New frames for A-Bodies yet?

[kretzj]

Hello all!

I am about to embark on my current project.... my 1971 Chevelle from high school! :) It's been waiting in the garage for a very long time but we're finally ready to go.

So... Dynacorn is about to release a complete replacement body shell for the 1970-1972 Chevelle convertible... now I'm wondering if anyone has brought to market a true G-Machine replacement frame for our favorite A-bodies?

I did a full search on the forums here and found some discussion from back in 2004 but no recent follow-ups. I figured I would post something new to restart the talk.

Any help would be greatly appreciated. If no one is making new frames, can someone point me to a location where I could source a 1971 convertible frame?

Danka!

John Kretz
Phoenix, Arizona

[Scott Parkhurst]

www.schwartzperformance.com

Look under "products" ...

~SP~

[MarkM66]

Art Morrison.

[kretzj]

I heard Art Morrison is doing basic frames but you have to add body mounts, etc. to the frame yourself... it's not a true A-Body replacement frame. Is that old news?

I will check out these suggestions... thanks!

[Chevelle LT1]

John -
Since it looks like you're in Phoenix, also, I would recommend you try Hidden Valley Auto Parts (down in Maricopa) and Apache Auto Wrecking (in AJ). Both of them have a pretty extensive collection of old iron.

Jason

[silver69camaro]

I heard Art Morrison is doing basic frames but you have to add body mounts, etc. to the frame yourself... it's not a true A-Body replacement frame. Is that old news?

I will check out these suggestions... thanks!

That is correct, you will have to fab the body mounts and such yourself. The problem with a A or G body frame is the trasition from the main center rails to the front rails. They need to be either fabbed out of four pieces of steel and welded, or hydroformed. Mandrel benders can't bend a rail in that way (yet, we're working on it).

Whatever you decide to to, make sure it's stiff enough for your needs. If it wont be caged, it NEEDS to be 2x4 tubing. 2x3 is just fine IF you put a cage in it. This is for vehicles in the 108-115" WB range. I've done lots and lots of torsional (and bending, but that's not as important) stiffness tests that routinely shows that a 2x3 tubing is insufficient, and is often weaker than the OEM chassis.

On a side note, don't always feel the need to buy a complete frame to make a good handling car. You can do ALOT with the stock frame with a little welding, and the extra dough saved will allow you do buy alot more goodies!

[Travis B]

Art Morrison




The only way to go.....

[pav8427]

I'm still working out the bugs on a 'Bolt-in' chassis for both 64-67 and 68-72.
I have one person locally interested and will tool up and build the jigs I need should I find one or two more.
Check my prior posts for pics of the proto-type of a 64-67 style.
I would offer these with optional front and rear set-ups.


Doug

[jeff s]

Available now, bolts to stock body mounts
www.schwartzperformance.com/products.htm