1969 Coupe Frame Question

[Chris L.]

Ok, I’m looking at a 69’ coupe/automatic that needs a frame. I know the manual and automatic frames/chassis are different because of the removable transmission crossmember, but will I need a 69’ only frame to replace, and pass NCRS judging, with my bad one or will any 68’-72’ automatic frame be the same. I looked at Vette Products of Michigan and they list those years together. I’ve dealt with Neal in the past, very knowledgeable, but if you question him about anything, he becomes a little difficult to deal with from then on. Just looking for some knowledge here.
Regards,
Chris L.

[Joe L.]

Ok, I’m looking at a 69’ coupe/automatic that needs a frame. I know the manual and automatic frames/chassis are different because of the removable transmission crossmember, but will I need a 69’ only frame to replace, and pass NCRS judging, with my bad one or will any 68’-72’ automatic frame be the same. I looked at Vette Products of Michigan and they list those years together. I’ve dealt with Neal in the past, very knowledgeable, but if you question him about anything, he becomes a little difficult to deal with from then on. Just looking for some knowledge here.
Regards,
Chris L.

Chris-----


I believe that any 1969-72 automatic frame will work for you. 1968 is different. It's possible that a 1968 frame could be modified to work but, if it were me, I would not even attempt it.

[Patrick H.]

Since you're in California, I would contact America's Finest:

https://www.corvetteusa.com/

He advertises rehabbed frames without needing yours on trade.

There is someone here in MI who rehabs frames, but the cost + shipping would probably not be worth it.

[Chris L.]

Thanks Patrick & Joe for your input. Yes, being on the west coast Mike @ Americas Finest is an option. That said, I’m hoping to find a correct plug and play frame rather than one that’s been made to fit. Being that I’m on the west coast, good frames hopefully won’t be hard to find. So far all the good frames I’ve located are for manual transmission cars. The search continues… and before anyone asks, yes I’ve talked to David Sokolowski and his inventory is empty at this time.
Regards,
Chris

[Joe L.]

Chris------


The last available GM SERVICE frame for ALL 1969-74 Corvette applications was a removable crossmember-type frame (since a removable crossmember frame can be used to SERVICE both manual and auto trans applications). It was GM #12300910. Unfortunately, it was discontinued without supercession in June, 1995 and I think such a frame would be virtually impossible to find today in NOS form.

I expect that this frame also had the body mount brackets re-located as per 1973-74 applications. If so, using it for 1969-72 applications might require using 1973-74 body mounts or some other modification.

[Terry M.]

Chris,
I would at least contact Mike (America’s Finest) to see what he has and maybe what he has to say. I don’t think his frames are made from scratch but, rather, original frames that have been loved on where needed (I could be wrong). I have dealt with Mike on a number of parts in the past (not frames though) and have found him to be good to deal with. He is a character, but a good one as I have found. Anyway, good to be better informed. Not sure how far you are from him but, if close, you could look at his stuff.
Terrys