GM A Body Chassis Question

[JOYRIDER]

Hi Folks,

I need some advice on my 1970 Chevelle Convertible chassis frame. I thinking of going Pro-Touring and overhauling the entire car.

The frame I have now needs major work, so my options are:

1) Send original frame for serious overhaul, then begin re-assembly with the best of everything
Lots of time, labour, and money involved.

2) Purchase bare chassis or rolling chassis from the following:

http://gmachinechassis.com/ http://www.schwartzperformance.com/products.htm

Note: Requres a custom or modified gas tank width, bumper brackets, slight mod to core support on some models.
Stock type suspension pieces, engine mounts, or rear ends will not bolt on to this chassis.
* Starting $3495 bare welded chassis only, no suspension
* Complete roller with power steering rack, Coil over shocks, 4 wheel disc brakes, 12" rotors, rear end, 3rd member, approx $14,550
Lots of money, more time and labour due to fitting parts

3) Purchase from http://www.streetrodgarage.com/abodyframesneekpeek.aspx
Note: Direct Fit! NO BODY MODS!
Lots more money, less time and labour.

Thoughts ??

[johnny37]

Check Art Morrison chassis. I've seen several of his, and they are absolutely top notch. They are at http://www.artmorrison.com.

[Davey_Joe]

me too... seen one o' theirs under a 57 nomad... thats why his name is 'art'!!.....

[dale48mrc]

Joyrider,how's the frame in the first place?Is it rusted through?You could probaly find another frame.If you're goin' the pro-touring route,look into Hotchkiss Suspension.They build some good stuff and will make your car handle like it's on rails.Here's a link;http://www.hotchkis.net/default.aspx?skinid=7

[JOYRIDER]

Frame has some sections already strengthened from rust.
I guess the body would have to come off to get the whole picture ??

I'm planning for worst case, so just lining up the options ahead of time, (and tryin to save the $)

Thanks for all the tips

The money you'all help me save....I'll buy ya beers with.

[JOYRIDER]

I just checked out Art Morrison.
Package Price ..........$7,270.00, thats awesome.

However, I've never heard of :

" a platform upon which a unibody-type vehicle can be “dropped” on.
The floorboard of the host vehicle will need to be removed, and a new one fabricated once the body has been mounted to the frame. Installation of a MaxG Chassis requires the removal of most or all of the stock Firewall, Floorpan and Trunk Floor; along with fabrication of all Body, Bumper and Core Support Mounts"

I guess if the floors are shot, then good opportunity to get new ones.
When fabricating new floors, what options / tips are available to improve the structure of the car?

[DEUCE B.B.]

joyrider , checked with friend of mine on your frame issue, might want to give him acall , his name is Stan , #519-233-7236 . he knows more about chevelles an beaumonts than anyone i know of. i think he must have been born in one . he is very good to deal with , an reasonable . dent

[Chad]

I just checked out Art Morrison.
Package Price ..........$7,270.00, thats awesome.

However, I've never heard of :

" a platform upon which a unibody-type vehicle can be “dropped” on.
The floorboard of the host vehicle will need to be removed, and a new one fabricated once the body has been mounted to the frame. Installation of a MaxG Chassis requires the removal of most or all of the stock Firewall, Floorpan and Trunk Floor; along with fabrication of all Body, Bumper and Core Support Mounts"

I guess if the floors are shot, then good opportunity to get new ones.
When fabricating new floors, what options / tips are available to improve the structure of the car?

Make sure you make new floor braces some what similar to the old ones I use 16 gauge for the braces ...When I fab new floor braces I make them like a channel or more like a top hat would be a better word for it...Also if you you don't have access to a bead roller use 16 gauge for the floors so they dont get that oil can affect ,,,if you do have a bead roller 18 gauge is enough...Make sure your inner rockers are up to snuff while your in their especially for a convertible...I sometimes change the inner rocker while I am doing something like this just cause I like to make sure everything is new...While your at it you might as well make a nice new smooth firewall too;)

[JOYRIDER]

Thanks for the info Chad....seems like theres lots of custom metal work involved with the Art Morrison frame...which brings me to another question:

Take a look at this frame:
http://www.streetrodgarage.com/abodyframesneekpeek.aspx

Let me know your opinions on the SRG GM A body frame, does it look like quality? it costs $4495, can handle 1500HP

The guy at SRG tells me theres 2 versions:
- stock GM A Body frame, which allows for GM floor pans, however you "see" the bottom of the frame once car is complete.
- custom GM A Body frame, which requires custome floors and you dont not "see" the bottom of the frame, lower centre of gravity.

Which method is preferred?

Any cons on going with stock frame / floor design?

[Chad]

Its really up to you and what you want out of the car for performance...If it's just a driver fix what you already have and put all new bushings in the suspension and lay down some new floor pans if needed and drive it....But if your going to go nut's and do it all they way then you know the way to go ;)....