PM
Thanks for the info

jfkheat
Apr 3rd, 09, 12:22 PM
The convertible frame is not the same as a hardtop frame. I'm not sure what all is different so someone else will have to explain that. I believe the convertible frame is more rigid to compensate for the loss of rigidity from removing the roof.
James

Rich-L79
Apr 3rd, 09, 1:19 PM
I *thought* the 64-72 A body is the same thoughout the years.


NO! 1968-1972 frames are completely different than 1964-1967 frames.

If you can find a '65 Chevelle CONVERTIBLE frame it will fit in your Beaumont directly. A coupe/sedan frame will fit, but would not include the frame rail boxing which is included in a convertible frame. An El Camino or Chevelle wagon frame would not fit directly as they are longer between the axle and the rear bumper.

ak 67SD
Apr 3rd, 09, 6:01 PM
Where are you located Doug? Also check out Canadianponcho.com for info... i think you can buy the convertible frame box sections seperately in reproduction so you should be able to turn a non-convert from into a convert. frame...

would like to see pics of your car!...i'm looking for a 67 convert....

ak

hypa
Apr 4th, 09, 1:02 PM
NO! 1968-1972 frames are completely different than 1964-1967 frames.

good to know.
Thanks for correcting my error Rich. There's still a lot to learn here.
:thumbsup:

bcice
Apr 4th, 09, 4:28 PM
Where are you located Doug? Also check out Canadianponcho.com for info... i think you can buy the convertible frame box sections seperately in reproduction so you should be able to turn a non-convert from into a convert. frame...

would like to see pics of your car!...i'm looking for a 67 convert....

ak

Where in Canada are you? Here is on one Vancouver Island.
http://comoxvalley.en.craigslist.ca:80/cto/1093650715.html

ak 67SD
Apr 4th, 09, 5:35 PM
Thanks bcice, i've just sent him an email... I've wanted a 67 convert for a while, but we'll see if my eyes are bigger than my wallet! It'll be interesting to see some pics of the car, a fact. 327/4spd would be fairly rare... but they all are at this point!

ak

mike67sd
Apr 5th, 09, 3:12 PM
The thing to watch with convertibles is the rocker panels where they meet the firewall section of the body. A quick way to tell if this area is bad is to put the top down and open the door about 1/2 way and lift up and down gently ( dont use door handle) Watch the windshield frame for movement. If you see any, then you have work to do......

BEAUMONT1967
Apr 5th, 09, 4:54 PM
i am in milton , 45 minutes from toronto. i also have a 65 acadian beaumont s d , and a 1964 2 door beaumont. those 2 are on the road ,but the 67 beaumont rag i just purchased 2 months ago has to have a total resto. i found a frame from a 65 chevelle 2 door and need to know if that frame will fit the67 ragtop before i purchase .

prefectca
Apr 5th, 09, 9:49 PM
If I recall correctly it should work. The rag top has boxed side rails but these pieces can be welded on from the original frame. Using a different year you will also need to use 64 to 66 rear springs as the upper spring mount is different. Also the frame may be longer between the rear body mounts (under the trunk). Easy to shorten using the original frame as a pattern. Also check for rust below the steering box and idler arm. This is another common spot for rust.

Paul

Philip
Apr 6th, 09, 10:46 PM
NO! 1968-1972 frames are completely different than 1964-1967 frames.

An El Camino or Chevelle wagon frame would not fit directly as they are longer between the axle and the rear bumper.

From 64 - 67 all the models were the same wheelbase. There are differences behind the axle with wagons and El Caminos, but the wheel base are the same.

Philip
Apr 6th, 09, 10:48 PM
Using a different year you will also need to use 64 to 66 rear springs as the upper spring mount is different.

Paul

It is the lower spring perch that was changed in 67.

bcice
Apr 7th, 09, 1:29 AM
Thanks bcice, i've just sent him an email... I've wanted a 67 convert for a while, but we'll see if my eyes are bigger than my wallet! It'll be interesting to see some pics of the car, a fact. 327/4spd would be fairly rare... but they all are at this point!

ak

You still did not say which part of Canada you are from! I think we are the second largest country in the world with 9,984,670 square KM!! LOL

prefectca
Apr 7th, 09, 10:40 AM
It is the lower spring perch that was changed in 67.

Actually BOTH were changed in 67, but the lower will work with either type of spring. The 67 and up springs have a pigtail on both ends, the 66 and older only have the pigtail on the bottom.

ak 67SD
Apr 8th, 09, 1:14 AM
You still did not say which part of Canada you are from! I think we are the second largest country in the world with 9,984,670 square KM!! LOL


I've updated my profile, I'm in the middle... winnipeg... That convert is one that was for sale in southern ontario a few years ago, for around $16k... Ontario/Montreal cars make me nervous in terms of how bad the rust can be...

ak

prefectca
Apr 8th, 09, 11:57 AM
I've updated my profile, I'm in the middle... winnipeg... That convert is one that was for sale in southern ontario a few years ago, for around $16k... Ontario/Montreal cars make me nervous in terms of how bad the rust can be...

ak

If that car is near Kingston Ontario and is red I may know the car.

Paul

ak 67SD
Apr 8th, 09, 10:54 PM
This one is/was yellow with black top and interior... it was missing the custom side chrome, looked like fresh paint at the time, the interior had buckets but was refinished with a cloth insert in the factory style... looks like the new owner had done some upgrades (12 bolt, etc) and its up for sale again... it was really tempting to go for a yellow convertible, it'd would really keep my yellow hardtop car company in the garage!!

ak

Bow_Tied
Apr 9th, 09, 10:33 PM
Welcome to TC Doug.

Make sure to check out the CanAm club if you have not already done so, link in my sig.

Maybe see you at some shows this summer...