Frame Question

[Mark A.]

Will A 81 4 Speed Frame Work To Replace A Rotted 70 4 Speed Frame? I Am Not Sure If They Went To A Different Rear Suspension In 81 Or 82. If Anyone Could Help With This Question I Would Appreciate It. Mark

[Tom H.]

Re: Frame Question

I believe you will find the frames are similar, but way too different for an easy swap. Bumper mounting for one thing will be a big difference. Possible, yes. Practical, no. I'd look for a more direct and correct replacement.

Check out this site for differences. http://www.71corvette.com/frames.html

[Mark A.]

Re: Frame Question

Tom,
Thanks for the great website. That clears up the confusion. Mark

[Dick W.]

Re: Frame Question

Mark, GM sold that frame as a replacement for all C-3's. You can make it work, but it takes quite a bit of work. For beginner's, the center crossmember will have to be replaced, the bumper mounting will have to be modified, and numerous other little items will have to be tweaked.

[Mark A.]

Re: Frame Question

Dick,
After looking at the website Tom sent, it's obvious this is not an easy change. Decent C-3 frames are getting hard to find. The one I have on my 70, is rotted completely out at the rear kickups. Thanks for the reply. Mark

[Terry M.]

Re: Frame Question

Dick,
After looking at the website Tom sent, it's obvious this is not an easy change. Decent C-3 frames are getting hard to find. The one I have on my 70, is rotted completely out at the rear kickups. Thanks for the reply. Mark

[Jordan S.]

Re: Frame Question

Consider a repro frame. I saw this company at Carlisle this year and their repros are identical to GM. They reportedly use the original GM tooling.

http://www.vetteproducts.net

[Mark A.]

Re: Frame Question

Terry,
I totally agree that this is a no go. I'm going to restore the car to original, so the cross member removal and replacement etc, would not find approval from eagle eyed judges such as yourself. Thanks for your input and to all who replied. I learn something every time I ask a question on this site, it's the best. Mark

[Joe L.]

Re: Frame Question

Will A 81 4 Speed Frame Work To Replace A Rotted 70 4 Speed Frame? I Am Not Sure If They Went To A Different Rear Suspension In 81 Or 82. If Anyone Could Help With This Question I Would Appreciate It. Mark

Mark------


1980-82 are designed for a completely different differential mounting. That, plus front and rear bumper mounting differences make an 80-82 a VERY poor choice for a 1970 replacement.

The Vette Products reproduction frames are the way to go if you need a frame. No doubt about it. Period.