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?
1960 would be Your best bet, as there are variances between model years. For what purpose do You feel it needs to be stiffened...?
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...
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.
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.
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.
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!
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....
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.