63 coupe vs convertible frame

[Michael G.]

Could someone please explain what, if any, are the differences between the frames of the 63 coupe and convertible?

Thanks,

[Claus S.]

Re: 63 coupe vs convertible frame

I think the coupe and convertible use the same frame

[Peter H.]

Re: 63 coupe vs convertible frame

MIKE I believe the coupe does not use a mount at the # 2 body location... that,s the reason for the orange/red plug under the sill plates...PETER..

[Timothy B.]

Re: 63 coupe vs convertible frame

Michael and Peter,

In 1963 the frames are exactly the same. The #3 mount is used on the coupe and convertible only in 1963, and from 64 up that #3 mount was added at St. Louis for the convertible. It seems as if the roadster needs additional support with flex in this area but the coupe body is more rigid.

[David L.]

Re: 63 coupe vs convertible frame

The 1963 AIM (Sect. 1, sheet 1.00) lists 3819263 as the part number for the frame. My 1963 Chev. Parts Catalog (Oct. 1962) also lists GM # 3819263 as the frame part number.

The 1964 AIM (Sect. 2, sheet 1.00) lists 3864676 as the part number for the frame. The 3843362 bracket is to be arc welded to the frame for 867 models (convertibles). My 1964 Chev. Parts Catalog (Oct. 1963) lists GM # 3843361 as the frame part number. I assume that frame # 3843361 has the two 3843362 brackets since it is a service frame.

[Michael G.]

Re: 63 coupe vs convertible frame

Ok, thanks for the info, guys

[John H.]

Re: 63 coupe vs convertible frame

Michael -

There was only one part number frame used during each model year of the midyear era; all had the clutch cross shaft tower, and St. Louis welded on the #2 mount brackets on convertibles.

[David L.]

Re: 63 coupe vs convertible frame

There was only one part number frame used during each model year of the midyear era; all had the clutch cross shaft tower, and St. Louis welded on the #2 mount brackets on convertibles.

John,

The 1963-1967 frames are listed in the AIM's and Chevrolet Parts Catalogs as follows:

1963 AIM: 3819263
1963 parts catalog (Oct. 62): 3819263

1964 AIM: 3864676
1964 parts catalog (Oct. 63): 3843361

1965 AIM: 3871317
1965 parts catalogs (Oct. 64, Jan. 65, May 65): 3863627

1966 AIM: 3871317
1966 parts catalog (Oct. 65): 3871317

1967 AIM: 3900200
1967 parts catalogs (Apr. 67, July 67): 3900200

Chev. Parts History (for over the counter parts only):
3819263 replaced in July 1966 with 3871317 which was replaced in April 1967 with 3900200
3843361 replaced in Nov. 1964 with 3864676 which was replaced in March 1966 with 3871317

Sometimes the frame part number in the AIM is the same as the part number in the Chevrolet Parts Catalog and sometimes it is not.

The 1964-1967 frames in the AIM's require that the 3843362 brackets be arc welded for the convertible models. The frame in the 1963 AIM does not require this operation and I assume it already has the 3843362 brackets before it gets to St. Louis.

The 1964 and 1965 Chevrolet parts catalog show a different part number then as shown in the 1964 and 1965 AIM's. I would assume that the 3843361 frame (1964 parts cat.) and the 3863627 frame (1965 parts cat.) already have the 3843362 brackets welded on them and that is why there is a different part number. I would also assume that the 3871317 frame (1965 & 1966) and the 3900200 frame (1967) that were sold over the counter do not have the 3843362 brackets.

Since I was not at any 1963-1967 assembly line I have to make my assumptions based on actual 1963-1967 Chevrolet documentation.

Dave

[Michael G.]

Re: 63 coupe vs convertible frame

John, OK, now I'm confused. Did the welding of the #2 mount on convertibles at St Louis start in 64, or was it also done in 63? In essence, are there no #2 mounts on 63 coupe frames?

[John H.]

Re: 63 coupe vs convertible frame

John, OK, now I'm confused. Did the welding of the #2 mount on convertibles at St Louis start in 64, or was it also done in 63? In essence, are there no #2 mounts on 63 coupe frames?

Michael -

As I recall, all '63 frames came with the #2 mount bracket, and that mount was used on both styles. In '64, the frame came without the #2 mount bracket, and it was added at St. Louis only on convertibles.

[Michael G.]

Re: 63 coupe vs convertible frame

Thanks for the clarification, John. I'm considering replacing the frame on my black car and wanted to know if I could use a frame from either body style.