Is the caprice still the best option for the 89 body
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Is the caprice still the best option for the... Expand / Collapse
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Posted 3/15/2022 9:46:18 PM


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Last Login: 7/5/2022 12:27:20 PM
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Been out of the loop for a few years, is the caprice still the best option for the 89 body, or are there other vehicles that would work as good, (I know the caprice needs stretched)

I appreciate any input 😉





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Post #170277
Posted 3/19/2022 6:07:59 AM
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While most people on this board have used the Chevy, I opted for something different. I was able to use a 1993 Lincoln Town Car. I managed to cut the floor pan at the transmission housing, thus saving me the job of boxing thus area in. Regardless of the car you use, I believe that you will have to stretch the frame, as the only frame I was able to find with the correct wheelbase were a few pickup trucks. Unless you want to install an entire new rear end, front end, etc., this option did not work for me. I left my engine in place, stretching the frame just behind the front wheels. I lowered the engine 4 inches, put in a new cross member and engine mounts. In this fashion, did not have the have a custom drive shaft manufactured. I was also able to utilize the stock gas tank with this method.
Which ever donor you use, there will always be some pros and cons. If you utilize the Chevy, as most on this board have, you will find a wealth of information to help you out. With a donor such as mine, I had to figure many things out ‘on the fly’.
My car is yet to be completed as my new job has been crazy these last couple of years, leaving me extremely little time to work on it. (UPS). I have managed to stretch frame, mount body, airs bags, side mechanics, engine wired, steering column, dash mounted, etc. most of the ‘hard stuff’ is done.
Now I just need the time to complete the fun stuff with all those parts I’ve accumulated, just waiting to be installed!
Good luck with your project.


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Post #170280
Posted 3/20/2022 10:59:54 AM


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Other than the movie cars being Chevy powered, I've wondered why no one has used a Crown Vic frame. I would also think with a wheelbase closer to the needed dimensions, a full sized truck frame would be a better starting point. It's not like you're going to be cornering like a Corvette with this car.
Post #170281
Posted 3/20/2022 12:51:20 PM


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Last Login: 7/5/2022 12:27:20 PM
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Thanks for the info, glad you replied 😀
Trying to do some research on chassis , the Lincoln sounds like a good option





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Post #170283
Posted 5/21/2022 8:42:47 PM
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Last Login: 10/17/2022 1:15:19 AM
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To abstract the discussion slightly, the 90's caprices used the GM B-Body, which was a common platform. MANY cars were produced using this platform. there's a wikipedia page on it that's a great starting point.

The thing that's great about the B-Body is that the front track is about the right width, and the rear is close. But that also depends entirely on which shell you are using, which vary a lot. It also depends on your backspacing.

Ok that said, another reason to like the B-Body is they are VERY common, parts are widely available and you'll find tons of them at car junkyards if you want to pick parts. The chassis is also one of the easiest to stretch, in my opinion. Tons of videos on youtube on how to service them also, which makes it that much easier too.

If you watch the BTS videos from 89 and see how they built theirs, it almost doesnt' matter that they used Impalas as a base. If I had to guess, that's what they found at the junkyard when they went looking for donor cars and they were cheap. I really doubt they identified Impala as the ideal donor car.
Post #170365
Posted 5/25/2022 11:51:28 AM


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Last Login: 3/3/2024 6:39:56 PM
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The Caprice or Impala are the closest to the original and after market parts are easier to source than any other frame out there. The car will have to be air bagged, lowered, stretched and motor relocated. They are a little harder to find but there are still a few out there. Mine is a 94 Caprice with a LT1 motor, in the long run the Caprice or Impalas will save you a lot of heart ache.
Post #170366
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