You could always purchase something like this and have them cut down....or call and ask for a special build
Different gbody frame length
- Thread starter Bdavis
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Or the free way would be to just drill a hole in the bumper shocks and then you can compress them inboard until you have the gaps right
Keep in mind if you go solid or drill the bumper-shocks so they'll collapse, any front impact is losing that cushion. Not a big deal to those that are ok w/it but others may not feel it's the best approach. The ends of the frame could possibly be trimmed slightly & tweaks made to the bumper mounting??
When I had an issue getting my new front spoiler on from Gbodyparts, my bumper for my Regal needed to be moved in about 1-1/2" so what I did was drill 2 holes on opposite sides of the shock (same end on the flat plate) and then I tapped it for 3/8" threaded rod and then drilled opposing holes on the other end for the rod to slide through.
I used Loctite on the threaded end and a nut and washer on the other end then switched off tightening the nuts to compress the shock until was in the spot I needed.
When done I trimmed the excess threaded rod and locked it in place.
The shock will still compress and expand it just won't go back out as far.
I used Loctite on the threaded end and a nut and washer on the other end then switched off tightening the nuts to compress the shock until was in the spot I needed.
When done I trimmed the excess threaded rod and locked it in place.
The shock will still compress and expand it just won't go back out as far.
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i was going to use a 87 Monte SS frame under my 81 Malibu build. Found the front horns about 1&1/2” longer and the Monte frame had an additional section under the driver side for the 2004r transmission crossmember. The front horns could be sectioned and shortened to match your old frame. i ended up adding the the section for the 2004r to my malibu frame which actual was pretty simple to do as long as the body is off the frame. Oh and i am using the 2004r from that Monte.
Monte carlos,cutlass ,regal,grand prix all have the longer front frame horns compared to malibu,lemans,grand am,elcamino share the short front frame horns.
Here's an older posting of mine on frame p/n interchange. Not 100% complete but enough info to show what can interchange
This is what I found usimg my Chevy parts books.
Monte Carlo frame p/n: '78 470211, '79 14017671 (must use engine mount 14005699 on '78 models) (used on '78-'81 Buick 09, 69, 87), '80-'81 14013462 (superseded '78 & '79 p/n's) (used on '81 Regal), '82-'88 14103516 (use on '83 Olds W40 Hurst/Olds, '78-87 Pontiac except 35.)
Malibu (19, 27, 69) p/n: '78 461808, '79 14005602 (same note as Monte Carlo), '80 14017667 (must use '80 front park brake cable on earlier models, superseded '79 p/n) (Used on Buick 09, 69, 87), '81 14032514 (superseded '78-'80 p/n's.)
Note body codes:
2 door body: 27, 37, 47, 87
4 door body: 09, 19, 69
station wagon: 35
Looks like the Monte frame would be the one to work on a LeMans. Keep in mind that this is incomplete as I have not cross checked all GM catalogs for our cars.
This is what I found usimg my Chevy parts books.
Monte Carlo frame p/n: '78 470211, '79 14017671 (must use engine mount 14005699 on '78 models) (used on '78-'81 Buick 09, 69, 87), '80-'81 14013462 (superseded '78 & '79 p/n's) (used on '81 Regal), '82-'88 14103516 (use on '83 Olds W40 Hurst/Olds, '78-87 Pontiac except 35.)
Malibu (19, 27, 69) p/n: '78 461808, '79 14005602 (same note as Monte Carlo), '80 14017667 (must use '80 front park brake cable on earlier models, superseded '79 p/n) (Used on Buick 09, 69, 87), '81 14032514 (superseded '78-'80 p/n's.)
Note body codes:
2 door body: 27, 37, 47, 87
4 door body: 09, 19, 69
station wagon: 35
Looks like the Monte frame would be the one to work on a LeMans. Keep in mind that this is incomplete as I have not cross checked all GM catalogs for our cars.
Chassis Swap what fits ????
This sedan had a mounts on top of the rear suspension crossmember without bolts....82 Malibu I can't say from personal experience on the 78-80 Cutlass, but I know the 83ish Cutlass sedans had the longer front rails as well, a buddy had a Malibu and Cutlass sedan frame side by side. I have...gbodyforum.com
Additional p/n would be 14059167 which would be for both 2 dr & 4 dr Regals ('83-'87 as a guess), listed as a replacement to p/n 14032515 '82 Regal 2 dr & 4 dr. The p/n replacement info comes from a Nov '90 dated GM Parts History Catalog.G Body frame Interchangeability for 2 door and 4 door swap
I've searched and have found many contradicting answers. To start, I would only like to discuss the difference in the front frame horn section. I realize we can compress the 5 mph shock or lengthen the frame horn by cutting and welding. There also appears to be different 5 mph shocks.It would be...
As of this known info you might have to search out another '82 up Regal 2 or 4 dr or use what is listed for a '81 Regal to cross reference older models. Please keep in mind this info is crossed from what my Chevy books have to what I've found punching numbers into the GMPartsWiki search data base which doesn't have all the parts books covering '78-'88 A/G's.
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