1978 frame is rotted out need a know what year fit.
I was told 68 to 82 with mods ,what kind of mods do they mean.

I think it is 78-79 only as a direct interchange. If memory serves, the 80-81 (and 82) have a different clutch linkage attachment and more importantly a different rear suspension/mounting. 68-72 have very different bumper mounting, 73-77 have somewhat different bumper mounting. Hope someone else can verify this.

Iwould think stick with 78-79 frmes they are the same models and 78 was the year change

When researching this topic earlier this year, I was told that the 75-79 frames are the same. I am having a new frame built to accept my C4 suspension, so I may have a '78 frame you are looking for.

______________
Bryan Corbitt 1978 LT1 SA Last Ride |IMG|http://www.geocities.com/silvershark.geo/VetteSale7.jpg|/IMG|

Hey, my 78 frame is rotted badly as well. In researching the local vette shops they told me 78 and 79 are the direct interchange, I'm assuming others would fit with mods but that seems a bit too much hassle. I'm just gonna go for the correct frame.
I did hear a rumour about 78 frames being significantly lighter guage than previous or following years and would like ot know if anyone can substantiate this, what I heard was that Chevy lightened the steel in order to reduce weight, can anyone verify this?

1978 was the heftiest Corvette in its 50 year history...I find it hard to believe they lightened frame components. Reducing weight did not become a reality until 1980 with the introduction of rear crossmember and differential components.

Having said that...78 and 79 used the identical part number for the frame 14055041. 1980-82 used the same number 14050682 but differed from the 78-79 due to the use of the aluminum rear crossmember.

Early frames were different as 78-79 had to be modified for the redesign of the fastback window and luggage space.

Doing a scan of Ebay and saw a 79 frame for $500. Guy's Ebay name is SERIUS 1. Or go to Ebay and type in 79 Corvette wheels. The listing is for the wheels but he mentions other items in the ad. Don't know where you guys are, but this is in New Mexico. (solid rust free?)Shipping$$$??? Mike

thank you for the link he is 2500km from me, hope to find one closer.

The 78 Vette will interchange with 1969 to 1979 frames. the only difference is between the automatic frame and manual frames.

You can use the 1980-1982 frames if you keep the rear suspension from the later vettes.

Bill

http://home.earthlink.net/~bigdogvettes/index.html

How do you put the crush bumper mount it the back of the 74 frames.

The 74s also had crush bumpers. They were the split type that only came on 74s. I know of several 74s that have upgraded to the solid crush bumper with no problems. 73 frames were the last of the chrome bumpers.

Bill

you can use 75 to 79 frames with no mods. I am a dealer, and i sell alot of them, as well as build alot of cars. I have never had any issues interchanging the 75-79 frames. If you need one let me know. I have them rolling or bare. Corvetteworks@aol.com