Help on 68 frame

[Jim R.]

Looked at a 68 conv today 300hp 4spd air car the engine hp code is HE it looks like it has the original motor with vin # on block same as car , it has a j or may build date, but it has a removable center crossmember, is there any chance that this could be original, there doesn't seem to be any clues as to the frame being changed, usally the removable crossmembers are for automatic transmission cars aren't they?

[Joe L.]

Re: Help on 68 frame

Looked at a 68 conv today 300hp 4spd air car the engine hp code is HE it looks like it has the original motor with vin # on block same as car , it has a j or may build date, but it has a removable center crossmember, is there any chance that this could be original, there doesn't seem to be any clues as to the frame being changed, usally the removable crossmembers are for automatic transmission cars aren't they?

Jim------


Yes, the removable transmission crossmember was used for automatic transmission C3's (until 1979 when the removable crossmember was used for all applications).

Is it possible that a removable crossmember was originally used for your car? Most anything is POSSIBLE but I consider it highly unlikely. So, how to check? Very easy. Just check the stamped VIN derivative on the top of the frame in the vicinity of the left side rear wheel. If it jives with the VIN number of the car, then the frame is original. If it does not jive (or, if there are no numbers as would be the case with a SERVICE frame), then the frame is not original.

[Jim R.]

Re: Help on 68 frame

Thanks joe i will check the frame rail.

[John H.]

Re: Help on 68 frame

Jim -

Also look at the welding where the clutch cross shaft tower is welded to the frame; automatic frames didn't have them, and they were arc-welded ("stick-welded") on manual transmission frames, not mig-welded.

[Terry B.]

Re: Help on 68 frame

Hi Jim,

Unless I'm missing something, wouldn't it be more likely that the original automatic transmission was swapped out for a four speed? Seems like that would be alot easier than changing the frame.

Terry

[Michael M.]

Re: Help on 68 frame

Terry, I agree. Check the number on the tranny first. If it jives, then go to the frame.

[Michael D.]

Re: Help on 68 frame

HE is correct for a 4 speed car; HO for the TH400. I'm guessing the X-member was added by a PO.

[Jim R.]

Re: Help on 68 frame

Thanks for the help guy's , i checked the engine hp code it is HE the tranny has the serial number same as car, 68 rear with 336 AM ,its hard to see the numbers on the frame ,there is numbers there and i will try to figure out a way to read them better, and no clues as to being a changed out frame.

[Joe L.]

Re: Help on 68 frame

Thanks for the help guy's , i checked the engine hp code it is HE the tranny has the serial number same as car, 68 rear with 336 AM ,its hard to see the numbers on the frame ,there is numbers there and i will try to figure out a way to read them better, and no clues as to being a changed out frame.

Jim------


Yes, the frame numbers are difficult to see. You need to carefully and thoroughly clean the area with a small brush. Then, use a mirror to see the numbers.

[Jim R.]

Re: Help on 68 frame

Thanks Joe we will give it a try.

[Jim R.]

Re: Help on 68 frame

I can't seem to locate a serial number on the frame rail and i also noticed that the frame on this 68 is almost too nice to be original (no scale or rust at all) and it has rubber mounts on it, so it would most likely have been replaced. would it be considered a bad thing that it has rubber mounts and a frame with a removable cross member.

[Joe L.]

Re: Help on 68 frame

I can't seem to locate a serial number on the frame rail and i also noticed that the frame on this 68 is almost too nice to be original (no scale or rust at all) and it has rubber mounts on it, so it would most likely have been replaced. would it be considered a bad thing that it has rubber mounts and a frame with a removable cross member.

Jim------


It might be a replacement frame. The rubber mounts would seem to indicate that at least the mounts have been replaced. No 1968 was ever originally built with rubber body mounts.

As far as would the rubber body mounts and removable crossmember be "considered a bad thing", the answer depends on what you want to do with the car. If the car is a manual transmission, the removable crossmember frame would be an issue in NCRS flight judging. The rubber body mounts probably would not be detected.