68 Frame Bracing

[Chuck R.]

I just received my new (new used) frame today and was curious about the angle braces that attach from the #3 mount cross member to the kickups. I call it lateral bracing but who am I.

My new frame is early production and does not have them. My cueent frame is middle/late production and does have them.

Should I add these braces onto the new frame and what will I gain if I do?

Chuck 32205

[Henry J.]

Re: 68 Frame Bracing

Chuck: There is a thread in the archives (Saturday September 28, 2002) "1968 model year..different frames" that will answer some of your questions.

[Joe L.]

Re: 68 Frame Bracing

Chuck------

The braces will add significant rigidity to the frame. I'd remove them from your old frame and add them to the replacement. You can be sure that GM didn't add these braces because things worked just as well without them. In fact, the braces were added because of a demonstrated need established by "field experience".

[Chuck R.]

Re: That's what I thought, another question though

Compaired to what I had looking at me with the old frame for welding and fabricating, relocating the braces will be a cake walk.

The crossmember that the transmission bolts up to, is not welded but bolted to the frame rails. Was this the standard in early production? Or is this a replacement crossmember?

Thanks Henry and Joe for getting back to me, I have to go out now and admire my rust free frame.

Chuck 32205

[Wayne W.]

Re: That's what I thought, another question though

The bolted cross member is for an Automatic.

[Joe L.]

Re: That's what I thought, another question though

Chuck-----

As Wayne mentioned, the bolted-in crossmember was used for THM-equipped Corvettes from 1968 through 1982; standard transmission Corvettes from 1968-1978 used welded-in crossmembers. After 1978, the bolted-in crossmember was used for both manual and THM.

Although a bolted-in crossmember was not originally used for manual tranmission Corvettes in 1968, the frame is completely usable for 1968 manual transmission applications.

[Chuck R.]

Re: Many Thanks

I'm probably going to move ahead and purchase new braces to place on the frame as opposed to re-fried rusted components.

I now as Paul Harvey would say "Know The Rest Of The Story"

Thanks again,

Chuck