Vette(s): 1972 454 Coupe, 4 speed, Targa Blue with blue interior, luggage rack
Joined: 3/21/2007
Posts: 265
Heading down that slippery slope again, started with dropping the gas tank for a "freshining" went to replacing the tank, looked at the frame and #4 mounts and figured "while I was down there" I would change the body mounts. (see my other thread under "body") Now I see this frame has had major surgery so thinking at some point I need to replace it. I did find a nice 78 frame locally for a good price but I understand from the book "how to restore your corvettes rolling chassis" that on the 78 frame the body mounts are lower (no big deal just use the thicker body mount bushings) but they also changed the mounting for the bumpers and the gas tank. Anyone familiar with info on how to make the mods to use on a 72 w/big block and manual trans? I'm wondering if there is a simple way to modify by welding in new brackets etc. May be worth it if I can save $2-3000 on the frame! Other alternative - anyone have a 68-72 frame for sale? PS Not sure this is in the right forum, let me know!
Vette(s): #1-1974 L-48 4spd Cp Med Red Metallic/Black deluxe int w/AC/tilt/tele./p/w-p/b/
Am-Fm/map light National/Regional/Chapter NCRS "Top Flight"
#2-1985 Bright Red/Carmine Cp.L-98/auto
Member: NCRS, NCRS Texas, Corvette Legends of Texas
Joined: 11/8/2003
Posts: 19523
Imo, it ain't worth the trouble. As you mentioned, the frame ends are totally different due to the different bumper mounting, as well as the body mounts....along with a lot of smaller details that may or may not create a problem. Then again...if you have a decent shop with a lot of equipment(welder, etc), lots of time and patience, and another frame that is really cheap, it might be worth a shot. I myself am just far too lazy to even contemplate something like that anymore.
____________________________________ Joel Adams C3VR Lifetime Member #56 My Link
Vette(s): 1982 C3 Collectors Edition 44000 miles, sat in the sun most of it's life, My wife purchased it for me for fathers day in 2007 from her girl friend that had it for 19 years. It is on the road again. I'm retired but it is now my daily driver.
Joined: 10/17/2007
Posts: 2008
If you are in need of a frame contact Steve he may have one. Do not know about the cost of shipping something that big but it could be worth your while. I know he has shipped a couple to the East Coast.
There is a Vette supply shop near me that builds frames to GM specs for under $4000. If I ever need a frame I will use them. They even make them to fit C4 or C5 suspension if you want.
Send me a note if you need contact info. They are not a supporter of any of the web sites.
____________________________________
Brian - NCM Lifetime Member 73 coupe L48, Flat-top pistons, Performer RPM Heads, Crane Cam and roller rockers, Holley 650 vac sec. Performer intake, 3.55 gear BTO 200-4R trans, Leather seats, F-body seatbelts, Pioneer CD player Magnaflow Exhuast System
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