Cadillac/GM X-frame

Started by CaminoRacer, June 25, 2020, 01:33:51 PM

CaminoRacer

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/





Here's more info:
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/automotive-histories/automotive-history-an-x-ray-look-at-gms-x-frame-1957-1970/



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.
2020 BMW 330i, 1969 El Camino, 2017 Bolt EV

Eye of the Tiger

2008 TUNDRA (Truck Ultra-wideband Never-say-die Daddy Rottweiler Awesome)

MX793

Needs more Jiggawatts

2016 Ford Mustang GTPP / 2011 Toyota Rav4 Base AWD / 2014 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS
1992 Nissan 240SX Fastback / 2004 Mazda Mazda3s / 2011 Ford Mustang V6 Premium / 2007 Suzuki GSF1250SA Bandit / 2006 VW Jetta 2.5

FoMoJo

"The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once." ~ Albert Einstein
"As the saying goes, when you mix science and politics, you get politics."

Laconian

Looks like the frame would do absolutely jack in a t-boning scenario. Eeeek.
Kia EV6 GT-Line / MX-5 RF 6MT

shp4man

Have any of you guys ever driven a '60s era Caddy? Smoooooooooooth.  ;)

Morris Minor

People used to die like flies. And as for seatbelts (if any,)... people needed a lot of persuading.

https://youtu.be/BjmEOdl3j1I
⏤  '10 G37 | '21 CX-5 GT Reserve  ⏤

Gotta-Qik-C7

All of those early 60's Impalas (that I love) had X Frames! IIRC the Impala got a normal frame in 1965....
2014 C7 Vert, 2002 Silverado, 2005 Road Glide

Morris Minor

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.
⏤  '10 G37 | '21 CX-5 GT Reserve  ⏤

CaminoRacer

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!
2020 BMW 330i, 1969 El Camino, 2017 Bolt EV

FoMoJo

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. 
"The only reason for time is so that everything doesn't happen at once." ~ Albert Einstein
"As the saying goes, when you mix science and politics, you get politics."

MX793

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.
Needs more Jiggawatts

2016 Ford Mustang GTPP / 2011 Toyota Rav4 Base AWD / 2014 Kawasaki Ninja 1000 ABS
1992 Nissan 240SX Fastback / 2004 Mazda Mazda3s / 2011 Ford Mustang V6 Premium / 2007 Suzuki GSF1250SA Bandit / 2006 VW Jetta 2.5

RomanChariot

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.