A body modification

[clu269]

I'm in the process of building a 1970 Buick Grand Sport and I'm seeking advise on chassis and suspension mods. I definitely want to box and stiffen the frame. I plan on using SCandC for front suspension and I'm up in the air for the rear. I would like to add DOM tubing to center section and add cross brace with exhaust ports to attach rear suspension pivot points. Has any one done any of these mods? Should I go with 3 link or triangulated 4 bar? Any help would be appreciated.

[Roadbuster]

I don't know if the GS came with it, but a convertible frame was an option on the GTOs. Check out your frame, it may already be boxed.

The factory rear is a triangulated 4 link and can work nicely. Edelbrock has reinforcement tubes that reinforce the factory mounts. A heavy duty version of what the factory put in for manual trans cars. Bolt in and cost about $100. Big difference here for very little money and a couple hours of work.

Check out my build thread in my signature and you can see the SC&C front suspension I put in and the setup from there I did in the rear. A Watts link will finish it off when it comes out. Car handles great and Mark has first rate customer service!

Jon

[BaddestBuick]

Yay a 1970 Buick GS

[clu269]

Thanks for the info. Nice looking GTO!

[MonzaRacer]

OK first of all if you remove the frame to box it your going to have to redo every brake and fuel line, use 11ga steel sheeting, plenty thick enough.
Reuse of GM style line clamps is pretty easy, dril 3/16 hole and ues inpact to install 3/8 body bolts.
As for the rear suspension, take a look at air ride Technologies rear cool ride. I had rear CoolRide on my 71 Monte and just had simple single line back to rear bumper, ran it over 3 yrs with no issues.
As for rear control arms so many companies out there, GW, Edelbrock,I think Spohn has some stuff, Hochkiss, and of course air ride.
I really like Air Ride as its so adjustable and the ride is unbelieveable, something like 55 psi in my Monte, the car would handle like a 'Vette, haul a load in the trunk like a small truck(6 sbc blocks, 12 heads, loads of con rods and 4 steel cranks in back floorboard. Pumped it up to 80 psi and drove home!

[clu269]

I run a fabrication shop for a living. With this said I have all skills and equipment to perform all necessary mods. I am not convinced that air is for me. I do appreciate the advice for all stated above and will keep it in mind as I run brake and fuel lines. My main goal in to retain original frame and modify it perform like aftermarket. I want finished car to run with new corvettes. Again thanks for advice. I definitely will be going with SCandC for front with either Wilwood or Baer 6 piston brakes all four corners. Discovered chevelle on site from DUB SILVERADO with center section bracing. Looks cool and fully functional. Would be interested in doing something similar. I will be running a buick engine pushing 600 horse at rear with T56 trans. Want to keep it a buick.

[Mr Nick]

i will be running a buick engine pushing 600 horse at rear with t56 trans. Want to keep it a buick.

amen

[JChilders]

Is there any reason you are not going woth the rear options that SC&C offers? I would give them a call and see what they recommend. I have realized they know far more than I ever will and they are willing to share that info.

[ProTourGSX]

CLU,
Could you post progress pics about boxing the frame? I'm interested in doing the same thing with my '70 GS, too.

[Nothingface5384]

i have some UMI rear control arm braces if you need them..new in box i'l give them away for 65 shipped

[olason]

Do you have any build pics? I have a 1968 olds 442 that I hope to strengthen the frame and such, but I am probably going a completely different route than you. And I am not afraid to switch mine up to an LS-series engine. Someone blew up the original 400 and it has a 350. I like my ls engine in my trailblazer ss, and its still stock. Warrenty comes off soon.

[Racerxtx]

If your car has the original frame, it's already boxed.
All '65-'72 GS's came factory with convertible's boxed frame.