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I'm purchasing a BB '66 convertible that has had frame swap "back in the day" for reasons that may never be confirmed or known. Appears at best to have a '67 frame underneath it now per park brake brackets welded to transmission cross member. Anyway to confirm this to be a '67 frame? Could a '68 through '75 convertible frame have been used as park brake location is same as a '67 Corvette? Thanks Mike #28614
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Re: Mid year frame swap
Mike-----
A 69-75 convertible frame could not have been used. At least, one could not have been used without extensive modification. There are too many other differences for direct retrofit.
A 1968 frame does share some commonality with 67. However, I still think that there are too many differences to use without modifications.In Appreciation of John Hinckley -
Re: Mid year frame swap
Thanks. When body comes off any characteristics to confirm a '67 frame? Lastly, any recommendations for locating a '66 covertible frame?Comment
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Re: Mid year frame swap
mike-----
Someone else will have to help with the specific characteristics of the 67 frame. The parking brake features are, of course, one such difference between 66 and 67 frames. There MAY be a difference in the forward, "horn" portion of the frame, too.
As far as a replacement goes, you can obtain a NEW frame as manufactured by Vette Products of Michigan. These are manufactured on original tooling. In my mind, it's the way to go. You know that you get a NEW frame. A used frame might look good, but how do you know that it never suffered any damage, correctly or otherwise repaired? How do you know how much INTERNAL corrosion damage it may have? All sorts of risks. When there's no option, you go with the best used frame you can find. When there's the option of a NEW frame, that's the way I'd go if I needed one.
By the way, I've seen NUMEROUS mid-year frames for sale at various Corvette shows, Carlisle, in particular. The majority of the ones I've seen are in such obviously poor condition that I wouldn't take one if the guy offered it to me for FREE. And, even the ones that LOOK pretty good, who knows?In Appreciation of John HinckleyComment
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Re: Mid year frame swap
Mike, I'm doing a frame off on a 63 that has a brand new frame for it from vette products of Michigan. It's the way to go if you have a rusted or damaged frame. There well made. The only draw back is the brake and fuel line holes have to be drilled for all the clamps. MikeComment
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Re: Mid year frame swap
I had Vette Products replace the center cross member (under transmission), front frame inner reinforcemants and all body mounts on my 65 frame. The workmanship, fit and finish were excelent - the only problem is that new stuff made the orig. look terrible next to it.
Second story - the frame differences may be amost invisible and can only be confired by using a tape measure and make a templet of the frame. I watched a 72 frame rebuilt and the 68 body installed and it. It mostly fit but the front radiator support was not there - surprise.
If the car has been hit measure the frame and make sure it is straight - the service manual gives you all the deminsions you will need. Measure the body and make sure it it square with the frame. The frame and body gets separated usually because one gets trashed.
My advice is to get a Vette Products frame for your car and you will be happy, it will fit and if and when you sell the car it will be worth a lot more. When the chassis is complete the body will go back on with a minimum of fuss.Comment
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Re: Mid year frame swap
Look at the VIN stamped on the left rear kickup.Dick WhittingtonComment
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