[blackadder]

Was wondering what years and models of GM A body frames fit a 65 GTO?

['ol Pinion head]

'64-67 GM A-body frames are all 116" wheelbase. 2 door or 4 door.

'64-67 Pontiac & Buick A-body frames will bolt in, with the qualification that all '67 A-body frames having a differently stamped rear coil spring pockets in the crossmember.

'64-65 Olds A-body frames will also work. For '66 models, Olds Cutlasses & 442's went to a cross flow radiator & that required a change to wider front frame horns, thus making the '66 & 67 Olds A-body frames year specific for Olds A-body's.

For a serious restoration, I would search out for a '65 or '66 frame & note the front of the front (engine mount) crossmember area. The '64 Pontiac & Olds A-body frames I've removed from partscars had a different shaped area at the front center of front frame crossmember than the '65 & 66 A-body frames that I have had (& possibly have in the frame stacks). The feature Im remembering was an open triangular shape at the front versus the "shoe horn" shape. If total correctness is very important, thre are noted serious '64 & 65 restorer/collectors here on the board that could confirm that feature.

[b-man]

I know you meant 115” wheelbase.

[hgerhardt]

Originally Posted by 'ol Pinion head

....... & note the front of the front (engine mount) crossmember area........ The feature Im remembering was an open triangular shape at the front versus the "shoe horn" shape. ........

Seems I remember from way back that various Fisher Body plants did that triangular frame horn differently. Some had the integral formed triangle and some had the triangle as a separate piece made from bent plate stock and welded on.

Of course it depends which year(s) that discrepancy happened, and I don't remember that. Worth checking if you're building a concours car.

[6d7gto]

Originally Posted by hgerhardt

Seems I remember from way back that various Fisher Body plants did that triangular frame horn differently. Some had the integral formed triangle and some had the triangle as a separate piece made from bent plate stock and welded on.

Of course it depends which year(s) that discrepancy happened, and I don't remember that. Worth checking if you're building a concours car.

That said, not sure about 1965...but I do know that 1967 had 3 different frame builders. All 3 manufacturers (Pontiac, AO Smith and Parrish) had differences in them; which might account for the different shoe horn configurations? Pretty sure the vehicle build plant locations utilized different frame manufacturers...probably using the closest to them for shipping purposes.

['ol Pinion head]

Originally Posted by b-man

I know you meant 115” wheelbase.

Yes, 115" WB.

['ol Pinion head]

Originally Posted by 6d7gto

That said, not sure about 1965...but I do know that 1967 had 3 different frame builders. All 3 manufacturers (Pontiac, AO Smith and Parrish) had differences in them; which might account for the different shoe horn configurations? Pretty sure the vehicle build plant locations utilized different frame manufacturers...probably using the closest to them for shipping purposes.

Agree several different frame mfg'ers may have supplied in '64 & '65 model years. Will start examining the lh frame legs & front frame crossmember areas in several friends very original '64 & 65 GTO's. On the A-body frame plants, believe they were all located in the upper Midwest.

[blackadder]

Was looking at a 67 Skylark convt frame as a replacement if needed. Would it have the factory stiffeners installed being a convt frame. My 65 is a post car.

['ol Pinion head]

The '67 Skylark convert frame is exact same application as '67 Tempest/LeMans/GTO. uses the '67 style rear springs due to the different stamped big crossmember. Substituting a boxed convert frame in a car that at originally had an open side rail type frame, you'll want to go with a main fuel line & brake line for that boxed (convert style) frame. The other things to note is if your '65 is a 3spd or 4spd car, you 'll want to take measurements of where the welded on tab is on the front drivers side for the Z-bar. These were welded on through '67 models, & you'd need to weld the tab onto the previously automatic A-body frame. Will also need the transmission crossmember for the boxed (convert) frame.

[blackadder]

All great information. Thanks alot. Just asking due to pulling the frame on the GTO soon and wanted a back up plan if its in rough shape.

[gokitty]

Interesting factoid: ALL 1967 Buick GS 400's had a boxed frame...hardtop,sports coupe &convertible