1957 Frame

[Dan P.]

Were the frames the same from 57 -62. Can a 61-62 be made NCRS correct for A 1957 .

[Roy B.]

Re: 1957 Frame

Basically yes ! Money can can do it.

[Dan P.]

Re: 1957 Frame

thanks for the reply

[Tom P.]

Re: 1957 Frame

Dan,
The fundamental difference in later frames is brackets which were added in 59 and 60-62.
Also, later frames have additional holes in the rear cross member for attachment of bumper braces.
The 59-62 cars had radius rods added (factory traction bars) above the rear axle housing which were attached to a welded-on bracked to the fame rail forward of the axle housing. Then, in 60, a rear sway bar was added and another bracket was welded to the frame rail on the inside of the frame and aft of the axle housing.
Using a die grinder and a cutoff wheel, these brackets could be removed by VERY carefully cutting through the welds then VERY carefully grinding down the remnants of the welds on the frame.
This could be done, BUT, on my 56, I chose to UPGRADE the chassis to that of a 60-62 by adding the brackets, radius rods and rear sway bar!

[Dan P.]

Re: 1957 Frame

Thanks that is just what i was tol to do .

[Tom P.]

Re: 1957 Frame

Dan,
If you cut those brackets off, and don't want to keep them, and they're in good shape, I'd sure be interested in them!!!

[Jim H.]

Re: 1957 Frame

Dan,
The fundamental difference in later frames is brackets which were added in 59 and 60-62.
Also, later frames have additional holes in the rear cross member for attachment of bumper braces.
The 59-62 cars had radius rods added (factory traction bars) above the rear axle housing which were attached to a welded-on bracked to the fame rail forward of the axle housing. Then, in 60, a rear sway bar was added and another bracket was welded to the frame rail on the inside of the frame and aft of the axle housing.
Using a die grinder and a cutoff wheel, these brackets could be removed by VERY carefully cutting through the welds then VERY carefully grinding down the remnants of the welds on the frame.
This could be done, BUT, on my 56, I chose to UPGRADE the chassis to that of a 60-62 by adding the brackets, radius rods and rear sway bar!

61/62 frames have different exhaust mounting points. You need the brackets for the rear area of the exhaust welded to the frame rails.

[Edward M.]

Re: 1957 Frame

And the front frame horns are different. The 58 and up frames have a flat surface on the outside edges where the bumper brackets mount to. The 56 and 57 (and earlier, I think) have a sort of "double humped" surface.

This is one case where a picture would really come in handy. Unfortunately, I don't have one.

[Ed M.]

Re: 1957 Frame

Dan, I replaced my original '57 frame and the old one is in Osawattomie, KS.. about 45 minutes South of Shawnee... not perfect but original... if you want to see it let me know... Ed

PS... your shocks are working out well...