chevelle frame question ???

by alleyball4 Thu Jan 10, 2013 1:42 am

Does anyone know if the 1973 Chevelle frame is different from the 1974-77 Chevelle frame?

by bigredlaguna Thu Jan 10, 2013 3:27 am

They should be the same. The only difference would be the transmission crossmember. 73 and 74 had dual humps and 75+ had a boomerang shaped crossmember to facilitate a catalytic converter.

by dynchel Thu Jan 10, 2013 7:46 am

I would think the rear part (where the bumper attaches) is different since a 73 does not have the energy absorbing shocks. Also the fuel fill comes out through the bumper so that may also be different. I don't know for sure but it would be worth checking.

by alleyball4 Thu Jan 10, 2013 8:24 am

I will check it out .... thanks for the information

by Joe73 Thu Jan 10, 2013 1:36 pm

Definitely different. 73 is a one year only frame. Difference being that the 73 rear bumper brackets mounted to the sides of the frame. 74-77 mounted straight onto flat plates. Also the front bumper on the 73 has different front shocks holding it up. And as mentioned above some gas tank difference for the 73 as well.

Also the 73 had a all metal tail light panel, 74-77 had a bolt on tail panel. 73 and 74 trunk lids are the same.

If you need any 73 measurements, just PM me. I have a perfect 73 frame blasted and epoxied sitting in my garage.

by Brainstain Thu Jan 10, 2013 3:14 pm

See? Good thing you keep calling me.. Lol

by G3NUT Thu Jan 10, 2013 6:54 pm

alleyball4 wrote:Does anyone know if the 1973 Chevelle frame is different from the 1974-77 Chevelle frame?

joe73 is right.
I had to cut the back half of the new frame i installed in my 73 and cut and weld in the rear section of my old frame.
the new frame in my car was originally in a 75 lemans. that seems to be the only difference i've noticed so far...

by pila Thu Jan 10, 2013 10:50 pm

That sounds like a doable project, by welding in the original piece..

by alleyball4 Fri Jan 11, 2013 1:34 am

I have my original 73 Chevelle frame .... but it has more than just surface rust ... so I went and bought another frame, that was in good shape, thought it would work (I got some bad information) .... unfortunately, the good frame is a 77 el camino frame, and found out through a forum member, that it will not work for my 73, without some major modifications.

So now, I am trying to sell that frame, lick my wounds, and either repair my existing one, or find another 73 frame that is in good condition, and fairly close to Indiana.

If I had the money, there is a guy somewhere around Lexington Kentucky, that actually can custom fabricate a new frame, from my old one. I think he charges close to 2 grand, and he doesn't tap any of the holes. Pricey, but it would be sweet to have a brand new frame

I already have way too much money into my car ... and I will never get anywhere near any of it back ... so I will be a life-time driver of my 73 ... so I might as well do it right.

by Joe73 Fri Jan 11, 2013 6:48 am

Jump onto searchtempest.com, put in your zip code, put in your max price and search for a whole car. I took the time and searched all the terms like 1973 chevelle, 1973 malibu, 1974 chevelle, 1974 malibu and so on til 1977. Then I did the same for the regal, lemans, cutlass, etc.

Last January I grabbed a 73 chevelle, one owner from Florida for $550. Split it with my buddy and it cost me way less. Got some excellent parts off that one. Thats where my frame came from.

Thats the easist way to locate one within the area you are willing to drive. Good luck with the search. Just remember, it has to be a 2 door frame.

by alleyball4 Fri Jan 11, 2013 8:42 am

thanks for all the help .. the info will save me a lot of time and money

by Brainstain Fri Jan 11, 2013 9:32 am

Hey Tony. If you find a 73 I can possibly split it with you depending on price.

by alleyball4 Fri Jan 11, 2013 10:40 am

sounds good ... I'll let you know

by pila Fri Jan 11, 2013 11:32 pm

The El Camino is 4 inches longer, like a wagon etc. Maybe you can advertise/sell that frame on CL or Ebay.

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