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Gm x frame 59-?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Jim Beam, Jul 19, 2012.

  1. Jim Beam
    Joined: Sep 7, 2006
    Posts: 268

    Jim Beam
    Member
    from St. George

    Trying to find out what years that share frames with my 60 El Camino? I have been researching but cant get a definite answer. Looking for a frame to build while i drive my elky.

    Also, what are your suggestions for stiffening an X frame?
     
  2. rcoffey
    Joined: Dec 13, 2007
    Posts: 161

    rcoffey
    Member

    64 impala is an x frame
     
  3. Sauli
    Joined: Jul 16, 2008
    Posts: 499

    Sauli
    Member

    1960 would be Your best bet, as there are variances between model years. For what purpose do You feel it needs to be stiffened...?
     
  4. ryno
    Joined: Oct 6, 2005
    Posts: 3,470

    ryno
    Member

    x frames through 64, most went perimeter in 65
    you can wrap your frame, ie lowriders/hoppers to stiffen it up, or make your own new perimeter frame rails, and floors...
     

  5. Jim Beam
    Joined: Sep 7, 2006
    Posts: 268

    Jim Beam
    Member
    from St. George

    Looking to stiffen it for safety and handling. I know the x frames ran until 64 but what years are the same body mounts etc. for a 60? I got a caddy 472 with the deal for the el camino and am thinking about putting it in.
     
  6. squirrel
    Joined: Sep 23, 2004
    Posts: 55,941

    squirrel
    Member

  7. jcmarz
    Joined: Jan 10, 2010
    Posts: 4,631

    jcmarz
    Member
    from Chino, Ca

    59-60 Impala/Bel Air frames are the same
    61-64 Impala/Bel Air frames have minor differences but will work on a 59-60 body.
    Remember, the 59-60 El Camino uses the heavy duty wagon frame.
     
  8. B.A.KING
    Joined: Apr 6, 2005
    Posts: 4,039

    B.A.KING
    Member

    my 59 elky has a 62 impala frame. all the body mounts line up except the rear ones.
     
  9. daddio211
    Joined: Aug 26, 2008
    Posts: 6,012

    daddio211
    Member

    1958 - 1964, all of the fullsize GM's had 'em. Need some parts or info Evan? Gimme a call. Thinking about selling my '60 Bel Air two door post.
     
  10. daddio211
    Joined: Aug 26, 2008
    Posts: 6,012

    daddio211
    Member

    Also, I copied two articles a long time ago about stiffening these chassis. One from a drag racing mag, the other from Lowrider Mag. If anyone knows how to twist a frame it's these two groups!
     
  11. Dyce
    Joined: Sep 12, 2006
    Posts: 1,973

    Dyce
    Member

    I had a 59 with a 396 and a 4 speed and a 4.11 rear gear. I had to replace the rear with a ford 9" (the stock rear lasted a whole week). And I had to beef up the upper control arm mounting. I ripped it right off of the frame. The 61-64 were a 4 link and I was allways going to upgrade the 59 but sold the car....
     
  12. phatbaby
    Joined: Nov 14, 2005
    Posts: 147

    phatbaby
    Member

    I just used a 60 4 dr frame under my 60 Elky....all mounts and bushing's lined right up
     
  13. This era was the last few years where the makes all had their own chassis and suspension with little shared across makes.

    X-frame cars are 59-60 Chevy, Pontiac and Cadillac; Chevy continues through '64. I'm not sure what 61-64 Cadillac used, but each make's '59-'60 frame were different - Chevy was 115" wheelbase; Pontiac 121" and 123" and wide track; Cadillac still longer; Olds used the X-frame but with added perimeter rails, and Buck isn't an X-frame at all but a perimeter frame with a K-shape crossmember.

    I believe the 61-64 Buick, Olds and Pontiac then share a similar chassis, which while well designed was rot prone. Either way not an X-frame.
     

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