1970 Cutlass

[bandsawguy]

My brother has a 70 Cutlass supreme convertible with a rusted out frame. The frame has been welded so many times it looks like Frankenstein. He has located a fellow who has a rolling chassis he needs to get rid for $100. Only problem is he says its from a chevelle but doesn't know the year. My brother has taken a quick measurement of the wheel base and it 115" compared to 112" for his Cutlass. I am wondering if the wheelbase can be affected by the "A" arms or anything else and the frame is the same. I am going to measure his car tonight then we are going to compare to the rolling chassis but was looking for any advise from car guys on what measurements to use.

[TheSh111t]

Well when you said that the guy does not know the year of the chassis is, I have no way of telling you if it is the same or if it will fit. The Cutlass, Chevelle and Skylark all shared the same chassis (For that given year), but the chassis changed through out the years. Thre were often with in each year depending on car type, like 2 or 4 door for example or station wagon. Will a 1970 Chevelee 2 door chassis work under your 1970 2 door Cutlass... Yes. Will a 1973 Chevelle chassis fit under your 1970, I have no idea. You will need to measure lots of things to compair... Much more then just the wheel base. Things like rear frame kickup, crossmember location and height, frame rail width, body mount location and height and so on. I personally would try to find and numbers on the rolling chassis and then referance those with the DMV. They will be able to identify the type and year of the chassis, as well as tell you if it is stolen or not. Good luck with the build, but I don't think your going to get much help from this forum (Not that people don't want to help you) unless you can come up with a little more info. Good luck on he build.

[bandsawguy]

Well I got one more answer then I thought I would. When my brother called me on this I basically told him the same thing. With no info we will get no answers. Never thought of the serial number thing though I will check and see if I can find one on the chassis. Thanks

[012LDY]

Don't forget that the GM A-Body (Chevelle/GTO/LeMans/Cutlass/etc) convertible is a different frame from the regular 2dr coupe/hardtop, as far as design goes....it is sturdier so as to handle the flex. If you go to hollanders interchange manual, and perhaps TeamChevelle, you can get some truly expert guidance re interchangeability. I believe a good used frame goes for around 800-1200 dollars, so it may be cheaper to go with an original than trying to retrofit another....Additionally, the cutoff and design changepoint is 1973, so that frame is totally different from 1964 to 1972 A-bodies. Just my 38 cents worth. Shawn

[old blue]

For $100 it's a worthwhile gamble if it's sound.

If there's a good reason why it's not a complete car, I'd get the thing and put it next to my project and assess the harmony side by side. That's the only way to be sure.
Not knowing your threshold for modifying I can't make the call for you, but personally, if I could make it fit my car in a weekend I'd be happy.

On the other hand if, after the side by side scope-out, it looked like it was going to be Pandora's Box to modify it, you can drag it over the scales and get some of your investment back.. Pull any goodies off first. If the wheels and brakes are decent and compatable that stuff alone is worth the money.. plus steering gearbox, et cetera.

[bandsawguy]

After some measuring it is apparent that the frame is longer than the original. My brother and I aren't comfortable chopping the frame since his old one has been beefed up for the convertible. So the search to replace frankenframe continues. Its not a big rush anyway as this is just a sunday cruise car. If anybody knows of a frame within a 4 hour drive of say Detroit Michigan let my know and I will pass it on.

[hmburner]

Go to a wreckers on a saturday afternoon with a cold sixpack and ask the guy behind the counter to look up your frame in Hollanders interchange. Then you will know exactly what you are looking for,including what years and models will interchange. This should make your search a little easier

Bill