2-1
FRAME
AND
BODY
MOUNTINGS
PONTIAC
AND
TEMPEST
FRAME
The
frame is of swept hip perimeter design (Fig.
2-1) for easier servicing. It also permits use of a
simplified
two-joint propeller shaft and exhaust
system.
Frames
are supplied by various manufacturers.
All
convertibles are equipped with
A.O.
Smith frames
while all other models utilize frames built by both
A.O.
Smith and
Parrish
Pressed Steel.
Frames
can be identified by the number of
holes
located at left front outer side bar in steering gear
mounting
area
(Fig. 2-2).
The
perimeter frame has two advantages:
first,
the body
comes
down over the frame and forms an
integrated structure with body
sheet
metal con-
tributing
greatly to the strength of the car; secondly,
although the body and frame strengthen each other,
there is no metal-to-metal contact, because they are
connected by means of rugged butyl rubber body
mounts which isolate the
driver
and passenger
from
engine, transmission drive-line, and road
disturbances.
The
dimensions given in (Fig. 2-3) may be used in
checking
frames. Dimensions for X, Y, and Z are not
given, but are used merely to illustrate points for
taking
diagonal measurements for checking square-
ness
of frame. Holes or rivet heads are located on
SEDAN
CONVERTIBLE
TYPICAL
SIDE
BAR
SECTION
the frame at approximate terminal point of
arrow-
heads, and can be used for this purpose.
Of
the seven basic frames used by Pontiac, four
are
for the 121
n
wheelbase vehicles, and three for
the 124" wheelbase vehicles.
The
convertible, hardtop, 124" wheelbase sedan,
station wagon and
Grand
Prix
frames are essentially
the same as other corresponding wheelbase frames
but have the center side
rail
fully boxed for addi-
tional
stiffness.
Five
different frames of two wheelbases are used
on Tempest models; all 4-door styles and station
wagons
are 116" and all 2-door styles 112". The
basic
frame for the sedans and station
wagons
has a
fully
boxed front section and open 'C section center
side
rails
extending to the
rear
hip
area.
The con-
vertible frame is of heavier metal thickness and has
a
boxed section front and center side
rail
with an
additional
inner side bar stiffener (boxed section)
beginning at the
rear
wheelhouse (number six body
bolt) and extending
rearward
to the
rear
impact bar
attaching bolts. The frame for 4-door hardtop
models is
similar
to the standard frame, but with
added metal thickness.
LIFTING
PONTIAC
CARS
WITH
HOISTS
Lifting
can be accomplished without adapters when
using drive-on or twin-post type hoists, with hoists
or
lifts making contact with front suspension lower
arms
or
rear
axle. Since the frame is perimeter
type,
some
hoists designed to contact side
rails
re-
quire
adapters to raise the car without damage to
parts
of exhaust system, body, floor, etc. Suppliers
of original lifting equipment should have information
on adapters to use with Pontiac
cars.
Fig. 2-4 shows
proper
lift point locations.
"PARISH"
(ONE
HOLE)
I
"A.
0.
SMITH"
(TWO
HOLES)
Fig.
2-1
Typical
Perimeter
Design
Frame
Fig.
2-2
Frame
Alignment
Identification
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