sylgeist said:
I would really like to replace the frame in my 78 Malibu. I am doing a frame-off and I hate to spend all the time on the car and leave the frame a mess.
Does anyone make a full frame replacement that isn't a drag car chassis? There seem to be a ton of shops with complete frames for 55-57's that let you drop an LSx, independent suspension, etc - where is the g-body love!?
Well, wait another 30 years and it may come--if we are not all driving our government issued transportation pods by then! Seriously though, there is not a huge market for a replacement frame for these cars yet because the original stuff is still plentiful enough at a low cost. Plus, high dollar car guys do not build G bodies--they build Chevelles and GTO's instead, you know, stuff that is smog exempt. Also, the suspension is not as wretched as it would be in a 1950's car ( no leaf springs, 4 wheel drums or king pins!) , and good bolt on alternatives exist using the stock frame. If you really wanted it, I am sure someone could build you one to your specs. If I was flush with cash and boredom (and could actually make welds that didn't scare small children), I would do a complete C6 Corvette ZR-1 chassis and engine swap, including the transaxle, for my G body.
Now if I thought there was a real market, I could start bringing frames north and selling them at $1000-$1500 a pop in swap meets. However, I doubt anyone would pay a price that made it worth my while--especially when they could just drive south and buy a drivable project for under a grand-complete with a rust-free body.
