Frame restoration
#1
jobberone
Thread Starter
Frame restoration
Can you replace a 74 frame 350 with an 80 frame also with 350? Can't find this anywhere but I'm a newbie. Thanks for any help.
#2
Melting Slicks
Member Since: Dec 2000
Location: Union Ontario
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Re: Frame restoration (jobberone)
Yes you can as long as you get the rear axle for it. They changed the rear of the frame in 1980 for use with a Dana 44 rear axle. The mounting of this rear end is vastly different from the previous GM rear axle.
#4
Melting Slicks
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Re: Frame restoration (jobberone)
It would probably be easiest if you got a frame that had a complete rear end assembly since then you would not need any other parts.
I believe the halfshafts and trailing arms are the same so all you would nee would be the axle, leaf spring, and probably the sideyokes
I believe the halfshafts and trailing arms are the same so all you would nee would be the axle, leaf spring, and probably the sideyokes
#5
Premium Supporting Vendor
Re: Frame restoration (MikeC)
the half shafts are a different length. 63-79 are all the same and 80-82 are the same length. Also the rear end, side yokes and spindle flange on the 80-82's are different. 63-79 half shafts have a flange mounted on one side and the 80-82 don't. Strut rod bracket is different along w/the strut rods. Rear spring is different too.
[Modified by Van Steel, 8:40 AM 9/3/2003]
[Modified by Van Steel, 8:40 AM 9/3/2003]
#6
Le Mans Master
Re: Frame restoration (Van Steel)
The gas tank was also relocated, but I have heard of people getting the old tank to mount in the new frame with a little work and fabrication.
:seeya
:seeya
#7
jobberone
Thread Starter
Re: Frame restoration (jobberone)
Thanks everyone. Sounds like it may be better to go with the proper frame but this could be doable. Would I have problems with proper driveshaft alignment, wheel/tires fitting properly, and handling problems due to abnormal geometry? Only reason I started thinking of this is I can get my hands on a restored frame complete with drivetrain. However not sure yet of suspension components fore and aft.
#8
Melting Slicks
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Re: Frame restoration (jobberone)
Yeah the tank changed in 78..... the rear of my 77 frame is vastly different from the 78 frame. I think it will not be to hard of a modification to make my tank work.
Listen to Van Steel... He's the man who knows the stuff!
Listen to Van Steel... He's the man who knows the stuff!