Looking for G-Body Frame Notch Info [Archive]

redss86

09-08-2006, 12:07 PM

Have you checked over at montecarloss.com? If you do a search over there I know you will find what your looking for. Here are a couple posts from there that I found by just doing a quick search: http://www.montecarloss.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=18;t=001151#000000
http://www.montecarloss.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=18;t=001268#000000

Hope this helps, lots of good info over there, and here.
Joe

McssGmachine

09-08-2006, 11:44 PM

I got this off of Maliburacing .com.

http://maliburacing.com/frame_notching.htm

GBodyGMachine

09-09-2006, 04:38 AM

How does everyone feel about how safe this is?

JEff

Samckitt

09-09-2006, 05:04 AM

If you put some extra bracing on the insides of the frame rails I think it will be fine. Eventually I am going to do this too. Or build a complete new rear frame section for a Vette Dana44.......

BigBlockOlds

09-30-2006, 03:18 PM

Here's a few pictures of the frame notch I did on my '87 Cutlass:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

17x11's with 315/35ZR17 tire on the left. 17x11 with 335/35ZR17 tire on the right.

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

GBodyGMachine

09-30-2006, 07:22 PM

What backspacing are you running?
JEff

BigBlockOlds

09-30-2006, 07:25 PM

6 inch.

The 335's are a little close in one spot. About 1/4" clearance. But in most other areas, you can fit a finger or two between the tire and frame.
The 315's are no problem at all and actually look like they are swimming in the amount of room they have.

Picture of the 315's held up in place under the car:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

SicMonte

10-01-2006, 04:29 AM

did you ever see the pics I put up of the frame notch on my monte ss? if not...I will pm you the link later tongiht.

So far i have had no problems with it at all. I made a rear frame brace...but other than that i have had no problems. Im running 17x11 rims too with 315/35/17 tires. No rubbing what so ever.

GBodyGMachine

10-01-2006, 05:14 AM

Big Block Olds- Thanks for all the pictures and info. Its alot of help. And that car looks awsome. Do you have a website where you have more pics?

Sic-Monte- I would love to see some pics.
Jeff

SicMonte

10-01-2006, 04:17 PM

ok this link is to a thread on montecarloss.com. there are some pics in there.
http://www.montecarloss.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=3;t=001884

email me some time at [email protected] and i will send you some pics during the process.

GBodyGMachine

10-01-2006, 05:04 PM

SicMonte

10-01-2006, 08:43 PM

17x 11, w/ 5.5 bs 315/35/17 tire

Samckitt

10-02-2006, 10:44 AM

Bigblock Olds: What is the fender flare you have taped onto the steel panel? Is that a reproduction piece for a GNX? Is it needed, or just added for looks?

ProTouring442

10-02-2006, 12:24 PM

It's a "reproduction" of the FE3X fender flare. The cars were never produced, but someone is making kits. Very cool!

Here's a pic I swiped off of the internet.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"

redss86

10-02-2006, 02:43 PM

That just looks badass!!!!

GBodyGMachine

10-02-2006, 02:59 PM

I like it.

SicMonte

10-02-2006, 03:01 PM

dude...what in the hell is that!!!!!! I have never even heard of it...tell me more...tell me more!!!!!!

BigBlockOlds

10-02-2006, 03:14 PM

Yep, they are reproduction FE3X flares that go with the rest of the body kit. They are more for looks than anything. My goal is to make my own version of this car.

Originally it was equipped with a measly 200HP 307 backed by a T5 5 speed. Most of their efforts were geared towards handling, which the FE3X pulled a .95g on the skid pad. Granted it has some pretty serious camber and alignment settings, but still cool none the less.

My car will have a stroked 425, T56 6 speed, and all of the other suspension modifications. Although updated to more modern standards that what they used in '85.

The original FE3X concept in '85 was supposed to be Oldsmobiles answer to the Grand National. But unfortunately, it never happened. There was only one other FE3X that made it to the public and it is owned by Angelo Valenti. He is the one that is making the conversion kits and owns the original molds.

Unfortunately, the side rockers have not been reproduced, so you have to be somewhat creative in that area. I'm using the Lauren Engineering Stage II kit on mine and will modify them to blend in with the fender flares.

You can check out probably the best website for the FE3X concept at www.fe3x.com

ProTouring442

10-02-2006, 04:18 PM

He isn't doing the rockers yet? I thought I saw the rockers somewhere... argh. How does the Lauren stuff look quality wise? Any more pics of your build?

Shiny side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"

BigBlockOlds

10-02-2006, 04:33 PM

No he hasn't done the rockers. I now he has another set but they are future projects of his own.
I believe the problem with the rockers is that he doesn't have the molds for them. So new molds would need to be made from his existing rockers. The guys who are doing the fiberglass for these kits are the ones who originally made the ones for GM back in the day, and they don't come cheap. LOL
Needless to say, he'd never get the money back out the rockers that he'd put into them.

The Lauren stuff isn't bad but they will take quite a bit of trimming and fitting to make right. But they are nice and heavy like the FE3X kit. I'm still not "sold" on the Lauren side rockers. The car definitely needs something in that area, otherwise the front air dam begins to look like a big cow pusher. But I don't know that I'll be able to get the Lauren kit to integrate into the look I want.

I'm still trying to dig up pics of some of the build process. I think I have most of them on my laptop. I'll try getting them into a photobucket album tonight.

Thanks,

He isn't doing the rockers yet? I thought I saw the rockers somewhere... argh. How does the Lauren stuff look quality wise? Any more pics of your build?

Shiny side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"

SicMonte

10-02-2006, 08:12 PM

thats awesome!!!!

How did you get the rear whels to tuck under the fender? mine wont do that. did you actually mini-tub it too?

nowukno

10-02-2006, 08:46 PM

I cant believe how good that looks,how does it handle?

nowukno

10-02-2006, 08:47 PM

thats awesome!!!!

How did you get the rear whels to tuck under the fender? mine wont do that. did you actually mini-tub it too?
I think with the right B/S they fit nice and snug man that look sweet!!

ProTouring442

10-03-2006, 01:57 AM

The guys who are doing the fiberglass for these kits are the ones who originally made the ones for GM back in the day, and they don't come cheap. LOL

Cheap... does anything really come cheaply! =-)

Needless to say, he'd never get the money back out the rockers that he'd put into them.

I can't believe he'll get his money out of the flares, but bless him for making them! Makes me want to go buy another '80s 442! Hmmm, maybe with a LSx and a 6-speed....

The Lauren stuff isn't bad but they will take quite a bit of trimming and fitting to make right. But they are nice and heavy like the FE3X kit. I'm still not "sold" on the Lauren side rockers. The car definitely needs something in that area, otherwise the front air dam begins to look like a big cow pusher. But I don't know that I'll be able to get the Lauren kit to integrate into the look I want.

I'll snoop around on their site, but I would bet it could be done. Some foam and fiberglass and you're in business! I modified a set of bumpers for my '72 to inegrate them into the body, then built my own rear spoiler. Let me tell you, if I can do it, I know YOU can!

Posted below are two pics of my 442 showing the bumpers and spoiler.

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
' 72 442 "Inamorata"

BigBlockOlds

10-03-2006, 04:01 AM

thats awesome!!!!

How did you get the rear whels to tuck under the fender? mine wont do that. did you actually mini-tub it too?

My rear wheel wells were shot. They were rusting right where the met the trunk so this is where this whole process started. We cut out the entire wheel wells and notched the frame.

My friend and I are in the process of making new wheel tubs in the back so that the tire tucks in nice and I still have full suspension travel.

The 6" BS worked out perfectly on my car. The 315's almost sit too far in once the fender flares are on but I think the 335's are just on the verge of being too far out. Not quite but just about. LOL

I found some pictures of the inside of the trunk where we cut the wheel well out and have the 335 tire mounted. I'll try getting those up later tonight.

In all honesty though, I haven't done much with the suspension work lately. The car is at a friends house about 40 miles away so I don't get to work on it much. He's a painter/body guy so he's been helping me out a lot. Right now I've been focusing on the building the engine considering once the suspension work was all done, I'd have nothing to propel the car. LOL

XCESSIV

10-03-2006, 06:17 AM

Try GNX flairs they might work on it the cutlass is alot like the regal.
Try Kirbans or gbody parts

ProTouring442

10-03-2006, 07:34 AM

Try GNX flairs they might work on it the cutlass is alot like the regal.
Try Kirbans or gbody parts

The flares are available, it's the side skirts that aren't. I know Lauren makes the side skirts, does anyone else?

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"

BigBlockOlds

10-03-2006, 07:45 AM

The problem with the GNX flares on a Cutlass is the wheel well openings are different. The Buick has more rounded wheel wells where the Olds has more of a circle with the top flattened out.

I test fitted a set of the GNX flares on my '87 back before the FE3X kit came out. They didn't look too bad but it would have taken quite a bit of modification to get them to fit properly. They only touched the sheet metal at three different points around the arc.

BigBlockOlds

10-21-2006, 05:30 PM

Okay, sorry for taking so long to get some pictures up but I was finally able to get them off my old laptop.

Here's a picture showing more detail of the rear wheel wells from inside the trunk:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/10/Wheels014copy-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/10/Wheels013copy-1.jpg

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/pt/2006/10/Wheels012copy-1.jpg

ProTouring442

10-22-2006, 04:06 AM

Cool! It's going to look great with those wide tires tucked up in there!

Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"
www.fquick.com/ProTouring442 (http://www.fquick.com/ProTouring442)

vintageracer

10-22-2006, 06:33 AM

LOT'S of information on the frame notch modification at www.turbobuick.com. The Turbo Buick guys have been doing it for years!!!

redss86

10-24-2006, 04:00 AM

BigBlockOlds: How much of a tub are you doing? It looks to me like around 2", correct? Also, how much do the flares ad beyond the original 1/4's? How do the 315's fit w/o the flares. I have done an 1.5" tub to each side of my monte and I am pretty sure I can clear 315's, but thought I would ask since you already have a wheel/tire to check fitment.

BigBlockOlds

10-24-2006, 09:45 AM

BigBlockOlds: How much of a tub are you doing? It looks to me like around 2", correct?

I went to the factory seam on the frame rail which I believe is around 1"-1.5". Probably closer to 1.5". So the wheel wells will be moved in the same amount.

Also, how much do the flares ad beyond the original 1/4's?

Not much. Maybe an inch or so.

How do the 315's fit w/o the flares. I have done an 1.5" tub to each side of my monte and I am pretty sure I can clear 315's, but thought I would ask since you already have a wheel/tire to check fitment.

The 315's fit perfectly fine without the flares. In fact, with the flares, the 315's look a little too narrow. Or at least to far tucked in. The fender lip might need some minor clearancing or rolled completely. But you should be able to get them to fit without needed flares.

redss86

10-24-2006, 12:12 PM

I went to the factory seam on the frame rail which I believe is around 1"-1.5". Probably closer to 1.5". So the wheel wells will be moved in the same amount.

Not much. Maybe an inch or so.

The 315's fit perfectly fine without the flares. In fact, with the flares, the 315's look a little too narrow. Or at least to far tucked in. The fender lip might need some minor clearancing or rolled completely. But you should be able to get them to fit without needed flares.

Cool, Thanks for the info. I was planning on cutting some of the 1/4 lip off so I should be fine. Looks like you are doing alot of work, but it all looks great.

Good luck

redss86

10-24-2006, 12:15 PM

The 315's fit perfectly fine without the flares. In fact, with the flares, the 315's look a little too narrow. Or at least to far tucked in. The fender lip might need some minor clearancing or rolled completely. But you should be able to get them to fit without needed flares.

Great, thanks for the info. Looks like you were in the same boat I was(no wheel wells), but I had alot less rust.

Oh well, it looks good and will be well worth the time and effort.

Thrillrr

10-31-2006, 04:34 AM

No he hasn't done the rockers. I now he has another set but they are future projects of his own.
I believe the problem with the rockers is that he doesn't have the molds for them. So new molds would need to be made from his existing rockers. The guys who are doing the fiberglass for these kits are the ones who originally made the ones for GM back in the day, and they don't come cheap. LOL
Needless to say, he'd never get the money back out the rockers that he'd put into them.

The Lauren stuff isn't bad but they will take quite a bit of trimming and fitting to make right. But they are nice and heavy like the FE3X kit. I'm still not "sold" on the Lauren side rockers. The car definitely needs something in that area, otherwise the front air dam begins to look like a big cow pusher. But I don't know that I'll be able to get the Lauren kit to integrate into the look I want.

I'm still trying to dig up pics of some of the build process. I think I have most of them on my laptop. I'll try getting them into a photobucket album tonight.

Thanks,
Have you ever seen or tried the Hust Olds ground effects?

BigBlockOlds

11-01-2006, 05:20 PM

Are you talking about the '88 Hurst aero kits?

Like this:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

I've never been a big fan of that kit personally. It doesn't flow with the car as well as I think it could have.

Other than that, the only ground effects the '83/'84 H/O's had was the small front air dam:

https://static1.pt-content.com/images/noimg.gif

I do know that Lauren Engineering makes an upgraded version of the stock H/O air dam along with their own rocker kit but its not "prounounced" enough to fill things in visually with the front and rear FE3X pieces. At least in my opinion.

Have you ever seen or tried the Hust Olds ground effects?

Thrillrr

11-01-2006, 05:48 PM

Yup that's it the aero ones, I have a set that been sitting around since 88. On the FE3X fender flares do they still sell those? I checked on that site but really didn't see anything about them. After seeing those flares and pics it has renewed my interest in my 82 455 cutlass.

BigBlockOlds

11-01-2006, 05:58 PM

Yep. Contact Angelo at [email protected]

When I bought mine years ago, they were around $160 for the set of four. Not sure what they are now.

You can also go here for more contact info:

http://store.oldsgmail.com/store11.htm

On the FE3X fender flares do they still sell those? I checked on that site but really didn't see anything about them. After seeing those flares and pics it has renewed my interest in my 82 455 cutlass.