C1 Frame

[David B.]

I am changing my 59 automatic to a four speed. I have the factory assembly manual but the one I have was used and in a three ring binder but seems to be complete. There is very limited information on dimensions for bracket location on the frame. Can someone tell me where I can go for the frame assembly information. The frame location for the clutch related brackets is what I need. Thanks David

[Steven B.]

Re: C1 Frame

David, contact Tim Mickey, the '58-'60 Team Leader: vette5860@aol.com

Steve

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 Frame

David,

My 1960 AIM section 6 Sheet 7.00 has dimensions for the brackets on the frame for the Zbar/bell crank and the gorilla spring bracket. The dimensions are measured off the Gage Hole in the side of the frame.

Don

[Domenic T.]

Re: C1 Frame

Don,
I thought all the frames had the bracket for the z-bar? I know the engines all had the threaded hole for the other end of the z-bar.

DOM

[Donald H.]

Re: C1 Frame

Don,
I thought all the frames had the bracket for the z-bar? I know the engines all had the threaded hole for the other end of the z-bar.

DOM

you got me! It makes sense that they would just go ahead and weld the brackets on all the frames.

Other than those two brackets, the bell crank bracket on the engine side, the clutch pedal and rod from the pedal to the bell crank, what else is required to convert to stick shift?

Don

[Domenic T.]

Re: C1 Frame

I did a Belair years ago ( I don't remember what year model) and went to the local bone yard and bought the Z-bar and I think both the brake & clutch pedal as they shared the same rod. I had the ball for the engine and the Z bar bolted to the frame bracket after sliding it into the ball swivel that screwed into the block.
I measured the 4 speed & bellhousing to see if it was the same length as the automatic so the drive shaft could be used then put the rods in place.
Now all that was on a columb shift automatic and not a vette with a floor shift.
I had to cut the hole for the linkage on the Belair and get rid of the columb lever with the blank 4 speed replacement. The right clutch fork was important and it needed a different trans mount.
All that was much harder than doing it to a vette because of the columb & cutting the hole in the hump fot the linkage. I think they kept things on the vette universal as far as drive shaft length and maybe the trans mount. The 4 speed linkage has to be right, bellhousing because of starter.
I think if David has all the 59 correct 4 speed parts it should be a matter of bolting it up. The experts on the C1's will know.
When I did it the cars were in the bone yard and the parts were easy to get and were the same on a few year models.

DOM

[Brooks G.]

Re: C1 Frame

David, the brackets are not welded to the frame of a c-1 Corvette with an automatic transmission. If you have an assembly manual, the dimensions should be in there to locate both the clutch tower bracket as well as the "gorilla spring" bracket. It would really help to have an engine block setting in its proper place in order to get the clutch tower bracket welded where it is facing properly toward the engine. Otherwise the clutch swivel could possibly bind and the pedal will not work properly. It could be pushed in and then not rotate where the pedal is all the way against the rubber stop when you let it out. You might get lucky but again you might not. As for myself I would rather do a job just once if possible. I wish you good luck with your project. Brooks Glover (2141)body lift.jpg

[Dennis C.]

Re: C1 Frame

David,

i don't have a 59 AIM to check, but has others have said the dimensions should be in there. My 61 & 62 AIM have them. The dimensions should be used as a guide and then bolt the bracket to the engine and install the Z bar before welding. That way you are sure of the alignment.

Good luck.
pdennis

[John H.]

Re: C1 Frame

Don,
I thought all the frames had the bracket for the z-bar? I know the engines all had the threaded hole for the other end of the z-bar.

DOM

Dom -

All midyear frames had the clutch tower welded on from the frame supplier, regardless of the transmission. However, the clutch tower on C1's with manual transmissions was added at St. Louis, which is why its locating dimensions are shown in the C1 Assembly Manuals.