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: 72 Convertable - Can I use a frame from a hardtop? SStone Jan 10th, 00, 9:54 AM I found a 72 Chevelle 2 door hardtop from Arizona and the frame is in excellent shape. I am restoring a 72 Chevelle convertable. I remember hearing once that Chevy used a modified frame on the convertables. Is that true? If I can use the Arizona car what should I be willing to pay. I really only want the frame and floor boards. Thanks for you help! drptop70ss Jan 10th, 00, 10:02 AM A hardtop frame can be used if the inner frame rail structure from your convertible frame is still good and can be cut off and welded to the inside of the hardtop frame. hardtop frames are a C channel, "[" but convertible frames rails are boxed "[]". I have hardtop frames here in NY for $250, convertible frames for 68-72 are usually $400-$500. (I dont have any conv frames left). Check your conv frame pieces to see if they are salvageable before getting a hardtop frame. ------------------ 70 chevelle ss396 conv 66 chevelle ss396 hdp/conv 55 chevy prostreet DZAUTO Jan 10th, 00, 10:21 AM I agree. If the additional welded on part of your conv frame can be salvaged, then you are in luck. A heavy duty grinder and cutoff wheel would be very helpful. An additional thought. Your original frame should have at least 1 and probably 2 VINs stamped on the top of the left rail. Different states have different regulations about changing the VIN/frame. OKLA's sucks! If you change the frame, you have to bring the car in, have the original VIN tag removed, and a new VIN issued by the state. But if you have a damaged frame, it's OK to cut and weld on an undamaged section from another frame. I'M NOT MAKING ANY RECOMMENDATIONS TO YOU. But what I would do, knowing what I now know, I would cut out that section of the frame with the VIN, weld it, the box sections, grind it all down, weld any places missed by the first weld, grind it down again, sandblast the heck out of it, and paint it thoroughly. If I was EVER questioned, I would state that I only replaced the damaged section of the frame (so, maybe, 80-90% was damaged, can't help that). BUT I WOULD MAKE EVERY REASONABLE EFFORT TO SAVE THE STAMPED VIN. ------------------ Tom Parsons | ||