I have a 64 6 cylinder Commander. My understanding is the 6 cylinders used a lighter duty frame than the V8. As I'm planning on running 400HP thru the drive train, should I source a V8 frame?
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I don't believe there is any difference in a 6 cyl frame and a V8. I had heard at one time that convertible frames were a thicker gauge material too, but think of the production problems from having several different frames to chose from and the building of them.sigpic1966 Daytona (The First One)
1950 Champion Convertible
1950 Champion 4Dr
1955 President 2 Dr Hardtop
1957 Thunderbird
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Originally posted by thunderations View PostI don't believe there is any difference in a 6 cyl frame and a V8. I had heard at one time that convertible frames were a thicker gauge material too, but think of the production problems from having several different frames to chose from and the building of them.
JimI was STUDEBAKER, when STUDEBAKER wasn't "KOOL".
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Originally posted by 52hawk View PostThere was a thread here about different thicknesses-seamed factual as someone did the research. I don't remember the details though. Swifster,have you tried to do a search?
JimI was STUDEBAKER, when STUDEBAKER wasn't "KOOL".
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Tom
With 11 ga = 0.1196 and 14 ga = 0.0747 nominal it wouldn't be difficult to measure the thickness at a hole in the frame. My mid-70's 1974 Avanti has a 11 ga frame not 14 as I've added a fair amount of 1/8" plate and repair to the frame and it is a good match in thickness to the 11 ga.
As a thought though, before changing out the frame, look into stiffing it like the Avanti as that member is capable of supporting the Mackinac Bridge I think. There have been some posts on the forum about strengthening the frame with steel tubing as well as examples available of Morrison and other chassis available on the web to illustrate how they did the reinforcing.
Also remember that the Stude frame stiffness depends on the body being part of the structure so steel shims/conveyor belt rubber body mounts bolted down well will also help.
Good luck with the 400 HP setup, it hard to have too much go.
Bob
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There are differences. I used to doubt that until I took some vernier calipers into a wrecking yard that had 30-some Studes in it (sadly, long gone now). My measurements and comparisons dismissed my doubts. The parts books do not reflect these different gage frames, but that's cause it was simply easier to only stock ONE frame for ALL applications of a given body style. Naturally, the heavier gage frames were the ones stocked for replacement. I've wondered just how many replacement frames there was ever call for. Convertibles - whether 6 or V8 - used the same frame since as much stiffness as was possible was required for droptop bodies.No deceptive flags to prove I'm patriotic - no biblical BS to impress - just ME and Studebakers - as it should be.
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I stand corrected, Thanks guys. It's nice to learn something new. I'd heard that convertible frames were heavier, but thought the torque boxes made all the difference. Live and learn, forget and learn it again.Originally posted by thunderations View PostI don't believe there is any difference in a 6 cyl frame and a V8. I had heard at one time that convertible frames were a thicker gauge material too, but think of the production problems from having several different frames to chose from and the building of them.sigpic1966 Daytona (The First One)
1950 Champion Convertible
1950 Champion 4Dr
1955 President 2 Dr Hardtop
1957 Thunderbird
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Originally posted by SN-60 View PostThere was a rumor that mid seventies Avantis were assembled using the last of the original Stude frames which had been in storage outside for years at that point, and were mainly 6cyl versions
with the X-member added.
JimI was STUDEBAKER, when STUDEBAKER wasn't "KOOL".
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The commonly used original 1959-1964 Chassis Parts Catalog is dated September, 1963, on the first page inside the cover. But at the bottom of the page listing frame assemblies (p. 426), it says "Revised 3-64". Not all the information on that page agrees with the information about frames in original period shop manuals, probably because of consolidation and simplification of the parts supply as time went on. The frame information about '64 models in the original 1959-64 Shop Manual shows that 64S-F models (six cylinder/2-door sedans) had the lightest frames: 14 gauge. All others had heavier gauge frames (11 or 13), according to the shop manual.
Georgegeorge krem
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Originally posted by R3 challenger View PostThe commonly used original 1959-1964 Chassis Parts Catalog is dated September, 1963, on the first page inside the cover. But at the bottom of the page listing frame assemblies (p. 426), it says "Revised 3-64". Not all the information on that page agrees with the information about frames in original period shop manuals, probably because of consolidation and simplification of the parts supply as time went on. The frame information about '64 models in the original 1959-64 Shop Manual shows that 64S-F models (six cylinder/2-door sedans) had the lightest frames: 14 gauge. All others had heavier gauge frames (11 or 13), according to the shop manual.
George
The '65-66 Shop Supplement shows 13 gauge frames in all two-door sedans, six or eight, for '65 and '66. My '66 had had the frame around the spring pockets welded during restoration and was beginning to crack on one side again, about 11K miles later.
Someone had posted previously (I think) that the Shop Manual shows 13 gauge frames for '60-62 wagons.Bill Pressler
Kent, OH
(formerly Greenville, PA)
Currently owned: 1966 Cruiser, Timberline Turquoise, 26K miles
Formerly owned: 1963 Lark Daytona Skytop R1, Ermine White
1964 Daytona Hardtop, Strato Blue
1966 Daytona Sports Sedan, Niagara Blue Mist
All are in Australia now
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The '62-'64 Four Door Sedans, 2 and 4 Door Wagons, Wagonaires, Hardtops and Convertibles 6 or 8's got 11 Ga. frames.
The 2 Door Sedans being the lightest Models got the lightest frames, some years 13 and some years 14, on 6 Cyl. pretty much what George said.
Even Hawks got increased in '62 to 11 Ga. All Avanti Powered "F" body 2 Dr.'s were SUPPOSED to get 11 Ga. frames like the H.D. Sedans, Police and Taxis.StudeRich
Second Generation Stude Driver,
Proud '54 Starliner Owner
SDC Member Since 1967
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