1962 Factory frame X-brace

[Hillside8610]

Hello all! Newbie here and thank you for all the great info I have gotten so far hope someone can help with my question below

I removed the front suspechion in my 62 and installed a K member from a 78 so no more torshion bars. Has anyone removed the factory X bracing from the 60-62 frame and just boxed it or add a few smaller braces to make it like a 63 frame?

[53Sparky]

Originally Posted by Hillside8610

Hello all! Newbie here and thank you for all the great info I have gotten so far hope someone can help with my question below

I removed the front suspechion in my 62 and installed a K member from a 78 so no more torshion bars. Has anyone removed the factory X bracing from the 60-62 frame and just boxed it or add a few smaller braces to make it like a 63 frame?

Not sure why you would want to do that.
1) The frame is a very good design as it stands
2) The 63 frame has a different spacing between the frame rails
3) I think the 63-66 frame is taller and possibly heavier gauge than the 60-62. Removing the x brace from the 60-62 frame and boxing it would result in a frame that doesn't have very good structural integrity.

If you want a 63-66 frame, get a 63-66 frame. It's going to be better than trying to modify the 60-62 frame.

[Clyde65]

Welcome!

Ditto as 53sparky said!

[Hillside8610]

Originally Posted by 53Sparky

Not sure why you would want to do that.
1) The frame is a very good design as it stands
2) The 63 frame has a different spacing between the frame rails
3) I think the 63-66 frame is taller and possibly heavier gauge than the 60-62. Removing the x brace from the 60-62 frame and boxing it would result in a frame that doesn't have very good structural integrity.

If you want a 63-66 frame, get a 63-66 frame. It's going to be better than trying to modify the 60-62 frame.

Okay great! Thats kind of what I thought but it is much harder to route exhaust and everything so I just thought I would see if anyone has modified one

[Hillside8610]

Originally Posted by Clyde65

Welcome!

Ditto as 53sparky said!

Thanks guys

[GMCNUT]

Originally Posted by Hillside8610

Okay great! Thats kind of what I thought but it is much harder to route exhaust and everything

Not true! believe it or not, all X frame trucks built in the 1960-62 years came with exhaust pipes too! (I'm just playing Hillside)

Seriously, your exhaust will run under the frame rails on either side identically to how they were originally done just fine.

[GMCNUT]

Originally Posted by 53Sparky

Not sure why you would want to do that.
1) The frame is a very good design as it stands
2) The 63 frame has a different spacing between the frame rails
3) I think the 63-66 frame is taller and possibly heavier gauge than the 60-62. Removing the x brace from the 60-62 frame and boxing it would result in a frame that doesn't have very good structural integrity.

If you want a 63-66 frame, get a 63-66 frame. It's going to be better than trying to modify the 60-62 frame.

Could not have said it better myself - so, the 60-62 frame is to date the heaviest, most expensive and best built frame Chevrolet or GMC ever produced in the pre-modern age. Torsion bars are what all modern trucks use today so technology-wise they were ahead of their time debuting in 1960. Unfortunately, the cost of building the 60-62 over-engineered frame was too expensive and was nixed only 3 years into production in favor of a low-cost C-channel frame in 63. By removing your front crossmember and torsion bars, I am thinking you are backing up unless you only did it to get disk brakes or something and I think there are kits for that anyways if that is what you are trying to accomplish. Your cab will not line up on a 63-66 frame without modification, so I recommend keeping the X frame and I'd probably suggest putting it back the way you got it to be honest.....

[LVPhotos]

This was shared and cleaner than mine. But the new stuff will bee that clean.

[OldChevy61]

Hope my 62 looks half that good underneath when it back together. Question, what is the advantage in the cross in the exhaust?

[jonzcustomshop]

Originally Posted by OldChevy61

Hope my 62 looks half that good underneath when it back together. Question, what is the advantage in the cross in the exhaust?

I thought it was for more torque and hp, and did a quick google seach, this came up ,which pretty much backs that up
http://forums.vintage-mustang.com/vi...-pipe-all.html

[LVPhotos]

It balances the pressures in the pipes. You don't need it but Pypes sells this and is cheaper than having one built. Here is mine I sold. Only few years of use. Not connected in center. You need to pass through the center of torsion crossmember.

[LVPhotos]

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

I did! ;-)
Here is an old picture.

Done alot more since the photo.

[Hillside8610]

Originally Posted by 1Bad62Pro/Street

I did! ;-)
Here is an old picture.

Done alot more since the photo.

I figured someone tried it Thanks, Any issues? Is the truck back on the road?

[Hillside8610]

Thank you all for the help! The photos of the exhaust routing with the X in the frame is very helpful

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

Originally Posted by Hillside8610

I figured someone tried it Thanks, Any issues? Is the truck back on the road?

No issues at all.
She's got a few more tinkering to be done and she will be back on the road.




http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=321173

[Thiessen1960]

On these frames has anyone found a good rear gas tank that works well? I believe I remember hearing about a Ford Falcon tank that fit.

[LVPhotos]

Corvette, Mustang / Falcon. TANKS INC.
http://www.tanksinc.com/index.cfm/pa...rod/prd155.htm

[OldChevy61]

LVPhotos, what did you have that exhaust system hooked to. Headers or manifolds. And did the truck have the factory bell housing cross member in it?

[Crazy Rusty]

Originally Posted by Thiessen1960

On these frames has anyone found a good rear gas tank that works well? I believe I remember hearing about a Ford Falcon tank that fit.

I got one from POI, works great, pricey as hell. But I didn't know about the corvette one... :|

[LVPhotos]

Original was ram horns and side pipes. Went to Patriot shorties and exhaust as you see. Stock hydraulic bellhouse with arm on passenger side. New stuff... Mid headers won't clear arm, so I am in middle of TKO 600 swap and hydraulic bearing as seen on build thread listed below.

[verdell]

Originally Posted by Thiessen1960

On these frames has anyone found a good rear gas tank that works well? I believe I remember hearing about a Ford Falcon tank that fit.

1978 Chevy Van works pretty good..

[OldChevy61]

Sent you a PM LVPHOTOS, got a couple questions for you.

[SSpeed66]

Originally Posted by verdell

1978 Chevy Van works pretty good..

I'll be in on that one for my 61, as I like to have GM OEM if at all possible !