I know where there is a 80's Caprice and Custom cruiser which are, for all intensive purposes, scrap. Sad on the part of the caprice, it's a decent car, but there is no way to title it. Anyway, I was thinking of using the frame from one of those under my '77 Delta, finding a fender, header panel, trying to bend the hood back into shape or replacing it, and resurrecting the Goldsmobile.

My question is, will this work? I know the 80's B body frames are sturdier than the 77-79 frames, but will the body mount up in the right place? Can someone do some measurements, give me some pictures, and do some research on their wagon for me? I'd really like this car back, and it's a lot of work, I'd need pieces from the '83 Custom Cruiser in the yard to put my interior back together. I uh, borrowed pieces for the '79.

Fortunately the interior is the same from '77-79 in the wagons, and uh, 77-84 or whenever the big rear wheel drives turned into those sad little Cierra's...

So from what I know, the brakes may be the big pattern which would require a different booster and master cylinder (I think?), and the suspension will likely a bit beefier if that is the case. I also know that the steering box int he 80's was a metric fitting box, so I'd have to use mine or find a '70's box, or get a new one. I don't trust the steering box or pump on the frame I'd be using. Been sitting way too long. If I can manage the Custom Cruiser it would source me some parts (albeit wrong colored) that I need for the interior to put it back together... Lastly, I don't think any wiring except for some engine related stuff runs along the frame does it?

And to answer YOUR question, YES, I have lost my mind. But I want my car back, and I'm willing to go through somewhat absurd lengths to do that.

 

The 1977-1990 B-body frames a the same. You want a sedan frame. The wagon frames have some slight differences at the rear.

 

Don't think I can source a sedan frame, what are the differences at the rear on a wagon frame?

 

I know the rear axle and suspension arms are different on the wagons. I do not know what that means for the actual frame or the body mount locations. The CSM does not clearly show differences.

 

Alright, thanks, I'll just have to take a look I suppose. I'd be happy if I could just find a wagon body to put my engine in.