70 Skylark convertible frame swap

WHOONE

Member
I have a 1970 convertible with a rusted out frame and a cracked engine cradle. I found a frame from a 1970 California skylark coupe. I can box the frame with a strengthening kit. Will that kit make the coupe frame strong enough for the convertible? I’m also thinking of putting a LS in it. This car was purchased by my mother in 1970 so it’s all original with matching engine and tranny. Should I clean up and rebuild the old 350 and put it back in.
 
I am not familiar with the boxing kit you mention, but, I know a couple of people who have built convertibles from hardtops. They have not boxed the frames, or added any body mounts. The comic comments are "don't but your fingers in the door gaps". I expect that if you use the boxing kit, it will be at least satisfactory.

Personally, an LS is a great power supply, and probably many would support it. Your car is not going to have any great "original" value after doing the frame swap. So, do what you like. I would not put a 350 back in it, I would choose a 455, But like a said, and LS is a good choice.
 
My thoughts were along those lines. Since the frame is pretty bad the originality went out the window. The boxing kit i found is from Hellwig. My welding skills are poor. I'll have to hire that part out. Since Buick no longer make a v8 I'll have to paint the block red on an LS. I thought I could just swap the frame with no boxing, the frame that is there now has holes the size of my fist and my fingers are still safe in the door gaps. Thanks Minnesota winters.
 
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