question on chevelle frames

Hello-I have a 67 chevelle convertible with a poor frame- found a 66 El Camino frame from Texas(no rust) I know the El Camino frame is approximately 3 1/2 inches longer than the chevelle but I get conflicting advice on whether this frame will work without tons of major surgery.Tks for anyones help on this.Gord

Had an interesting discussion on the weekend on this topic with a gentleman who put a 65 El Camino frame under his 66 convertible- he claims the frames were pretty much identical and the only major work was to shorten the frame approx.37/8 inches rear of the rear axle location.He also claims the El Camino frame has the exact boxing as the convertible frame does and is just as strong.Lots of conflicting ideas on this topic.Gord


Final installment-yesterday I went to see the 66 El Camino frame from Texas to compare it to the 67 Chevelle convertible frame on my car.All the measurements I made on the chevelle frame matched exactly to the El Camino frame with the exception of the rear section of the frame behind the rear axle which is a bit less than 4" longer than the chevelle but there is a nice straight flat section to do the shortening -an easy fix.So now the frame is at my house getting ready for blasting ,shortening and epoxy coating.Thanks for all the advice it helped me understand the real issues on frames .Gord

It won't work without help. I'm not sure how much, but the Elky is basically on the A-body's wagon frame so its different. You'd need lots of work.

I would hold out for a convertible A-body frame; stronger and its specific to the convertibles.

I may be over simplifying this, but the convertible and the 2-door hardtop frames were the same except the 'vert frame was fully boxed from front to back, instead of a C-section channel between the front and rear wheels.

If a 'vert frame is not available, a hardtop frame could be converted if necessary.

Very true. Boxed frames, and an extra crossmember just in front of the rear axles, but that's easy to add.