I had no clue GM did an X-frame in the 50/60/70s, until I saw this BaT post of a '59 Caddy:
https://bringatrailer.com/listing/1959-cadillac-series-62-convertible-2/
(https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/1959_cadillac_series_62_15900862095d565ef66e7dffL12369-1959-Cadillac-Series-62-002-scaled.jpeg?resize=940%2C626)
(https://bringatrailer.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/1959_cadillac_series_62_1590085863f9f98764daL12369-1959-Cadillac-Series-62-060-scaled.jpeg?w=620&resize=620%2C413)
Here's more info:
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/automotive-histories/automotive-history-an-x-ray-look-at-gms-x-frame-1957-1970/
(https://i0.wp.com/www.curbsideclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/X-Frame-61-Buick-a.png?resize=1024%2C426&ssl=1)
Looks like side-impact collisions would be sketchier. And overall frame rigidity is questionable compared to a normal style frame. But it seems like they still were the most comfortable, smooth-riding cars for sale.
I believe they used a two-piece driveshaft.
So much torsion :lol:
Twist beam?
Looks like the frame would do absolutely jack in a t-boning scenario. Eeeek.
Have any of you guys ever driven a '60s era Caddy? Smoooooooooooth. ;)
People used to die like flies. And as for seatbelts (if any,)... people needed a lot of persuading.
https://youtu.be/BjmEOdl3j1I
All of those early 60's Impalas (that I love) had X Frames! IIRC the Impala got a normal frame in 1965....
Quote from: Laconian on June 25, 2020, 03:56:42 PM
Looks like the frame would do absolutely jack in a t-boning scenario. Eeeek.
There's an account in that article of an Impala (IIRC) that was snapped in two when it hit a tree sideways-on.
The steel they made their cars out of back then... we now use only for crumple zones.
Quote from: Morris Minor on June 26, 2020, 05:31:14 AM
There's an account in that article of an Impala (IIRC) that was snapped in two when it hit a tree sideways-on.
The steel they made their cars out of back then... we now use only for crumple zones.
Yeah, a lot of people don't realize that modern steel is both stronger and lighter than the 60s steel. Just because it looks beefy doesn't mean it is!
Quote from: CaminoRacer on June 26, 2020, 10:12:33 AM
Yeah, a lot of people don't realize that modern steel is both stronger and lighter than the 60s steel. Just because it looks beefy doesn't mean it is!
50 plus years of of progress.
50 years prior to the '60s was the original Model T.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on June 26, 2020, 10:12:33 AM
Yeah, a lot of people don't realize that modern steel is both stronger and lighter than the 60s steel. Just because it looks beefy doesn't mean it is!
They had high strength steels then. They didn't necessarily use them in automobiles, but they existed.
Quote from: CaminoRacer on June 26, 2020, 10:12:33 AM
Yeah, a lot of people don't realize that modern steel is both stronger and lighter than the 60s steel. Just because it looks beefy doesn't mean it is!
Technically, high strength steel isn't any lighter than base steels. It is stronger so you can use less of it to get a lighter vehicle. Being able to use less of it also allows manufacturers to reduce some of the cost increase of using higher strength steel.