I was wondering what the common places for rotting were on the boxed frames of 68-72 El Caminos and station wagons. I was told by my frame shop that there was some inherent rust problems with the rear coil spring pockets (or perches as I call em). I have it in to have a crack repaired right now. Great place too, IMO since they're familiar with classic cars because they've been in business for a long time. Thanks for any input!

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1970 Chevy El Camino (Custom) Non-SS
Green Mist & Silver w/Green Vinyl Top
350ci/300HP 4bbl & Factory Dual Exhaust
TH-350 - 2.73 Posi Rear
Factory PS, PB, PW, A/C
Originally Burlington, NC Car - Sold at Carpenter's Chevrolet in Durham, NC
My El Camino Home Page - www.dreamelectric.com (http://www.dreamelectric.com)

Up front where the clip mounts to the frame. Seen one or two there. Basically anywhere water/salt can accumulate and sit. My 72 with a BB had some "stress" issues and broke a control arm persh for the front driver's side lower control arm www.auburnextremeracing.org/drivers/mike/frame (http://www.auburnextremeracing.org/drivers/mike/frame)

That's interesting. I brought mine to a reputable frame shop (my passenger's side rear control arm mount cracked and pulled away from the frame)and they said it was from an accident. Called up two owners before me and the second one said he hit a Subaru a while back. That explains the repro fender on that side. My frame was also buckled a little the shop technician said (I didn't catch this)by the outer crack from the random hole.

the spring pockets are nothing, they are high up and if they get rotted that frame is rough. The common spots, on almost all northern frames I see, are in the front turnbuckles ( where the frame turns in behind the front wheel), the entire boxed section, rear turnbuckles (where frame turns in front of the rear wheel) and the frame rails over the rear axle. I have seen convertible with NO frame under the doors, the entire thing was missing from rot. I have had convertibles where someone welded steel channel along the complete sides of the car to try and save it. Believe me, if your frame is rotted, you will spot it easily, especially if you get the car on a lift.

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Dave (NY)
70 chevelle ss396 conv
66 chevelle ss396 hdp/conv
72 chevelle
55 chevy prostreet
69/71 camaros
TC member #493

I think that another favorite place for the A-body frame to rust out is on the passenger side about where the fender/door gap are. Had a 72 that I had to repair there. Seems that water from the A/C used to run down and collect in that area. One day I put the car on the hoist to change the oil, needed to open the door while the car was on the hoist and it wouldn't open. Couple of minutes later it all came together if you know what I mean.

.....add the right front body mount area also..........

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"Laissez Le Bon Temp Rouler' Cha!"
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"Jungle"Jim
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70SS396 & 70 Malibu
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