a body frame vs g body frame

[lvstogofst2002]

i bought my 78 recently, to do a ground up resto. My friend has a 87 monte carlo ( g body ) frame. I want to know if my 78 body will fit on this frame. My idea is to get a frame, blast it, box it and paint it. Then assemble all new suspension components and a fresh drivetrain, then yank my body off, blast the underside, and bolt it onto a ready to drive chassis. Therefore allowing me time to enjoy my car now, while building it from the bottom up.

so, basically,

Are the two frames interchangeable?

Jacob

 

[mhamilton]

The G body is the A body, just the names of the platforms got shifted.

IIRC, 1982 GM gave the A body name to the new FWD mid size cars, and the old A went to G. Long story short, those frames are identical.

Hope this helps,
-Michael

 

[85_SS]

Technically your 78 Malibu is an A-body special. The above is correct with one possible minor exception. I've read over on maliburacing.com that the front frame horns are a touch shorter on the A-body specials compared to the g-bodies. Other than that, they are identical for all (El Caminos and wagons exempt)

 

[joe_padavano]

The only other difference is that the early frames don't have the mounting provisions for the rearward crossmember location to accommodate the 200-4R.

 

[lvstogofst2002]

Technically your 78 Malibu is an A-body special. The above is correct with one possible minor exception. I've read over on maliburacing.com that the front frame horns are a touch shorter on the A-body specials compared to the g-bodies. Other than that, they are identical for all (El Caminos and wagons exempt)

a guy i work with races late model cars at a local track that use the g body frame/wheelbase as their standard. He also said the frame horns are a little shorter on the a body. the question is.... will the body fit then? anyone have ideas?

 

[85_SS]

The only other difference is that the early frames don't have the mounting provisions for the rearward crossmember location to accommodate the 200-4R.

Yes, forgot to mention this... 84+ is when the extra mounting pad was there.

I believe the body will still mount up, it's just the front bumper mounts that are an issue - this can be overcome with extended bumper shocks IIRC. don't quote me on that though, I would ask/search over at maliburacing.com to be sure.