I have a 68 SS with a bad frame. When looking for a donor can I get away with a 4 door frame? What about a Buick, Olds or Pontiac? What years? If anybody has already done the research I would really appreciate the help.
-Scott

Basically, you will need a frame from a 68-72 of the same body style. Olds, Buick, Pontiac are candidates. Of course, if you have an el camino, the Olds, Buick and Pontiac frames for that will be fairly scarce.

Im sorry, Yes it is a chevelle, not an elcamino. Is there any differance in the four-door frames?

68 and later Chevelles have different wheelbases for 4 doors and 2 doors. The 4 door is 4 inches longer than the 2 door.

I have the same problem. You can use a frame from a 1968-1972 Chevelle malibu, SS, GTO, Lemans, Cutlass, F-85, Skylark, GS, 442, The 4 door, El Camino, and Wagon frames are the same. The 2 door coupe frame is unique.

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If I remember correctly the 68 frame is a little different in the area where the part that goes under the motor/oilpan. Part of the frame is welded where in later frames it is molded in to the frame. If you look under the car and compare it you will see the difference. This will not hurt the function of it but will point out that the frame has been changed to someone in the know.

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Nathan Brandt
The more cubes the better!!!
70 SS 396 4spd under restoration
71 SS 454 clone 8.8 1/8 on pump gas and 8" slicks
60' 1.949 & 77 MPH
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My 71 SS 454 clone (http://www.chevelles.com/showroom/nate71.jpg)

here are the facts applying only to 68-72 frames:
2 dr coupes: 112 wheel base, c-channel frame rails,
convertibles: 112 wheel base, boxed frame rails,
4 door: 116 wheel base, c-channel frame rails,
wagon: 116 wheel base, c-channel frame rails, 5" longer rear frame section & the rear rail that is parallel with the rear bumper is straight.
elCamino: 116 wheel base, boxed frame rails, 5" longer rear frame section & the rear rail that is parallel with the rear bumper is straight.
conclusion:
convertibles are the same as coupe but boxed.
Elkys are the same as wagon but boxed.
4 door frames are same as wagon until you get over the rear suspension.

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doesnt the SS use the boxed frame?

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Brandon Benegasi

1966 ss396 chevelle
427 11:1 rect.heads
4 speed 3.55 posi
1967 chevy biscayne 2 dr.
350 th-350
3.55 posi

Has anyone on here ever considered shortening up the 4 door frame to the 2 door wheelbase? Its easy and way less expensive than trying to find a 2 door frame.