Out Of My Realm - '62 Frame Question

[LockDoc]

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Howdy folks. I hang out over at the '67-72 board but I picked this '62 lwb (I think) frame up at my local salvage yard today and I have a couple of questions. It's a really nice frame but from doing a little reading it seems like it isn't the most popular style because of the torsion bars and Xmember. I see where the later front cross member will swap in without too much problem. I guess the first question is does anyone have any idea what the trans mount is? It looks like an aftermarket or modified later mount to me. Do you think the frame is a sell-able item or should I just strip off the stuff I might be able to use and take it back over to the yard. Any input would be appreciated.

Oh, and the piece of bent metal laying on the frame is just an extra piece that was with it.

LockDoc

[62 Bowtie]

what trans do you have and pics help too

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by 62 Bowtie

what trans do you have and pics help too

I don't have a trans. Heck I don't even have a truck... I do have pics. I will add them to my original post.

Lockdoc

[62 Bowtie]

First off it looks like a shortbed and secondly that could be a stock automatic trans crossmember which are very rare and worth a lot if it is depending on what your taking I'd say its sellable

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by 62 Bowtie

First off it looks like a shortbed and secondly that could be a stock automatic trans crossmember which are very rare and worth a lot if it is depending on what your taking I'd say its sellable

Thanks for the info. I will measure the wheelbase in the morning and get a closer picture of the mount and post them up.

LockDoc

[markeb01]

IMHO there is almost no demand for a complete 60-62 chassis and it would be hard to unload intact. The front suspension was an excellent design, but has almost no aftermarket support and is generally replaced with a later 73-87 version to obtain disc brakes and availability of aftermarket spindles and springs.

If the transmission mount actually works, it’s probably worth more than everything else. It does not appear to be original, so it’s unclear if it would position the transmission correctly. I’ve only seen two styles of original 60-62 automatic transmission crossmembers. One is flat across the top and the other has a drop in the center as shown in the following examples. They also came in two lengths, presumably for long or short bed. The first one in the photo had to be sectioned to fit my short bed chassis. And both styles bolt to the frame in a crescent shaped pattern. If the one on your chassis attaches in this manner it could be a third version I’ve never seen before:







The motor mount towers appear to be from a 67-72, and won’t fit to the engine correctly as shown. The upper end bolted to the frame requires a 1” spacer between the frame and the tower to match the height of the 63-72 frame. The lower bolts may need to be moved once the upper end is raised into the required position.

If you’re interested in parting it out, the trailing arms appear to be in excellent condition, and the steering box might be worth something if it’s in functional condition.

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by markeb01

IMHO there is almost no demand for a complete 60-62 chassis and it would be hard to unload intact. The front suspension was an excellent design, but has almost no aftermarket support and is generally replaced with a later 73-87 version to obtain disc brakes and availability of aftermarket spindles and springs.

If the transmission mount actually works, it’s probably worth more than everything else. It does not appear to be original, so it’s unclear if it would position the transmission correctly. I’ve only seen two styles of original 60-62 automatic transmission crossmembers. One is flat across the top and the other has a drop in the center as shown in the following examples. They also came in two lengths, presumably for long or short bed. The first one in the photo had to be sectioned to fit my short bed chassis. And both styles bolt to the frame in a crescent shaped pattern. If the one on your chassis attaches in this manner it could be a third version I’ve never seen before:

The motor mount towers appear to be from a 67-72, and won’t fit to the engine correctly as shown. The upper end bolted to the frame requires a 1” spacer between the frame and the tower to match the height of the 63-72 frame. The lower bolts may need to be moved once the upper end is raised into the required position.

If you’re interested in parting it out, the trailing arms appear to be in excellent condition, and the steering box might be worth something if it’s in functional condition.

Good luck whatever you decide to do.

Thanks for that information. I haven't checked the steering box out. I will do that in the morning also.

LockDoc

[Captainfab]

That is a short wheelbase frame. I agree that the '60-'62 frames are not desireable......unless you are needing one. I wouldn't take it back to the scrap yard until you first offer it for sale. You never know there might be someone in dire need of that frame.

[1964c-10]

would these trailing arms fit a '64 long box? if so, im interested in them

[LockDoc]

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Thanks Captainfab.

The wheelbase seems to be 114-115 inches.

The steering box has a little play in it but it doesn't look like it has ever been adjusted.

Here are a couple of closeups of the tranny mount.

The previous owner told the guy that works over at the salvage yard that the frame had been stored inside a building.


1964c-10: I'm pretty sure they are all the same. I'm going to try and sell it complete first.


LockDoc

[Captainfab]

That trans crossmember is definitely one that someone made from a passenger car trans crossmember.

[LockDoc]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

That trans crossmember is definitely one that someone made from a passenger car trans crossmember.

That's what I thought too.

Thanks

LockDoc

[1Bad62Pro/Street]

I'd hang on to the '62 Frame.
Somebody eventually will need it.
Maybe a member on here.