How to tell if frame has been cut for hydros?

[Bowtieheart]

I'm about to buy an 84 Cutlass and wanted to make sure the frame hasn't been cut and had hydros before. I'm planning on the famous Ls swap. Any and all help/advice will be greatly appreciated I will also be starting a build thread, with pics once I have the car.

 

[L.A.X-RATED]

the "frame" itself can be disquised/grinded down,and clean up by a good "cover-up artist" check the front upper a-arms,see if they were cut out to accept the cylinders and also check the trunk "shelf" as there would be cutout's also for the rear cylinders.also give attention to the lower spring parches on the rearend,as some opt to cut this off and build a enclosure for the "ball joint" assembly.if you have suspision as to the cutty having being juiced,id say pass and wait for another? as a lo-lo NOT done right,(99% propability,UNLESS its from the L.And that invented them :wink: )can be a horrible expirience when it come's to trying to restore it back to the original cond.

 

[Bowtieheart]

Would the car drive any differently? I test drove the car a couple days ago and it seemes pretty smooth.

 

[Pico79]

if it was redone correctly the ride will be just as good as new, check for stress cracks under the a-arms and near or around the rear arches. those are the weak points on a car that was lifted and not reinforced