Here are a few pics of the frame that is for sale. The only think I have to compare it to is mine, and there is no comparison! This guy will sand blast it, then take more pics. Then he will prime and paint. He claims this is solid, and that he does a lot a fair amount of frames, and restores cars himself, so he feels this will be quite adequate for my needs (driver car). Any opinions would be appreciated.
A Chevelle frame WILL work, but I think you should keep looking because that one doesn't look so good. Derek
Chevelle frame should be the same. As for price, it depends on the condition of the chassis and suspension.
https://boston.craigslist.org/gbs/pts/6106354635.html Frame in Boston area -- asking 2K but money talks
Joe and Joey... This is crazy John. I'm the guy that's giving you a floor pan. I told you I had parts I didn't think I wanted to get rid of. I do have a real good 69 frame. Not a convertible, but it is a big block frame. No, I didn't want to get rid of it, but I don't see myself using it soon. The rear end is under my car, upper and lower control arms are still there. The front end was taken ALL apart. I could throw in all the front end parts too. Nope, not all the parts. I get the aluminum front drums! 600 dollars. I think your "Father / Son" job is awesome!!! Don't give up yet. Relax and think about it.
What Jerry said. You can cut out the boxed section from the original frame and weld that to the non-convertible frame and TA DA, its now a convertible frame! And you can say that its the original frame that you repaired using the box sections from the original! Bring a rear end and front suspension for the frame and the floor can be tied to the frame and all can be rolled on a trailer to get all of it to where you are working on your car! SWEET deal! GL Derek
Great, great information and generosity. Thank you very much to all. I just added an avatar to show the car and my son when we brought her home. He is excited about this. We haven't given up yet! Just to clarify, Waterboy above mentioned a "big block" frame. Is there a difference? I thought all a-body frames 68-72 were the same if the body style was the same.
Joe... It's a big block frame. Doesn't that sound better already? Sorry, I'm a S.A.!!!! I've heard that if you take a micrometer and measure the thickness of the frame in the engine compartment area, big block frames are a little thicker than small block frames. I've never personally measured these, but I did read that information on this Buick forum. I also slept in a Holiday Inn Express last night. And if I don't get the fleas out of my house from my visiting son I might sleep in the H.I.E. again tonight!!! > JC
OK folks. Its getting near crunch time. We have a pretty nice rolling chassis and a floor pan in waiting. We are set for the end of June to get this started. Found a highly recommended body man who is going to put the pan in for me. Right now we have the doors off and all the interior out. Being a convertible, I was nervous about the body man cutting out the floor and welding in the new without bracing across the doors and body. The body man says it is not necessary, as long as I keep it on the frame. So, I dont think I can change his mind unless I really insist. I thought I read in a few places that you need to brace it even if it is on the frame. Any opinions? Would re-installing the doors help?
Here is another option to box your open sided frame... lazer cut frame boxing parts. http://www.abcperformance.net/store...x&cPath=3_77&zenid=sitqvkufgjqkshuvjk4do6i544 You do not need to brace the door openings if the car is still on the frame unless the frame is damaged severely.
My son took one of my extra Buick frames to built his Chevelle Conv. It worked with no problems. Better off buying a frame and then adding your own suspenision to you liking. I took an extra frame and rebuilt it completely, then moved the body over to the new frame. Did the floors and trunk before taking it off the the old frame. Had the car for 35 years and finally got to restore it with my son. Glad I did it. It will be my son's after I am gone. Bill
68 to 72 frames chevelle, GTO, Oldsmobile, Buick convertible frames are basicily all the same. I took a frame and replaced all the suspension lines disc brakes and all the lines new before moving body over. Also new floors and trunk were done before body was moved. Had the car for 35 years and finally restored it with my son. Took 4 years and was well worth it. Working with my son was great. and we both share using the car and taking it to shows. It will be his after I am gone. if you can do it with your son I truly recommending doing it. Yes it is expensive, but do able if you work together. Bill
Bill, Very cool. It seems I am following exactly what you did. I will PM you this weekend to ask a few questions.
These things take time and patience, dont get frustrated with lack of progress. And when all else fails, ask for help, there's plenty of reinforcements here in the US fortunately!!
I know it’s an old post,but that frame pictured above is a 70-72 ElCamino frame. It can work,but you will need to cut and shorten the straight length behind the axle.
