65 COUPE FRAME

[Jack W.]

I HAVE RESTORED SOLID AXLES BUT FIRST MID YEAR FRAME OFF.

DELIMMA: THE FRAME HAD BEEN DAMAGED BEHIND L/H DOOR. SLEEVED IT AND HAD IT STRAIGTENED. A FRIEND, NCRS LONG TIME JUDGE AND RESTORER, HAS ATTEMPTED TO HELP PUT THE BODY BACK ON AFTER COMPLETE DRIVE TRAIN RECOND. HE SAYS THE NEW FRONT FIBERGLASS WONT BOLT UP BECAUSE THE SB ENGINE (W/AC, 4SP) IS OFFSET TO THE RIGHT BY 3/4 INCH (PLUMB LINE FROM WATER PUMP DOWN TO CENTER OF CROSS MEMBER) SENT THE FRAME OFF AND HAD IT STRAIGHTENED AGAIN. I HAVE BEEN TOLD AT LEAST THREE SEPERATE TIMES THAT THE SB ENGINE SHOULD BE OFFSET TO THE RIGHT. MY FRIEND SAYS HE'S BEEN RESTORING MID YEARS AND JUDGING FOR YEARS AND ARGUES IT SHOULD LINE UP EXACTLY FOR THE RADIATOR AND FRONT END BOLT ONS TO ALIGN FIBER GLASS AND HOOD.

THIS PROJECT HAS BEEN IN PROGRESS FOR 2 YEARS AND BACK TO BARE FRAME AGAIN. CAN SOMEONE CLEAR THIS MATTER FOR ME? SUGGESTINS?

[Wayne W.]

Re: 65 COUPE FRAME

The engine is definitely offset.

[Wayne M.]

Re: 65 COUPE FRAME

Agree with Wayne W. In fact, you can see the offset by checking the difference of the length of the left and right motor mount brackets welded to frame. The rad shroud and front frame X-member indentations allow for off-set fan clearance. I think the purpose of motor off-set is to allow more interior room for driver foot and hand actions (clutch & shifter), at the expense of passenger footwell width.

[Craig S.]

Re: 65 COUPE FRAME

It also may be for the steering gear mounted on the drivers side inboard of the frame, but for sure it is offset...Craig

[Richard Hayes]

Re: 65 COUPE FRAME

In Tom Falconer's book- "Original Corvette Sting Ray 1963-1967", he states on page 61 that "ALL 1963-82 engines and drivelines are offset ONE inch to the right, to provide extra space for the pedals."

[Jack W.]

Re: 65 COUPE FRAME

THANKS VERY MUCH FOR YOUR RESPONSE. SEEMS I HAVE WASTED A LOT OF TIME AND $ CHASING THE EVASIVE 3/4"

JACK WILSON

[Jack W.]

Re: 65 COUPE FRAME

THANK YOU FOR THE RESPONSE. SEEMS UNANIMOUS.

JACK WILSON

[Jack W.]

Re: 65 COUPE FRAME

MAKES A LOT OF SENSE. THANKS FOR THE RESPONSE