1965 Beaumont Frame - Convertible

67BBSD · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

1965 Beaumont Frame - Convertible

RAILSKINNER · Addicted!

what happens if you use a hardtop frame? or a frame that isn't boxed

so frames from 64 to 72?

-- Edited by RAILSKINNER on Wednesday 16th of May 2012 09:34:54 PM

RAILSKINNER · Addicted!

what are a persons options in reguards to finding a "A" body frame that will work under a convertible. what other donor cars will work? can you use a sedan,or hard top frame?

NOS · Poncho Master!

convertible frames are boxed. 66-67 Elcaminos are boxed but may be a bit longer ? Don't know about 65's ?

Dale @ NOS

65 SD L79 · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

NOS wrote:
convertible frames are boxed. 66-67 Elcaminos are boxed but may be a bit longer ? Don't know about 65's ?
Dale @ NOS

very easy to shorten . Only 3 1/2 inches out of the back rails

You must use a boxed frame

norontcan · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

64 thru 67 convertibles all share the same critical measurements. 64 isn't recommended if you're installing a big block as starter removal will be too tight.
64 thru 67 El Camino also shares all the same crical measurements with the exception of overall length. But cutting out 3 1/4" behind the last body mount on the side and rewelding will bring it into convertible specs. Been there done that.
The boxed frames are for extra rigidity. Think about it, once the body is bolted to the frame the roof of the sedan/hdtp becomes a stiffener. No roof on a convertible or camino.

As a side note: saw a 66 conv bare blasted and painted frame at Carlisle last month. It had been sold and the guy said he got $1200 for it. Hell of a deal.

Don't believe the A body Pontiac and Olds will work - don't the front horns bend outward on the Olds?

ak 67sd · Poncho Master!

Alternately, use a HT frame and box it yourself (if you are not overly concerned about originality) I didn't find anyone selling precut peices to do this when i looked... less chance of the frame being rotten from having dirt/moisture in the boxed section all it's life...and easier to find.

65sssd · Poncho Master!

64-65 Vert A body
64-65 Elcamino shorten rear piece
66-67 A body vert shorten rear piece
The last 65 one I sold went for 1500.00 stripped of everything, not painted, not sandblasted. How bad is the one you have and where is it rusted? I here you can buy the boxed sections and with a good welder I'm sure you could make a HT frame look original. Paul.

norontcan · Canadian Poncho Superstar!

I forgot to mention 1 thing in my above post.
66 and 67 frames are not the same but will interchange. All critical dimensions are the same.
The difference is in the rear spring upper perch. If you are using a 67 frame for a 64,65 or 66, then you have to use 67 springs. the reverse is also true, of course.

Also when mounting the new frame remember the conv uses 2 more mounting points than the hdtp/sedan. But the extra holes are on all frames. When buying a new set of mounts specify the convertible set so you get the correct number of mounts.

kelico · Poncho Master!

here are some photos of my convertible frame (no not selling it), for reference in boxing yours if you want.

as you can see from the crappy looking welds and cuts of material on this factory frame. its not a stretch to say you can do a better job of boxing it quite easily. I'll search around to see if I can find any "kits" for boxing.

-- Edited by kelico on Sunday 5th of August 2012 01:17:37 PM

RAILSKINNER · Addicted!

Awesome pics Kelly, i 'll add them to my collection of pictures.

I did ,manage to get a good frame that someone boxed.

just a matter of cleaning stripping it and using Por 15 to cover.

Did you just wire wheel your front area of frame an covered it with POR 15?

kelico · Poncho Master!

the frame was blasted years ago.. so it's covered with a surface rust.. I just gave it a quick scrub with a wire wheel and POR 15 on it.