The frame of Clyde has a 121.5 wheelbase. The wheelbase of Betty is 121. Many told me the frame from the Rivi's is "so good" that it basically just "bolts up" to the body. That is complete bullshit. They are close...but the rear frame rails on the original 50 frame sit much higher to accommodate the higher-sitting trunk in the 50, as opposed to the 15-body bag size trunk in the 75' Rivi. Easiest method was to hack the rear legs of the frame off, and build our own to match the trunk. The transmission crossmember was also sectioned on the left side, and a piece of tubing welded in to accommodate a dual exhaust pipe on that side, so both pipes will hang the same and not drag.
Here is the completed rear section.
In the front, a new radiator channel has to be made, as the stock radiator is a tall copper unit that is completely different than the Rivi radiator. Plus the copper one is probably over in china by now courtesy of Padnos recycling...getting made either into wire, or some cheap windchime trinket.
Ohh...just a teaser on how she's gonna look soon. I'm getting stoked! She still needs a ton of work, but we're moving faster than ever before. I plan on getting over to Petey's tomorrow to do some motor work. Stay tuned...we're rolling again!
