First of all I have a 72 Skylark, I want to put in a chevy 12 bolt rearend. I know that the 65-67 chev 12 bolts are 1 inch narrower than the 68-72. I am looking at buying a 65 El Camino 12 bolt, and I want to know pretty much everything it takes from start to finish to bolt in this rearend on my 72. Is there any reason I should not go with a 65-67 chev 12 bolt and get the 68-72 chev 12 bolt instead? I just want to know before buying this rearend which one of the two styles offered is the best to go with, and just all the good details on getting the 65 chev El Camino 12 bolt to fit. Any help appreciated, thanks.
The rearend will physically bolt right in. You will probably have to have your driveshaft modified as I think it will need to be shortened and you'll need different u-joint in the back also. The other thing is the wheels. Check how much space you have for clearance on the inside with the old rearend in place. That new rear will take away 1/2" on the inside on each side.
Who knows, maybe someone that has a 65-67 Chev 12 bolt can post a pic so when I get out to the place to buy it I have a picture ahead of time to know that it is the right rearend, and he is not selling something different. Anyone that has a pic and can post it I would greatly appreciate it.
All you need is a measuring tape. The 65-7 versions are 1" narrower than the 68-72 versions. The 68-72 is the same width as the 10 bolts which is about 55.75" The earlier versions are rare and demand big bucks from Chevelle owners. Best bet is the 68-72 versions which were in Chevelles, Canadian built Skylarks, 70-2 Monte Carlo and 69-72 Grand Prix models. The driveshaft from the 10 bolt to the 12 bolt will need to be shortened 1.5" and the rear u-joint is an offset u-joint (one axis is longer than the other) You will need a NEAPCO 3-3130, cost is about $25
Good deal thanks for all your help guys, and I was told that the earlier years of the 12 bolts are hard to come by too, so I suppose that is another reason why I want one anyhow. :TU:
A friend of mine just bought a narrow one. He got it from Florida for $750 plus the $250 to have it shipped up. And he's still having it "freshened up" with new bearings and seals for another $250.
Wow that is a good chunk of money, as i did not realize they ran that much, I am going to pick up the 65 one here soon locally for $500. So I suppose I better jump on it before I regret it.
