65 corvette frame

[Richard P.]

I'm restoring a 65 convertible,do i have any option's to various year frame's for my midyear.i have availability toward's a 1963 frame,would it work.in other direction are their any referred repuitable vendor's for a good aftermarket reproduction frame.THANK'S!

[Jack H.]

Re: 65 corvette frame

There are subtle differences in midyear frames by year. Some can be overcome with some fabrication skills, i.e. brackets moved, etc. For example, earlier midyears (63/64) had different body mount bushings and consequently different (height-wise) brackets than later years. 67 frames had the relocated emergency brake which caused a different bracket, etc. Some folks selling replacement frames have actually taken C3 frames and altered them to fit midyear which is another possibility.

All in all, one of best options I've heard of is Vette Products of Michigan who supposedly has the original GM tooling and supplies most vendors with replacement frames. Priced at just under $5K the last time I checked. These are brand new frames so there is not a question about how thin a used frame is from interior rust, or what kind of bubba fixes were done to an old frame. FWIW, a friend of mine bought one of these new frames from Vette Products for a C3 and was generally happy. He noted that some of the bends weren't quite as flowing aesthetically, but it was functionally equivalent. Others I have talked to that have replaced midyear frames with Vette Products claim they were spot on the originals. I'd like to actually see one and compare for myself before buying.

Vette Products of Michigan Website:
http://www.vetteproducts.net/product.htm

I'm very interested to see what others have to say about this subject, especially those with first hand experience with Vette Products frame for a midyear. My '67 is overdue for some significant rust repair or replacement, so I have a vested interest in this topic myself.

[Harry S.]

Re: 65 corvette frame

I tend to agree with Jack. Anything other than the same year frame is a gamble on changes you will need to make.

Vette Products makes a great product. If you order one just ensure you compare what you receive with the specs. of the frame you need, make sure it is spot on! There were running line changes during production and you need to make sure that those changes are reflected in what you purchase.

This is not an easy hobby!

[Joe L.]

Re: 65 corvette frame

I'm restoring a 65 convertible,do i have any option's to various year frame's for my midyear.i have availability toward's a 1963 frame,would it work.in other direction are their any referred repuitable vendor's for a good aftermarket reproduction frame.THANK'S!

Richard------

I believe that any 63-67 frame will work OK. There are really only minor differences between the years. However, one important difference relates to the crankshaft pulley relief in the front main crossmember. If your car is an L-78, you require the relief. If it's a small block, you don't need it. All 1965+ frames have the relief. 1963 and most, if not all, 1964's do not have it. Regardless of the fitment issue, a 1965 or later Corvette regardless of engine would not be considered "correct" without the relief.

Notwithstanding the above, be very cautious of used frames. Some may suffer unseen corrosion damage. Many may have been "straightened" sometime in the car's life (Corvette have a penchant for front end damage extending to the frame). A frame that's been "straightened" might be very hard to detect if the frame is subsequently painted. I would not want a "straightened" frame under any circumstances because they almost never got them right.

I believe that Vette Products of Michigan is the primary, if not only, manufacturing source of reproduction frames. I understand they use much of the original A. O. Smith tooling. Their frames are excellent.

[John H.]

Re: 65 corvette frame

I'm restoring a 65 convertible,do i have any option's to various year frame's for my midyear.i have availability toward's a 1963 frame,would it work.in other direction are their any referred repuitable vendor's for a good aftermarket reproduction frame.THANK'S!

Richard -

PM me with your e-mail address and I'll send you a copy of a photo-illustrated article I wrote in "Corvette Enthusiast" magazine about five years ago on the Vette Products of Michigan frame manufacturing operation.

[Michael G.]

Re: 65 corvette frame

Richard,

With a 40 + year old frame have to ask yourself "how much is left in the ole girl?". They can wear out from in the inside out, not to mention stress on the the frame over the years. VPM has a quality product in their reproduction frames and guess what......they're brand new with no metal loss, no stress and no iffy welded joints. I know first hand as I've worked with one. Once received with a mediocre paint job had it commercially media blasted which took away some of the "newness" look. Next I self etched primed then shot it chassis black. Nice......really nice.

[Timothy B.]

Re: 65 corvette frame

It's funny, everyone who makes these frames has a opinion on the V/P frame, this is not bent the same that's not tall enough etc. At Carlisle, Neil had a 67 frame that I looked at and it looked very nice to me.

One vendor I spoke with talked bad about the V/P frame but the replacement kick up on his frame that was for sale was a V/P part. I hate any reproduction part but to my eyes the V/P frame looks like a good product. The welds are different because they are better than the factory ever did with stick welding, all the plug weld holes are filled with weld, no bubble gum on these frames..

[Gene M.]

Re: 65 corvette frame

I have built with three of these V/P frames. The build and welding for the most part are very good. There was only one weld on one of the frames that I redid, cause it did not look like good penetration. One had the two holes on both sides for the muffler rear hangers located too far forward about an inch. Another seemed to have LH trail arm pocket a bit out of location since all the shims were on one side to set toe. Most of the black paint they came with was strip off because there was light surface rust under it all over the frame. All in all a good product. Later produced product better than earlier. This is just my experience, no claims or endorsement of such.

[John D.]

Re: 65 corvette frame

I was looking at one of their frames on display at Carlisle last weekend and the welding and overall quality looked pretty good to me....

[William B.]

Re: 65 corvette frame

If you can wait about 3 months after placing your order with V/P you'll be very happy. I also ordered the rear crossmember for an additional $399. If you pick the frame up at the plant they'll give you a tour including the owners specialty cars.

[Mike E.]

Re: 65 corvette frame

I replaced the #2 cross member with one from VP on my '65 frame where Bubba cut out and welded it back in to probably change the clutch. It was a perfect fit other than the lower flanges I had to slightly change to make it match the original. All the holes were in the right place except for one missing small hole that I had to drill. No big deal. It did not come with the parking brake cable brackets....Those I cut off the old part and welded on the new.



Mike

[Jim R.]

Re: 65 corvette frame

I think Americas finest corvette parts offers frames also. JR

[John H.]

Re: 65 corvette frame

I think Americas finest corvette parts offers frames also. JR

Jim -

Those are refurbished used frames.

[Michael D.]

Re: 65 corvette frame

...photo-illustrated article I wrote in "Corvette Enthusiast" magazine about five years ago...

I read your article. Jeepers. Has it been five years ago?
Time flies when you're having fun.

[Richard P.]

Re: 65 corvette frame

Thankyou.