1962 Replacement Frame

[Ed T.]

Has anyone had experience with one of the new C1 (1962) replacement frames I have seen advertised?...Ed

[Charles H.]

Re: 1962 Replacement Frame

Ed- I replaced the frame on my 62 with one from Vette Products of Michigan in 2005. It was perfect in every way. All holes were in the right place, and threaded when they were supposed to be. The stitch welds were placed exactly as the original frame. Everything lined up-no drilling, bending or twisting. I did sand and repaint it correctly, stenciled and stamped the VIN. Then I got a Duntov award. Call them. I had a good experience there. Chuck

[Ed T.]

Re: 1962 Replacement Frame

Chuck - Thanks for the reply. Looks like VPoM is the place to go...Ed

[Ed M.]

Re: 1962 Replacement Frame

Vette Products of Michigan supplied a new frame for my '57... a couple of minor modifications and all is well.....

Has anyone had experience with one of the new C1 (1962) replacement frames I have seen advertised?...Ed

[John H.]

Re: 1962 Replacement Frame

Here's a C1 frame in the final assembly jig in Neal's shop - he does nice work!

[David K.]

Re: 1962 Replacement Frame

Hopefully this question can be asked. Where the ser. no.s duplicated on the new frame or was the panel on the old frame inserted into the new frame?

[Dick W.]

Re: 1962 Replacement Frame

Hopefully this question can be asked. Where the ser. no.s duplicated on the new frame or was the panel on the old frame inserted into the new frame?

David, I have done both, depending on the condition of the area where the VIN is stamped. If was heavily pitted we just stamped the new frame, if it was decent, we took either a plasma torch or a cut off tool and used the old VIN stamp. Not as hard as it sounds, just cut a matching hole in the new frame and weld in.

[David K.]

Re: 1962 Replacement Frame

What you have done, depending on the condition of the metal, is exactly as I would do. I was cautious because of any possible legal issue. It is sure great though, that a good and proper frame is available. My hat is off to the people who make these great parts.

[John H.]

Re: 1962 Replacement Frame

What you have done, depending on the condition of the metal, is exactly as I would do. I was cautious because of any possible legal issue. It is sure great though, that a good and proper frame is available. My hat is off to the people who make these great parts.

Neal bought ALL of the C1/C2/C3 frame part dies from GM and contracted a fleet of flatbed semi's to haul them from the A.O. Smith frame plant in Milwaukee to Detroit, where he stores them and rents press time at a major stamping plant once a year to make the parts.

Side rails require HUGE dies (80,000# for one draw die); photo below shows a very small part of the press-run parts he stocks at his frame assembly shop in Lake Orion.

[Ed T.]

Re: 1962 Replacement Frame

Thanks for all the info and pictures, guys. During my recent grease job, I found a nasty crack in the bottom on my R frame rail between the engine mount and cross-member. Its partially covered my the engine mount flange and the cross-member flange. To get at it good, it looks like the engine and cross-member need to come out. With that much work, a new frame might be a good way to go...Ed