68 vs 69 frame questions....

[Terry F.]

Any easy way to physically tell a 68 frame from a 69 fram?

Also, I heard the front bumber corner braces are unique to 68...is that true?

Thanks, Terry

[Larry Kelly]

Re: 68 vs 69 frame questions....

A 68 frame will not have gussets welded in the kickup area (in front of the rear wheels). I believe this was changed during the 68 production or 69. The 68 extensions on the front of the frame rails are different as are the corner braces. I have used later corner braces by slotting one of the holes. 68 extensions and braces are hard to find.

[Wayne W.]

Re: 68 vs 69 frame questions....

Radiator support mounts like a midyear with one bolt up through the bottom into the support bracket.

[mike cobine]

Re: 68 vs 69 frame questions....

The rear frame bracing was added in the '68 year, but I'm not sure when. It was at least by June.

[Terry F.]

Thanks everyone! Info is for a friend of mine. T *NM*

[Chuck R.]

Re: F.Y.I.

My late production 68 frame DID have the kickup bracing.

My early production 68 donor frame did NOT

Regards,

Chuck #32205

[Terry F.]

Re: F.Y.I.

That kick up bracing thing started before May of 68 because my car has it also. I suspect it started fairly early. You can buy that piece if you are needing it. Terry

[mike cobine]

Re: F.Y.I.

That brace is pretty tough. You can proably find a donor off some rused out frame relatively easy.

[Terry F.]

Re: F.Y.I.

I think they are being reproduced. I forget which catalog I saw it in but I am fairly sure they are out there. Terry

[Chuck R.]

Re: Yup

I picked up two repro braces and stitched them on.

It ran me $87.50 for the pair including shipping.

Chuck

[Terry F.]

Re: Yup

Way to go. I think they are a good idea when it comes to supporting the frame in that area. The only thing I don't like about them is that they make it tougher to get the trailing arm bolts out.

Terry