suspension SS427

real_fast · #1 02-09-2006, 08:16 AM

Out of curiosity, a while back I was reading about the SS427 Impala and descibed it as having a 'bud frame,' supposedly unique to these cars.

What exactly is a bud frame?

**SS427** · #2 02-09-2006, 04:26 PM

No clue. There is NO difference to an SS427 Impala frame from a standard Impala save for the F41 suspension. If there is, it is news to me.
Rick

**PeteLeathersac** · #3 02-09-2006, 04:53 PM

Besides GM built units, Budd w/ two d's was a GM supplier of frames. . A.O. Smith was another frame supplier who's more famous for supplying mid year 'Vette bodies. . . There was some differences in the construction style of frames by each mfg. so perhaps the Budd ones were better and chosen for this application? . Not sure if it's the same Budd more known for truck wheels? ~ Pete

**Mr70** · #4 02-09-2006, 06:29 PM

I've seen the Budd brand frames on a select few GM A-bodies.
I would imagine it is the same manufacturer of the wheels too.

real_fast · #5 02-11-2006, 07:26 AM

What makes a Budd frame different from the normal frame? Also what is the F41 package?

**Mr70** · #6 02-12-2006, 07:11 PM

I remember the Budd brand frames were a single piece tunnel bottom with channel rails welded on.Very distinct.
A.O. Smith brand used a double tunnel bottom with welded channel rails.
I took pictures of these examples awhile ago,but I can't find those anymore.
I've seen the Budd brand frames used on 1970+ Taxi cabs and 4 door Chevelles,as well as the Big Passenger cars.
Other common Frame Manufacturers back then were Chevrolet,Pontiac and Parrish Pressed Steel.
I think Budd still makes frames today under the name Thyssen-Krupp-Budd for the Chevrolet Trailblazer,GMC Envoy and Buick Rainier.

**Mr70** · #7 02-16-2006, 08:05 PM

[ QUOTE ]
Also what is the F41 package?

[/ QUOTE ]
In general,it was the optional Performance Suspension package that included specially selected coil springs,shock absorbers and front & rear stabilizer bars.

**PeteLeathersac** · #8 02-16-2006, 08:13 PM

Does the F40 come w/ a rear stab bar too or just front? . And Rick....lay a larger pic on us of that broad w/ the '70....that 'Friends' thing you're running. . I can't get it to blow up and think I need a better look at her? ~ Pete

**Mr70** · #9 02-16-2006, 08:17 PM

The F40 does not come with a rear stabilizer bar like the F41.

Picture PM sent..

**PeteLeathersac** · #10 02-16-2006, 08:56 PM

Thanks Rick....thought so on the F40 and this seemed like a good time to ask. . And thanks for the pic....too bad she's so blury. . Somehow this era girls still do it for me....I think it's something to do w/ the cage dancers still stuck in my mind?? ~ Pete

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