Frame identification
 

I'm in the process of tearing down a '59 Apache body on what I think is a '77 chevy frame. Is there a particular place where the frame might be stamped so I can confirm which frame is on the truck. I'm looking into the Paul Horton's IFS and for other obvious reasons I want to know exactly what frame I have. I just got the cab off this weekend, so the real fun begins. I'm going to really enjoy getting down to the bare frame and starting there!

Re: Frame identification
 

welcome to the site. If your going to put an aftermarket IFS, I would start with the right frame.

Re: Frame identification
 

Post a picture.

Re: Frame identification
 

I agree with that 100%, I don't see any advantage to trying to cobble a later frame under a truck only to swap suspensions later. The idea of running a later frame is usually to get the later suspension with it. Other than that there is no advantage.

Re: Frame identification
 

If it is a post-72 frame part of the VIN should be stamped on the top of the frame, drivers' side, around the front axle area.

Re: Frame identification
 

Thanks for the help. The fact of the matter is that the frame was already swapped when I picked up the truck. The suspension currently on the truck may be an upgrade to the '59 but it's still thirty years old and needs an update. I'll post a pic when I get back home this weekend. Thanks again!

Re: Frame identification
 

here are some pics of the frame. thanks for the help so far. I'm finally finding time to work on the truck, so we should see some decent progress this summer.

Re: Frame identification
 

Its not a '77, the long trailing arm rear suspension was only used through 1972. I see front coil springs which mean '63 or later. The power steering box appears to be a factory mounting, which does narrow the frame to later in the '63 to '72 range but I'm not sure how late.

I can't see the front brakes. If they are disk and we can assume this is an unmodified frame, its a '71 to '72.

So not definitive, but that is what I see.

Re: Frame identification
 

looks like the one i have under my 59' and with the notch for the p.s. it looks to be 67'-70'. can't see any calipers so not 71'-72' 6 or 5 lug? gas tank looks like add on. a look at the e-brake cable system may help as they changed from middle of truck (hand set) to left side being set by foot! more pic's will help. should be vin# on top of frame.

Re: Frame identification
 

I'll definitely try to get the VIN# off the frame when I get home. Just goes to show what the previous owner knew about the truck as well. Once I know which frame, it should be off to the races and the beginning of a good build!

Re: Frame identification
 

As 55Dude suggested count the lugs. Verify his assessment that it has drum brakes.

Those details would narrow the range quite a bit.

Re: Frame identification
 

I'd say since it does have the power steering from the factory it would have to be '68 or newer. '67 didn't have the indent in the frame for the steering box.

Re: Frame identification
 

Just my opinion but I would work with that frame. Just clean it up and replace the worn suspension parts. The rear trailing arm suspension makes for a real nice ride and is easily bagged if you decide to go that route. 67-72 frames are ok for this swap. Do a disk conversion on the front if its not already disc. Moving to a Paul Horton or any MII on that frame is a step backwards. Its putting a car IFS under a truck frame.

Re: Frame identification
 

This truck has been sitting way TOO long! Finally have the time and money to get this into a roller. From the frame talked about above, I've found the following up by the engine bay but can't find any reference to it as a VIN, etc. Any help?

9S844120

Re: Frame identification
 

My expertise is with squarebodies, but based on what you have posted my guess would be:

9 = 1969
S = St Louis assembly plant
844120 = sequential portion of VIN

K

Re: Frame identification
 

A 69 Chassis (if nothing's been changed) would have six lug wheels and drum brakes all around.

One has to ask, what do you want the truck to be and do when it is finished?

If it's bagging it to drop it or lay frame there are a pot load of bag kits for that chassis and suspension that let you do that in short order. A lot of guys copy that rear suspension to bag their trucks and a lot of cars.

It's also fairly easy to upgrade the brakes if that is one of the things on the list.

I don't mind seeing a guy spend money on his rig if he accomplishes something but spending money to make changes were changes may not be needed isn't really prudent or possibly wise. You can buy every wear part of the front suspension and steering at your favorite local parts house for that setup and not have to go to specialty vendors for (rare) parts. Several vendors sell upgrade pieces and bags or lowering springs.

Now, what's the whole plan for the truck and what are the driving and use plans when it's done?