Modern Frame
#1
Modern Frame
There are plenty of companies that make complete, modern frames for ‘66 to ‘67 Chevelle’s . Is there a company that builds one for ‘66 to ‘67 Cutlass/442 that is reputable ? In the early idea/design stages of a RestoMod with modern big block Olds (550 hp) and an auto trans.
Last edited by Bigmikey65; January 9th, 2023 at 05:47 PM.
#3
There are minor differences from what I am being told. Using an Olds BB instead of an LS also presents a different set of challenges due to motor mounts, headers and a few other parameters. Someone recommended Art Morrison but I never heard back from them - either they are really busy or out of business. Going the LS route would obviously make the project easier but there are custom BB Olds engines that I am interested in.
#5
The front frame horns are straight on a Chevelle and offset out on a cutlass. The Chevelle hardtop/ convertible frames are also about 3" shorter in the rear along the gas tank under the trunk. I am pretty sure this 66 cutlass has a Roadster Shop frame under it. You might to reach out to them. They make an awesome product.
#6
Here you can see the front frame horn difference which is the biggest change between the chevelle and cutlass.
Chevelle:
442/ cutlass frame:
Buick, Pontiac, and Chevy A-bodies all used the straight front frame horns from 64 to 67. Olds, Buick, and Pontiac were all about 3" longer than chevy in the straight section of the rear frame rail along the gas tank area. This makes the Olds (and Chevy) frame unique. The rear frame length differences get a little more complicated when talking about wagons and ElCaminos as the chevelle wagon and ElCamino rear frame rail length is the same as the Buick, Olds, and Pontiac 2 door rear frame rail length.
Chevelle:
442/ cutlass frame:
Buick, Pontiac, and Chevy A-bodies all used the straight front frame horns from 64 to 67. Olds, Buick, and Pontiac were all about 3" longer than chevy in the straight section of the rear frame rail along the gas tank area. This makes the Olds (and Chevy) frame unique. The rear frame length differences get a little more complicated when talking about wagons and ElCaminos as the chevelle wagon and ElCamino rear frame rail length is the same as the Buick, Olds, and Pontiac 2 door rear frame rail length.
Last edited by Loaded68W34; January 9th, 2023 at 07:58 PM.
#9
Yes, it is pretty easy to shorten the rear of a Buick or Pontiac frame to fit under a chevelle. Not as easy to cut off the Olds frame horns and adapt them to Buick, Chevy, or Pontiac but still possible.
#10
Obviously these frames/complete chassis are not cheap, so finding one for a ‘66 Cutlass/442 and having the company do all the modifications before delivery would be ideal. Roadster Shop looks like a reputable company that does nice work. Tom do you know if that blue 442 had the complete chassis setup (tubular suspension/coil over rear) or just the frame ? Did t you get to talk to the owner about how she rides/handles ?
#11
The aftermarket frames typically have a perch specific for an LS or SBC/BBC. But if you're looking at an aftermarket chassis then it'd be best to be comfortable doing some fabrication. Custom mounts - or maybe just relocating the mounts that come with the frame - would be required. But it's easier with a fresh new frame than a crusty old stock one. Regardless of how nice the aftermarket stuff is I still wouldn't expect it to all just bolt together and run.
#12
Obviously these frames/complete chassis are not cheap, so finding one for a ‘66 Cutlass/442 and having the company do all the modifications before delivery would be ideal. Roadster Shop looks like a reputable company that does nice work. Tom do you know if that blue 442 had the complete chassis setup (tubular suspension/coil over rear) or just the frame ? Did t you get to talk to the owner about how she rides/handles ?
#13
Thanks Tom.
They must be better chassis builders than car show judges because I think your wagon is really cool - as I’m sure that plenty of people feel the same.
Mike
They must be better chassis builders than car show judges because I think your wagon is really cool - as I’m sure that plenty of people feel the same.
Mike
Last edited by Bigmikey65; January 10th, 2023 at 06:46 PM.
#14
https://gaugemagazine.com/goodguys-2...ing-nationals/
#15
Not sure where you are from, but if you ever get the chance to go the Columbus show was amazing. Many of the top Builders in the country were there with their builds. Ring Brothers, Roaster Shop, Rad Rods by Troy (probably a dozen more or so) The trip out from Lancaster, PA took about 11 hours but was totally worth it.
#16
Wow that show looks cool - a lot of impressive looking builds. To get 6,500 cars at one weekend show is pretty insane. I’ll keep an eye out for this years dates and see if I can make it out that way.
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