It looks like frame rails are in my cars future...

Does anyone know if early A convertible frame rails are the same as non-convertibles? from pics, it appears convertibles may be thicker gauge metal.

Thanks,

-Glen

I don't own a convertible but I do know that the rails are very different. In convertibles, the frame rails have much more weight on them to support the car than a hard top does. I was looking at a '67 Corvair Monza convertible once and this was also an issue. So yes, the metal does have to be a thicker gauge for a convertible. It is very crucial to the structural integrity of your car so don't put the wrong ones in.

I am not sure about any frame rail differences other than the torque boxes but there is a heavy piece of metal that is in the rockers on the 67 to 69s. I don't know about earlier A bodies.

I think they also have frame connectors and torque boxes but that may be just in B bodies.

Oklacarcollecto said:

I am not sure about any frame rail differences other than the torque boxes but there is a heavy piece of metal that is in the rockers on the 67 to 69s. I don't know about earlier A bodies.

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You are totally correct........ all mopar convertibles have a 1/8 inch or a little thicker formed c-shaped re-inforcement channel, that is spot welded inside the rocker panel, with 3/8" or larger welds. We have never seen any differences in the convertible framerails. I believe all mopar convertibles used the torque boxes for extra needed strength. Note: We do have a pair of rear framerails, all spotwelds drilled, from a 63 Valiant 2 dr. Post car, if you may be interested. Just PM us!

gandude said:

Does anyone know if early A convertible frame rails are the same as non-convertibles? from pics, it appears convertibles may be thicker gauge metal.

Thanks,

-Glen

Click to expand...

if you talking about an early A then "NOPE they are not thicker" BUT there is a nice Large chunk of iron in the rocker panel that ties the front and back section together ,also the torque boxes at all 4 corners help too! I looked at the 4 door 66 I have and again at my 66 convertible and they are the same thickness/gauge metal.
here is some shots of the back half part(got it for a good price too!) of a car I bought just for some sheet metal and bracket hangers to repair on mine.
this is a big chunk of iron in your rocker panel. 63-66 for sure. can't vouch for others
View attachment 048.jpg

View attachment 049.jpg

the torque boxes need to be in good shape too. they help control flex.

mine were actually good all around except right below the battery tray .
that stuff is corrosive it ate a hole in the inner fender AND a 1 inch hole in the top rail sheet metal. I cut it back about 4 inches onthe top part flushed is with solution to neutralize the acid and then sprayed the inside frame rail with paint. hopefully the new battery doesn't try to eat it up also. but it's better protected now with epoxy sealer. AND yes the front frame does flex without that inner fender in it.. took me forever to get it back aligned I flipped the car upside down and installed it on the top part of the welds when they aligned and as I slowly rotated it back to level I was able to screw the rest down so it could be welded in the correct position. I do know that when I do the wife's 66 dart and IF it needs to have an inner fender replaced I WILL brace the core support diagonals and all using metal tubing and jack stands to keep square. along with making that my first priority to keeping the body/frame straight. replacing the inner fenders on a rotisserie just isn't the way to go for me. I'm using tons of jack stands and support to level her car before I do that again. then after it's fixed it'll go on the rotisserie for the other junk.
View attachment IMAG0108.jpg

Thanks for the info.

I do need at least 1 torque box and the inner fender well is bad -over the years from battery leakage. It does have some severe rust, looking at it closely seems bad to me. I will get a better idea starting Friday. kinda bummed right now.

Do you have a parts car located? I know a guy who might have something or know where stuff is. He's got a few early A's.

got the fender off to a assess the front. Bad news. Found a crack. and the brake line just wobbles. frame shot.

Just secured a parts convertible! It has most everything I need for the repair and very minimal rust.