A-body convertible frame Q & A

86874 Views 46 Replies 32 Participants Last post by ReyeUt, Apr 6, 2016

jnorth

Discussion Starter · Mar 17, 2007

Ok guys this seems to be a pretty common question so lets do a sticky on it

.

Question: What frame will fit my 68-72 convertible Chevelle?

Answer: Any frame from a 68-72 CONVERTIBLE A-body which means Chevelle, Cutlass, 442, Skylark, GS, GTO and LeMans. Hint- If you are buying a parts convertible for the frame then make sure it has a boxed frame! Some folks swapped out their hardtop frames with ragtop frames for racing.

Question: Can I use a 68-72 El Camino frame? They are boxed after all...

Answer: No you cannot just bolt one of those in. The section between the wheels (the boxed part) is longer by about 4".

Question: How about a hardtop frame?

Answer: Nope as it isn't boxed. IF you are good with a welder and the boxed part on your original frame isn't toast then you can cut out the boxed part and weld it in or you could try making your own boxes for it.

Now if someone else can fill in the 64-67 frame info it would be greatly appreciated. :beers:

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sharpie

· #2 · Jun 15, 2007

What about a 4 door? 68-72.

pgustavson

· #3 · Jun 16, 2007

jnorth said:
Now if someone else can fill in the 64-67 frame info it would be greatly appreciated. :beers:

1966 (and probably 1967):

The sedan, coupe, and convertible frames are the same length with the body-mount positions in the same locations. Of the three applications, only the convertible is boxed in the area between the forward mount positions and trailing arm mounts.

The El Camino (also boxed) and station wagon (boxed?) frame is 3.27" longer than the convertible frame (according to the Fisher Chassis Service Manual). However, the extra length is in the area between the two mount positions behind the C-notch, so it is somewhat straightforward to section it there. That area of the frame isn't boxed, so clamping and welding should not be very difficult. I haven't done it, but I've seen websites where folks have described the process.

Not sure if this holds for any year other than '66, but:

The diameter of the holes of the mount positions below the doors measure nominally 1.21", where as all the other positions measure in at nominally 1.43". I have yet to find a "convertible" body mount bushing kit that has bushings for the smaller hole. I've trimmed two to fit my frame.

:beers:

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1968Chevelle300Deluxe

· #4 · Jun 30, 2007

the 4 door is the same as the elcamino i think same wheel base i think as elcamino,4-door, and wagon dunno i think those are the same

GStage1

· #5 · Jul 12, 2007

Buick GS models....coupe versions use the convertible frame for the 65-67 years.

Jim_66SS

· #6 · Jul 24, 2007

Would the frame on a 67 olds cutlass station wagon be the same as the 67 elcamino & chevelle wagon? Would it be boxed?

In view of the response regarding 65-67 Buick GS frames, what about the 65-67 olds 442 or olds cutlass modles, Would they have boxed frames?

1966_L78

· #7 · Jul 24, 2007

james a larson said:
Would the frame on a 67 olds cutlass station wagon be the same as the 67 elcamino & chevelle wagon? Would it be boxed?

Typically, these should not be boxed. the Chevelle wagon was not boxed, as the roof will help keep the body from folding...

The El Camino is boxed, because the roof does not extend rearward enough to provide the additional support for the body.

pgustavson

· #8 · Jul 26, 2007

1966_L78 said:
...the Chevelle wagon was not boxed...

Thanks, that clears things up - my post above could possibly have led someone astray...

RR68ragtop

· #9 · Jul 27, 2007

1969 through 72 Pontiac Grand Prix have boxed frames, the length of the boxing is the same as the 68-72 chevelle convertible. The frame is not the same. Last year when restoring my 68 I used the boxing from a 70 G P and a 68 hardtop frame to build the frame for my car. Worked great!!! Grand Prix-- Great donor cars --disc brakes--tilt wheel--seats--etc.

Razah

· #10 · Oct 17, 2007

I need a frame for my '69 convertible. I found a '70 Grand Prix frame. Any tips on making this work? I've heard the extra length is in the front to support the larger hood on the Grand Prix...

BlueSS454

· #11 · Nov 23, 2007

A 70 Grand Prix is a B Body I believe. If it is only longer in the front (like a 70-72 Monte Carlo is), your Chevelle steering column will not work as the cars with longer frame horns take longer steering columns.

vern

· #12 · Nov 26, 2007

This diagram of frame dimensions may help answer some questions.

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KeislerDick

· #13 · Nov 29, 2007

Vern,
Do you have any info on early Chevelle/El Camino? I need to know difference between the transmission crossmember of '64 El Camino/Chevelle convertible (boxed frame) versus the hardtop (open frame).
thanks,

trannyman

KeislerDick

· #14 · Nov 29, 2007

Tony,

I am looking for some help to identify difference between a transmission crossmember for a '64 El Camino/Chevelle convertible (boxed frame) versus the Chevelle hardtop (open frame). I have a hardtop - but need to make a crossmember for the '64 El Camino. I don't have access to El Camino or convertible.
thanks,

trannyman

vern

· #15 · Dec 1, 2007

Trannyman,I got those sheets out of a package I bought on Ebay.They are called "crash sheets".Use that in the search box on ebay and you wil find it.The seller was Petes Auto Data.They range in price but are all around ten bucks.He does have some for 64-65.

Stk1514

· #16 · Dec 27, 2007 (Edited by Moderator)

Edit by mod- Please post want ads in the classified section. Thanks

Verle

· #17 · Mar 19, 2008

trannyman said:
Vern,
Do you have any info on early Chevelle/El Camino? I need to know difference between the transmission crossmember of '64 El Camino/Chevelle convertible (boxed frame) versus the hardtop (open frame).
thanks,

trannyman

The crossmember for 64 and 65 El/Camino and Convertible are the same.
They are shorter than the Hardtop crossmember.
Convertible is about 45 3/4" long.
Hardtop is about 55 1/2" long.
Length of HT is approximate, measured installed in the car.

Verle

Verle

· #18 · Mar 19, 2008

Forgot to add, I believe the center is the same between the two.

Verle

cwest66188

· #19 · Apr 25, 2008

well heres what i know.68-72 coupe frames for skylark,lemans,chevelle,cutlass are all the same.conv frames are exactly the same but they have a boxed in section on the mid rails the crossmembers are diffrent allso.4 door frames are the same as coupes but there is a 4" or so stretch in the side rails.wagon and elky frame are not the same as a four door they use a diffrent rear box in the fuel tank area.and takin off convt boxes ane reinstalling them sucks but lets ya get some paint or somthing behind those swiss cheese ones ya found because there all rotted or there 1500 bucks.thats what buying 7 diffrent frames for 3 cars will get ya.hope this helps

scottmn1

· #20 · Apr 25, 2008

I have a 71 Chevelle SS Convertible. I need to replace the frame due to prior collision damage . The center section with the boxing reinforcements are good and solid in my original frrame. I have a 71 Chevelle 4 door, and also a 71 El Camino for parts cars. Would it be better and easier to use the 4 door frame, modify it/shorten it, and cut the original boxing reinforcements from my original frame and put in, or would it be easier/better to use the ElCamino frame and modify it? I have no problem with cutting a frame in half and rewelding. I have an auto body/frame shop so this would not be any big deal. I would take measurements and make a jig from my original frame to make sure everything was exactly right. Does anybody have any suggestions and or recommendations?

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