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Thread: Boxing A-Body Frames
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10-21-2006 #1
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Boxing A-Body Frames
I have a 1964 cutlass I would like to box the frame for better handling and strength of the frame.
Any good How-To articles I should check out?
I dont think I need to box the entire frame but where are some critical areas I should attempt to box in?
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10-22-2006 #2
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Take a look under a 'vert or an El Camino, they had factory boxed frames. I think the '64 442s did as well. Best thing to do would be to pick up an El Camino or 'vert frame and stuff it under your car. The El Camino frame will need to have the rear rails shortened/exchanged with the rear rails from your frame though.
Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"
www.fquick.com/ProTouring442"You can never go home again, Oatman...
But I guess you can shop there."
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10-22-2006 #3
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I have heard of using a el camino frame but sounds like more work than i want to do. Or Is it just a matter of swapping frames?
got a site showing this done?
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10-22-2006 #4
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El Camino and Convertible frames were the same except that the rear most fram rails are longer. A quick cut and splice would work here I would think. The convertible frame should be a direct swap.
Shiny Side Up!
Bill
'72 442 "Inamorata"
www.fquick.com/ProTouring442"You can never go home again, Oatman...
But I guess you can shop there."
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10-22-2006 #5
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Hmmm I will look into this...If i can find a el camino frame. I plan on removing body and painting chassis anyways.
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10-23-2006 #6
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I boxed our 72 frame. Pain in the ass but had a sheetmetal shop bend up some steel and then welded it in. Be sure that your frame is straight though. we had ours on a rack prior to boxing and it was all wacked up. Its straight,strong and pretty now. The pics aren't that close but if need be I can take beter ones.
72 Chevelle
Done!
67' Hell Camino- Under the knife
Some day: Porsche GT3/ C6R inspired 69
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10-23-2006 #7
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Elcaminos have longer a wheelbase than Chevelles. You can use the inner frame rail peice by shortening it a few inches. FRANK
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10-24-2006 #8
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If I dont have a chassis rack. this probably isnt somthing I should attempt due to chance of warping frame . Right?
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10-25-2006 #9
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Hilrod,
In 64-67 the el camino has the same wheelbase (115") as the chevelle. The frame is only longer in the rear. 68-72 elkys were longer in the wheelbase.
Frank, shortening the rear section isn't too hard from what I have heard. You could use the existing frame as a reference when shortening.
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