Pontiac tempest 1968 Service Manual page 80

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)
F i g . 2-1 Typical Perimeter Design Frame Fig. 2-2 Frame Alignment Identification