I want to put an '82 Sport Coupe frame under...

[dwall]

My GN project.

Why you ask? Well it's a good frame - in fact a rust free desert frame and the GN frame is WI rusted especially the rear and body bushing mounts.

My question is: Are these identical frames or are there some issues/differecnces to address when mounting the body?

Appreciate any insight you can give. Thanks!

 

[regal-nut]

I thank that they have strength diffrences but for the most part they are interchangerable.

 

[forcefed3.8's]

It might not have the extra trans crossmember mount that the 2004r uses. I am not sure what year the change was made. You can just cut it off the old frame and weld it to the new one. Other than that they are the same. We put an 87 GN frame under my brothers 79 Cutlass.

 

[dwall]

We haven't got the frame home yet but will soon.

Thanks for the responses - sounds like it can't be too far off the 87 frame.

I'm hoping its very similar. The 81-87 bodies are the same and this frame is from a V6 turbo carburated car (7.5 rear and column shifter I think).

Anybody else want to chime in. I'm also wondering if I can find a number on the frame that corresponds to the VIN for an 82 coupe.

A friend has a crash estimating book (can't find mine ) that might help identify changes or differences in the frame?

 

[regal-nut]

The vin # is on top of the frame just under the drivers door. Right next to the #3 body mount hole. They are some goofy looking numbers and letters.

 

[turbofish38]

If it's from an 82 than it does not have the extra tranny crossmember mount on the drivers side to use the factory 200-4R crossmember. All 83 and newer frames do. The last 6 of the VIN is stamped on top of the rails. Which rail depends on where it was built. Some have it on the drivers side and some on the passenger. There are also some minor differences in the front and rear suspension crossmembers but basically a G-Body frame(except ElCamino) fits any G-Body. From what I have seen the G-Bodies(like the TR) that have the FE3 or F41 suspensions have the beefiest frames.


I myself would like to find the frame from a 1983 9C1 Malibu. Cop Cars traditionally have thicker frames to withstand the abuse and I'd love to see how much when compared to the "HS" coded TR frame.