HonestDave

Sorry to squeeze this in, but I'm not getting any answers at all from the Buick forum. As well as my 65 Oldsmobiles, I've got a 64 Skylark rag with a rotten frame. Will anyone tell me what year frames are compatable, and will any A-body rag-top frame work?

64Rocket

I can't say for certain , but I would say any of the 64 to 67 Buick, Olds, Pontiac. I would also guess chebby chevelle also. For sure a convert frame only.


Gene

HonestDave

Thanks Gene,
I want to keep my options open. Even though a smart man would wreck this car, and sell the bits, I hate to go that route unless I absolutely have to. Few enough of these old rag-tops left. Hate to lose another one.
Dave

66400

Chevelle frames and 66-67 Cutlass frames would require cutting and welding to adapt. Skylark and Lemans are direct interchange 64-66.

Henry

HonestDave

I appreciate the response, Henry.
Would prefer no cutting or welding if I swap frames. Very few Pontiac Lemans from mid sixties where I live. Likely I'm looking at using another A-body Buick frame, or repair the one it's on. Too bad I can't use a 65 Olds F-85 sedan frame. I've got a decent one here. Looks like it would be huge work to box it in. They don't even have the tranny cross member brackets in the same place. Brackets are on the inside of the boxed sections. I think the rag-top cross member is shorter by maybe 4-6 inches.
Think I'll go back under and hammer the frame some more. Maybe if I use a lighter hammer the frame will sound better LOL.
Dave

66400

It is possible to cut out the boxed sides(if not rotted) of the convert frame and transfer to your sedan frame.
64-66 ElCamino frame is boxed but longer at the end due to the bed, can be adapted by shortening behind the rear axle. Might be able to find an ElCo in your area?
Henry

HonestDave

It's mostly the driver's side that's really bad. Whole bottom is soft. Also bad left frame beside the gas tank. Passenger side has a 6 inch hole toward the rear of the main side rail, but the rest of the right side is pretty solid. Think I'll take another look and see how solid the sides of the frame are. Not sure if the body would sit properly on a 65 F85 frame or if there's extra cutting and welding to accommodate bumpers or body mounts. Interesting dilemma.
As for 64-66 El Camino, there aren't too many, and they are quite desireable.
Dave

66400

The sedan frame will directly interchange with the convert frame, just does not have the boxing.

The convert inside frame rail boxing will transfer to the sedan frame, it's just an add on piece. Henry

HonestDave

You don't happen to know if the rad support will work from 65 F85 to 64 Skylark, do you? The bottoms are a slightly different shape. Also wondering if the Skylark headlight assemblies would bolt on the F85 support correctly. What a dog's breakfast !!
Dave

cody7506

I have a 64 olds. 88 convertible frame. Larry 979 7771160

cody7506

I have a 1964 88 convertible frame. Larry 979 7771160

66400

Which is nice for a 64 88 Olds but HonestDave was looking for an A body frame a couple of years ago.

Henry

HonestDave

Thanks for thinking of me, Larry, but I sold that car to a fellow near Victoria last year. I decided it was too far gone even for me !!