Build original frame or spare wagon frame?

[84dragcutlass]

So im doing a body off restomod on my El Camino and have been thinking about using the spare wagon frame I have sitting around and do it up then put the elcamino body on that. On one had that leaves the elcaminos original frame untouched so I can store it but on the other ill be running around with a non original frame. Also it would keep the rolling chassis of my elcamino mobile if I needed to move it around. I don't know what do you guys think?


Also the list of parts to go on said frame are full UMI tubular arms, UMI sway bars, frame braces, boxed frame, and possibly having the frame powder coated

 

[Longroof79]

Josh,
It's a good idea... but the wagon frame is different than the El Camino frame in length. I believe the El Camino frame is several inches longer.

 

[81Regal]

X2 the wagon frame is the same wheelbase as a coupe and sedan.

 

[Neuron]

I believe the 5TH GEN uses a unique frame, no more station wagon made so Chevy had to design a new frame I think I read somewhere.

 

[Blake442]

The body mount positions are arranged differently on the left rear frame rail due to the difference in the wagon and el camino fuel tanks.
The el camino's wheelbase is also 11 inches longer than the coupe/sedan/wagon...

 

[Longroof79]

I believe the 5TH GEN uses a unique frame, no more station wagon made so Chevy had to design a new frame I think I read somewhere.

Stationwagons were still being produced during the same time El Caminos were being made, only that wagon production stopped in '83, where as El Caminos were still being built until '87. I believe.

 

[84dragcutlass]

Yeah I guess I wasn't thinking about the length difference for some reason I was thinking they were the same. Well that puts a bit of a damper on that idea. However I guess if I ever wanted to do something with my wagon id have that one

 

[el corvino]

There are so many things wrong with this...

#1 - Original frame or not... it's an El Camino. That will never have any effect on the value. Hell... the VIN is stamped on the top of the frame rail under the body front passenger side. You think someone is going to verify that?

#2 - The El Camino had a 117.1" wheel base. ALL other, including the wagon, had a 108" wheel base. The doors are heavier than the cab and if you are going to do a frame off, you should pop the doors and rebuild the hinges that are probably saggy.

#3 - if the body is off, do EVERYTHING... poly bushings, maybe upgrade to a bigger 22 gallon fuel tank (more weight in the back), run new fuel and brake lines, etc. etc.

AsK me how I know

Also, do you're research on ALL braces both from factory G-Body's and aftermarket. I'm replacing my Jounce bars with this shortly. There is a lot of stuff out there.