SWB frame question

[Canadianguy]

I'm looking to buy a SWB frame locally, so I post an ad and I get a response saying someone has a 65 frame and he thinks it might be the same as 67-72.
I'm thinking "no way" but I'm no expert. Is there anyone that might know if this is correct or not?

[TBONE1964]

Well they are very similar from 1960 up to 1972. I believe there maybe some cross member differences and possibly a difference where the front bumper bolts up.

I am not 100% sure myself. Maybe some others that know for sure will chime in.

[69SCSS]

There are changes every few years, so it won't bolt right up.

60-62 had torsion bar suspension up front
63-66 coil spring front end, core support brackets different
67 almost same as 66 except core support brackets
68-72 all same

That's for 1/2 tons, I don't know beyond that. This is off the top of my head, there are more changes I think between 66, 67, and 68.

Hope that helps.

[Canadianguy]

Thanks 69SCSS & Tbone, I appricate the help.
I have a complete 72 LWB, could I use the crossmember from that?
I could also use the whole front end off the 72. Do you think all I might have to do is some hole drilling?
I know the frame has an indent for the power steering on 68-72 is there any way to get around that or maybe dimple the frame?

[69SCSS]

the brackets for the core support are in a different place, you'd have to grind the rivets off the 65 brackets, and drill and bolt on the later ones. As far as the PS box there's a thread about that mod somewhere on the board, probably in the FAQ section.

i would hold out for a SWB frame that's 67-72, I don't know personally any other changes from 65 to 67-72 so don't just go off what I am saying. Then again if you can't find anything in the area besides that it might be worth the work to make it fit.

[Canadianguy]

I know what your saying about waiting for a 68-72 frame (67 doesn't have the PS dimple either) but unless I travel great distances (2 days plus) their hard to come by in Alberta. If it's just the labour I can work with that.