1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Here is my current project. Its a 54 3100 I picked up from a friend of mine chev3600. The frame was hacked and I couldnt find a decent replacement local and wasnt 100% settled on the S10 swap so I decided to build a square tube chassis to mount my C4 IFS and IRS to. I took about 1000 measurements and wrote everything down to use while duplicating the chassis. I dont have a frame table or anything so it has taken longer than I wanted it to but has turned out good so far. It is totally square and level so far within 1/32 of an inch. WELL within spec. Anyway here are some pics of where I am so far.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

The chassis as it sits today and the 20" Camaro wheels I picked up use for mockup/rollers. May use them permanently depending on how they look on there.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Looking very good, interesting build....

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Very talanted with the.metal work..looks.like you have an idea and make it happen

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Thanks guys. Hope to have the chassis welded solid tomorrow and maybe have the cab back on. We'll see.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Cab looks solid, and the frame looks super, along for the ride...Jim

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

I got the frame welded solid today (minus my fish plates) with the frontmost crossmember in for the radiator support to mount to. Added the cab mounts and set the cab back on the chassis. Next I will mount the fenders so I can find my new axle centerline for the front wheels. Then I will set up the front and rear suspension for the ride height Im after. I am going to use the Vette leafs for now and will switch to coilovers if I need to. Here are some progress pics.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Looks really good.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Sweet....Jim

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

You know you can cut down the stock vette springs (narrower) to soften/ drop the ride height? I cut them down on a table saw

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Nice, thanks man. I may have to try that with the springs. I appreciate the comments guys.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Nice build, I like the frame alot.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Thanks man, it has taken me alot longer than I thought it would but it is solid as hell and looks good and is square to boot!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Nice work on the frame. Cab looks to be in real good shape. What motor will you be running ?

Shawn

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Planning on a 5.3 or a 6.0 but we'll see. I'll run a 4.8 if I find a deal on one.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

What's up Josh? Did you give up on the 72 build? I'm in for this one too.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

I had a guy come by that wanted it way more than i did! This one has been way more fun to me too.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

hell yeah man, who needs a frame table anyway right. Your making it work just right with what you got. So much talent on this site its crazy. Luuuv that patina hood in the BG too.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Hey everything's for sale just a matter of price. Fun is important:)

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Thanks a lot man I appreciate that. Wish the whole truck looked like that hood!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Nice frame work! Keep the updates coming!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Thanks guys. I'll be out of town this weekend so maybe next weekend if I can find time.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Anyone here have access to a plasma table or water jet or something? I ordered some fish plates but not sure I am 100% happy with them? I have a template I can send to have cut. Everyone wants an arm and a leg to have the machine cut them. Any help? Thanks guys.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

You have an amazing start so far! Definitely suscribed! As far as your plasma needs. Contact Garrison Dearmond with Dearmond Chassis and Paint. Phone: (479) 438-2292, Email: gdearmond11@gmail.com Tell him Dustin with Self Built Fab sent you. I doubt you find anyone more reasonably priced.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Started determining the ride height and wheelbase. Going to throw the running boards, fenders, and bed on it to finish that but couldnt resist a couple pics!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Frame looks nice. What size tubing and what wall thickness did you use?

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

That's looking great, ready for more...Jim

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

The frame is 2x4 .120 wall. Its just a bit thicker than my factory frame and since its a box instead of a C channel I figured it would be ok. I looked online and found a few aftermarket companies building chassis that are 2x4 .120 wall so I feel it should be alright. Thanks for the compliments guys.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Thanks for the reply. Will you fabricate a front crossmember or use the GM original? I'm curious about the tie rod clearance. The Vette spindle locates the integral steering arm so high that it makes it difficult to get the tie rod to clear the frame rail.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

My plans are to make a cross member based on the C4 cradle measurements. I will notch the frame for the steering rack. If I didn't notch the frame the cradle would hang low and the ride height would probably be near stock height. Thanks for the comments.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

looking good, can't wait to see some more unfold.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Thanks man. I'll be back at it tonight.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Am I late? This build is moving fast. Looks great. sub'd

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Thanks man, going to get some more done tonight for sure. I have fishplates I need to TIG on and still need to square the cab up on the chassis, determine wheelbase, ride height, etc. I threw a fender and running board on last night just to get an idea. Looks sick! I believe I will have about 6 inches under the front crossmember that supports the core support, etc.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

1972SuperCheyenne, great job on the frame. I had to notch the hell out of the frame for the steering. I then bent some 1 5/8 tubing to go from the bottom of the crossmember to the bottom of the radiator crossmember to add some strength back into the front of the frame. Going to be a great build.

Shannon

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Thanks alot Shannon, means alot. Issues with the welder tonight, no progress unfortunately. Will get back at it later this week.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Along for the ride! Great work so far! :metal:

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Thanks guys, not alot of progress this weekend. Hopefully soon though.

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

Got started on the fish plates on the rear of the chassis. More this weekend hopefully!

Re: 1954 3100 C4 Tube Chassis Build
 

those look nice, you have them made?