1972 mystery frame

[Ted K.]

1972 Coupe with correct #'s matching engine, auto trans, A/C, PS, PB, PW, Tilt, Tele, leather. The car is unmolested and appears to be all correct and original.
Frame is the big question. The transmission cross member is welded which I am told is for manual trans. cars: auto trans car cross member is bolted on??
There is a clutch z-bar bracket welded to frame. Was this done on auto trans frames?
U-bolt cap on half shafts are heavy duty ones??
There are 2 small bolt holes on tops of trailing arms where a rear stabilizer bar could go. Would these be on a small block car also?
Can't see frame vin number with body on frame.
I am/was sure this was the original frame. It looks correct and original. Any opinion would help.
Thanks

[Edward J.]

Re: 1972 mystery frame

Ted, I am not sure that there were any automatics with welded cross members, My 72 sm. blk. auto. has a bolted in cross member.

Have you cleaned the drivers side area frame by the kick-up, or just in front of the kick-up for vin.

[Terry M.]

Re: 1972 mystery frame

Try to get that M40 out of the car with that welded in cross member and you will find out why the automatic cross member is bolted in. Someone (not the UAW in St. Louis) lowered the body over the frame with the transmission (and likely the engine also) in the frame. You will need to reverse that process to get the transmission out.

No, factory automatic frames do not have clutch bar brackets welded to the frame, and neither do they have welded in cross members for the reasons cited in the paragraph above.