I have a '66 lemans convertible with an incredible amount of frame rust --
including holes going through the frame and most of the body-to-frame bolt holes
rusted out. I'm trying to determine if it would be cheaper to replace the
frame with a new one (if they are even available) versus the expense of
having to rebuild the existing one, which I expect will take a lot of time
and money. Anyone know of any manufacturers of stock-type frames for A body cars? I guess another option could be to find a junker
with a good frame and move everything over to it, but I'd prefer to start
with something that's in perfect condition. Thanks.

I have a '66 lemans convertible with an incredible amount of frame rust --
including holes going through the frame and most of the body-to-frame bolt holes
rusted out. I'm trying to determine if it would be cheaper to replace the
frame with a new one (if they are even available) versus the expense of
having to rebuild the existing one, which I expect will take a lot of time
and money. Anyone know of any manufacturers of stock-type frames for A body cars? I guess another option could be to find a junker
with a good frame and move everything over to it, but I'd prefer to start
with something that's in perfect condition. Thanks.

wow, holes thru the frame is pretty stinkin bad. find a donor car or take yours all the way down and sand blast it and fix it

Which mounts were rusted through so I can check mine.

Anthony

AFAIK, Nobody is repopping new frames, so you'd have to find a donor, which would prolly be cheaper than paying a skilled welder to fix yours. The good news is you're not limited to finding a 66 Pontiac frame, as a Buick or Olds, and possibly Chevy, will work. I'm not entirely sure you're limited to the 66 model year either, but you'll need to ask someone smarter than I.

Dick Duclow has a frame frame for sale in the for sale posts. If its a htp frame all you would have to do is have it boxed.

RB66,
I've got a decent 67 convertible frame; located in k.c., mo. $1400.

Thanks guys. I'll get a quote from a few frame shops and see if buying a donor frame is more cost effective. Incidentally, the mounts that were rusted through are the ones directly behind the front wheels on each side. The car is still drivable, but I just put a rebuilt 455 in it and I'm thinking that with the amount of torque that monster puts out, I'm sure it's not good for a rusty old frame. Question: a convertible frame is more substantial than a coupe. Would I need to search for another convertible, or have the coupe frame reinforced?

I don't think a convertible frame is more "substantial" than a hardtop - it's just boxed.

The hardtop frame is a C-channel and the convertible frame is boxed (like the C-channel is closed-in).

Don't think I'd try to modify a hardtop frame for a convertible unless absolutely necessary - especially when you can pick up a replacement frame. I've seen some convertible projects (on e-bay http://forums.performanceyears.com/g...s/icon_mad.gif) in the $1-2 K range - if it's got a good frame - you could probably part it out and darn near break even.

my $.02

I started looking for a new frame a couple of months ago. After finding a couple in the $1,000-1500 range I was getting depressed. I decided to spend the $4.95 and do a parts search on line. Less than two hours later I got an e-mail from someone in TN with a 66 Convertible frame. Some guy dropped it off 10 years ago to get blasted and painted. He died before he could pick it up. I got the entire Chassis(no engine/trans) for $300. Now I have a spare 10bolt posi. He did have another A-body convertible Frame/body etc., but it had been sitting for so long a huge bush had grown around it. Take your time keep looking. Good luck.

Jeff

Can not beat the price. Looks better than what I got for $300.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...category=34200

Where did you go to do that $4.95 parts search? I need a frame for my '67 Lemans convertible, too, and am wondering what I am going to have to shell out.

This is the website

Part-Finder

There are 3 frames on e-bay right now. 2 boxed and 1 regular. The $325 for the rolling chassis is a great deal.

I've got a '67 frame complete with suspension, KB shocks, new rear springs, new rubber on sway bar, drum brakes front and rear with new cylinders, and steering box. Has original rear end for AC car. Am in Marlboro, NJ. Looking for $1000. E-mail me [email protected]

jeez, cjwalsh, just how long does it take you to sandblast a frame anyway? http://forums.performanceyears.com/g...icon_smile.gif

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><font size="-1">quote:</font><HR> I've got a '67 frame complete with suspension, KB shocks, new rear springs, new rubber on sway bar, drum brakes front and rear with new cylinders, and steering box. Has original rear end for AC car. Am in Marlboro, NJ. Looking for $1000. E-mail me [email protected] <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

mike - is it a convertible frame?