Well, the ragtop is currently undergoing a complete restoration (see pictures). I've come to the realization that my frame is really in need of replacement. It has some heavy scaling, rust holes and its quite thin in some spots. I would like to find a solid frame from southern US or Western Canada.
Any advice as to who and where would be appreciated.
Also, just wanted to know if anyone can confirm the following point.
I have documentation from General Motors that my car will have the same mechanical specifications as Chevrolet model 16867 which is a 1966 Impala SS convertible.
If that is the case, then a frame from a 66 Impala 2 door coupe or convertible should be a match. Is this true or is this just wishful thinking?
Of course, I would be interested in a rust frame '67 Canadian Pontiac frame. If one exists!!
65-66 frames are different than 67-70 frames. 65-66 upper rear crossmember is different, they also used a shorter upper rear control arm than the 67-70s.
Joe; the convertible frame is boxed; it has 4 sides. This is for additional ridgedity. A hardtop frame is open on the inside; has 3 sides. Make sure you are getting what you need!
65-66 frames are different than 67-70 frames. 65-66 upper rear crossmember is different, they also used a shorter upper rear control arm than the 67-70s.
I recently aquired a complete rear end from a 67 and plan to use parts like the upper control arms in my 65..... does this mean they won't fit??
Looks like a good possibility of a frame from that ad Joe!
And by looking at this picture, I can see it's no earlier than 67', just by the position of the upper arms forward pickup position. They are quite a bit lower and more forward on a 65/66, and I believe the 65-66 arms will be longer than these 67's. So 67' arms will be a no-go on a 65-66. Dead easy to find though.
All 65-70 Big CP frames are completly boxed. The Ragtops have a inboard bulge from just behind the trans mount to the front torque box. The rag will have a narrower trans crossmember due to this triangulated bulge. It's said the rag siderails are constructed of slightly heavier Ga. steel...but you'd never know it by the way they all rust!
You can see this stamped bulge in the yellow box. A HT siderail will be close to flat on the inside for their entire length.
Cheers, Mark.
-- Edited by cdnpont on Tuesday 15th of December 2009 11:18:00 PM
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65 Laurentian post, 67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT.
"So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think... The good outnumber you, and we always will." Patton Oswalt
65-66 frames are different than 67-70 frames. 65-66 upper rear crossmember is different, they also used a shorter upper rear control arm than the 67-70s.
I recently aquired a complete rear end from a 67 and plan to use parts like the upper control arms in my 65..... does this mean they won't fit??
now marks got me 2nd guessing myself the upper 65-66 arms are a different length than the 67-70 upper arms.
65-66 frames are different than 67-70 frames. 65-66 upper rear crossmember is different, they also used a shorter upper rear control arm than the 67-70s.
I recently aquired a complete rear end from a 67 and plan to use parts like the upper control arms in my 65..... does this mean they won't fit??
How are you second guessing yourself Dave?
He can't use 67 upper arms in a 65.
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65 Laurentian post, 67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT.
Why can't you just use your 65' upper arms Steve? Are they damaged? Rusted out? Or do you have only one upper?
The 67 rear end by itself can be used on any 65-70 B CP. It's the same through that generation. 10 or 12 bolt, they bolt in the same way. Exact same brackets.
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65 Laurentian post, 67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT.
I want to improve handling by installing an upper arm on both sides of the axel, along with a sway bar, as my car only has it on the right side due to the original 283 block. It will be some time before I can check the parts myself to see what needs to be done..ie, maybe I can modify the 67 parts.... In addition, I still have to decide whether to use the entire 67 rear end since I plan to upgrade to an OD Trans and it will depend on final gearing etc.... may end up keeping the one in it now. Lotta planning and work to do yet
-- Edited by 1965CS on Wednesday 16th of December 2009 10:25:07 AM
You know... as long as they are in good shape, you could actually take about 2" out of each arm and weld them back together again. Maybe box them in at the same time. Not ideal, but it could be made safe as long as it was welded correctly.
-- Edited by cdnpont on Wednesday 16th of December 2009 11:44:57 AM
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65 Laurentian post, 67 Grande Parisienne 4 door HT.
65-66 frames are different than 67-70 frames. 65-66 upper rear crossmember is different, they also used a shorter upper rear control arm than the 67-70s.
I recently aquired a complete rear end from a 67 and plan to use parts like the upper control arms in my 65..... does this mean they won't fit??
How are you second guessing yourself Dave?
He can't use 67 upper arms in a 65.
just couldn't remember if they were longer or shorter than the 65-66 arms
I don't question anything here but I wonder if a 4 door ht frame might also have some additional rigidity like the convertible. I do know that the 65 Parisienne convertible I had was very stiff, as is the 69 Caprice 4 dr HT I have. My other 2 door hts don't seem to be as rigid as either of the other two.
Anyone want to trade a set of upper arms from a 67 for a set from a 65?