Replacing a Subframe 65 Polara 500 Convertible

[mr. fix it]

Thanks for all of the responses and the information. Now I just got to find a subframe, anyone have one laying around?

This forum will be a blessing to find information about these wonderful cars.

Mr. Fix it, Your post is the reason why I decided to join the forum. Is yours a 500? Do you know if there are many of those on this forum?

Thanks

Eric

Hi Eric!
Wow! I guess I have had a positive influence for this forum then! I hope I don't screw it up!

Sorry I didn't see this response earlier. juggling work and personal life along with restoring a car is fun!

I have a Cdn model 880.

There isn't a lot of the 65/66Polara verts here. Maybe 4 or 5 total now?:confused1:

You will find a lot of helpful members here requesting photos of your pride n joy!:yaayy:

I'm still a relative noobie here just coming up on my 1st year anniversary but have learned lots

Hope to see you posting regularly.
Tom

 

[mr. fix it]

I suspect that all of them can be made to work, but '65s have different motor mounts than the 66 and later cars, so the easiest swap will be any '65 Chrysler or '65 Dodge Monaco or Polara.

The best thing to do is to use a 66 stub frame as it has the updated engine mount brackets that will allow any engine & transmission package.

Here is a few shots of my replacement stub frame from Murray B. Park in Tiffin, Ohio

 

[mr. fix it]

This one will not work in my humble opinion...

 

[mr. fix it]

BTW, the question that has been answered by some other but I want to confirm is that there is no re-enforcing done for the stub frame but the convertibles have the extra support in the frame rocker side rails.

I checked mine over when I first looked at the car and they are as solid as train rails running from front to back.

I haven't compared a 2 dr HT or 4 dr version rocker side rails but I can imagine they are similar for all Polara's

 

[mopar_4life]

Tom,

Will my 65 383 still work with the 66 subframe? Or does how it mount drastically different? I would like to keep the motor because it has the HiPo option stock 4 barrel. It needs rebuild so it will be coming out of the car at some point anyways. I have considered switching it to a 5.7 hemi so the 66 frame wouln't be an issue but I do like the sound of "I have a Big Block in my car" even if it is 5700 pounds.

I sent an email to Murray in Ohio last night just checking if he might have one that will work. He is only a few hours south from me. I do have to ask if he was reasonable in price?

Thanks

Eric

 

[Polara_500]

The 65 motor fits great in the later unit, just need the later style motor mount bracket and they're common. It's going the other way that's a pain - if you look at the front left corner of the engine you'll see the m/m bolted to the front of the block, (which is drilled and tapped for the mount), and not to the ears on the side, that's a one year only thing and far from a common part to find. Converting motor mounts to fit a later block in the 65 frame has been an issue for many folks.
Mike

The first pic shows the wrap-around original mount, the second one with the mount removed you can see the ears on the side of the block that the later mounts use.

 

[mopar_4life]

That is good to know. That might make it easier to locate one.

Thanks
Eric

 

[Catfish]

Those engine mounts are readily available, just more expensive. So if you found a 65 stub, I wouldn't pass it up.

 

[Polara_500]

Yeah, the motor mounts are around if spendy, many fellas are real nervous though about drilling/tapping another block to retrofit it into a 65 chassis. I know I have successfully done it, (even if success was totally dependent on luck), but I am not totally positive all b/rb engines have the proper bosses to drill.

 

[mr. fix it]

Those engine mounts are readily available, just more expensive. So if you found a 65 stub, I wouldn't pass it up.

I have one but it needs welding probably like the current one..
At the rear connectors is where it is the worst condition