Frame swap options - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

rattle e 6speed · 09-03-2010, 03:18 AM

I have been doing some research on the net about the pros and cons(or even possibility) of puttting the body from the 58 onto a 81-87 1/2 ton chassis. I know that the frame rail width is the same from the rear upto the firewall, but the newer frame converges inward where the front cross member bolts on. I know that the options for kits are endless, but $2-3000 seams a bit steep since you can pick up a running truck for under a grand, and end up with a roller. It just seems too easy, which usually means I am missing something obvious. Thanks for any input you have. Experience is invaluable, and can cost a lot to learn.

**lolife99** · 09-03-2010, 07:40 AM

I think the front track width is usually too wide.
This makes the front wheels stick out too far for my liking.
If the truck is not going to be lowered,... I guess that wouldn't be a problem.
Still alot of fab work is required to make the body and bumpers work.

GRIMSS · 09-03-2010, 08:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lolife99

I think the front track width is usually too wide.
This makes the front wheels stick out too far for my liking.
If the truck is not going to be lowered,... I guess that wouldn't be a problem.
Still alot of fab work is required to make the body and bumpers work.

I agree. The only way I would do the swap would be as a 4x4. Local guy has one that is 2wd and it looks and sits like it should be a 4wd.

Best bet would be to do a camaro clip.

geezer#99 · 09-03-2010, 10:33 AM

I've done the front frame graft. Used a 58 gmc frame and 79 chevy front frame and joined the 2 under the cab. 1973-1987 frames are all the same. Problem with using the whole newer frame is it kicks up at the back of the cab so the box needs to be lifted and the cab too to keep it looking right. Then you get the 4x4 look. Also wheelbase is different. Front track is wider too but curable by using different offset front wheels. Steering box stays on outside of frame and easier to hook up to your existing steering column. Mounts for rad support are easy to make. If you use the camaro front it's more grafting and support plate fabbing at the join too. Track is narrower than stock and lookks goofy. JMHO. Steering box inside the rail. Steering hard to hook up and can't use headers. No room on drivers side for them. Rad support harder to build cause of steering box location. JMHO. It's always a comprimise!!!
You need any more info pm me. I'm just an hour north of you.

09-03-2010, 03:18 AM	#1
rattle e 6speed Registered User Join Date: Apr 2010 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 1	Frame swap options I have been doing some research on the net about the pros and cons(or even possibility) of puttting the body from the 58 onto a 81-87 1/2 ton chassis. I know that the frame rail width is the same from the rear upto the firewall, but the newer frame converges inward where the front cross member bolts on. I know that the options for kits are endless, but $2-3000 seams a bit steep since you can pick up a running truck for under a grand, and end up with a roller. It just seems too easy, which usually means I am missing something obvious. Thanks for any input you have. Experience is invaluable, and can cost a lot to learn.

09-03-2010, 07:40 AM	#2
lolife99 67-72 parts collector,… Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Mid-MO Posts: 22,685	Re: Frame swap options I think the front track width is usually too wide. This makes the front wheels stick out too far for my liking. If the truck is not going to be lowered,... I guess that wouldn't be a problem. Still alot of fab work is required to make the body and bumpers work. __________________ Keith Convert to disc brakes. http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=444823

09-03-2010, 10:33 AM	#4
geezer#99 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Bowser Posts: 13,522	Re: Frame swap options I've done the front frame graft. Used a 58 gmc frame and 79 chevy front frame and joined the 2 under the cab. 1973-1987 frames are all the same. Problem with using the whole newer frame is it kicks up at the back of the cab so the box needs to be lifted and the cab too to keep it looking right. Then you get the 4x4 look. Also wheelbase is different. Front track is wider too but curable by using different offset front wheels. Steering box stays on outside of frame and easier to hook up to your existing steering column. Mounts for rad support are easy to make. If you use the camaro front it's more grafting and support plate fabbing at the join too. Track is narrower than stock and lookks goofy. JMHO. Steering box inside the rail. Steering hard to hook up and can't use headers. No room on drivers side for them. Rad support harder to build cause of steering box location. JMHO. It's always a comprimise!!! You need any more info pm me. I'm just an hour north of you.



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