68 Cutlass Convert frame question

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Oct 2, 2018 | 03:53 PM

68442droptop

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Joined: Oct 2016

Posts: 60

From: Wisconsin

68 Cutlass Convert frame question

Anyone know for sure if a 71 Skylark Convert frame is the same as a 68 Cutlass convert frame. Lots of people say all the a body frames from 68-72 are the same (except hardtop and convert of course), but does anyone know if there are specific differences or if a 71 Skylark convert frame can be used on a 68 442 convert without any modifications?

Oct 3, 2018 | 11:14 AM

matt69olds

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Joined: Jan 2010

Posts: 6,105

From: central Indiana

I think the frames are interchangeable, as long as the body style and wheelbase is the same

Oct 3, 2018 | 05:48 PM

Yellowstatue

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Joined: Jan 2009

Posts: 4,086

From: Too close to Toronto!!

The one difference I can think of is; the brake line on a '68 is in the middle of the cross member and the later years it is moved outboard about seven or eight inches. Therefore you would have to check the hole for the brake line and get the correct flex line to match.

Oct 3, 2018 | 07:34 PM

SmirchIs#1

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Joined: Apr 2018

Posts: 84

From: Cobleskill NY 12043

Quote:

Originally Posted by 68442droptop

There are two small differences that I have seen,but they are still interchangeable,The shape of the rear crossmember that the upper trailing arms are bolted to are shaped different where it is welded to the frame rails.Also the welded tab at the front center edge of the crossmember under the engine will usualy be different between years and models

Oct 4, 2018 | 05:05 PM

allyolds68

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Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 5,508

From: Seneca Falls, NY

I knew Greg Godon had replied a few years ago to a question Joffroi had about frame differences. He was wanting to put a 70-72 convertible frame under his 68 convertible. I had to dig back four years

Here it is:

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcktdoc

68 frames are different in a couple places than the 70 and up frames. above the rear end at the arch the 68 is shaped to clear the inner wheel house on 70-72 they laid the frame at an angle in that spot, and the front crossmember is shaped different than 69 and up.The front is only estetic.

Greg

and this

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcktdoc

.......they notched the 68/69 frames to clear the inner wheel houses. The 70-72 frames arent nothced. You may want to check clearance on your existing frame where the wheelhouse comes closest to the frame over the rearend.
Greg

and this:

Quote:

Originally Posted by rcktdoc

......all 68-69 frames are dished at the arch above the rearend on the outside of the frame rail, The 70-72 frames arent dished.

Greg

The whole thread is here:

https://classicoldsmobile.com/forums...-how-goes.html

Last edited by allyolds68; Oct 4, 2018 at 05:13 PM.