C1 Frame Question

[Eric A.]

Does anyone know the difference in a 1958 and a 1960 / 61 frame.

I think my 1958 car is on a 1960 frame but would like to confirm. The next question, will a 1958 correct low horsepower oval muffler fit a 1960 frame.

In the process of a rebuild for Top Flight judging. I can not find a good photo of both frames to compare the differences, size, structure, etc. Any guidance would be great.

Thank you everyone for all your support - rookie with Vettes but will not be my last !

Eric

[Jerry C.]

Re: C1 Frame Question

58 frame has the rear rubber bumper bracket on the outside of the frame as the 60 is on the inside of the kickup. 60 frame has the brackets on the rear for the rear swaybar. The exhaust will work OK. If you want to call me @ 317 442 3173 it's OK.

[Terry D.]

Re: C1 Frame Question

Do you have Noland's Corvette Restoration book? It describes the differences in the frames and many other things.

[Tom P.]

Re: C1 Frame Question

From 55 to 62, the basic frame is the same. As the years went by, some brackets, holes and weld nuts were added (for bumpers, sway bars, axle housings, etc). The 60-62 frames have all the additions. The most notable difference between a 58 and a 60-62 frame, as mentioned, is the bracket(s) for the rubber bumper for for the axle housing. The 58 frame had 2 per side. One just above the axle housing and the other was close to the front of the leaf springs for snubbing the front part of the leaf spring during spring windup under hard acceleration (a knowledgeable NCRS judge will notice the absence of this forward bracket). This forward bracket went away when the 59 chassis got the rear traction bars (radius rods) which were installed on ALL 59-62 chassis.

[Ian G.]

Re: C1 Frame Question

On a 60 frame you'll also find a little bracket on the downturn over the axle for the rear sway bar vertical rods, and 4 holes drilled in the bottom shock/ubolt mount plates for the sway bar brackets to attach on the bottom.