Frame And Body Mountings; Pontiac And Tempest; Lifting Pontiac Cars With Hoists - Pontiac Grand Prix Service Manual

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 gre 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: frrst, the
body comes down over the frame and forms an
integrated structure with body sheet metal contributing
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, transmis-
sion 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 squareness
of frame. Holes or rivet heads are located on the frame
at approximate terminal point of arrowheads, and can
be used for this purpose.
Of the seven basic frames used by Pontiac, five are for
the 121" wheelbase vehicles, and two for the 124"
wheelbase vehicles.
The Pontiac convertible and station wagon frames
are
essentially the same as other corresponding wheelbase
frames but have the center side rail fully boxed for
additional 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 convertible frame
is of heavier metal thickness and has a boxed section
front and center side rail. The frame for 4-door
'
hardtop models is similar to the standard frame, but
with added metal thickness.
The Grand Prix frame from the front hip rearward is
essentially the same as the Tempest convertible.
Forward of the front hip, the Grand Prix frame has its
own individual design.
Fig. 2-1 Typical Perimeter Design Frame (Tempest
Shown)
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
control arms or rear axle. Since the frame is perimeter
type, some hoists designed to contact side rails require
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 connections.
"PARISH"
(ONE HOLE)
"A. 0. SMITH"
LOCATION
-
LEFT FRONT OUTER SIDE nAR AT
STEERING GEAR NOUNTIHG AREA
Fig, 2-2 Frame Identification