HELP with FRAME! - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

smithjp1 · 12-03-2002, 12:27 PM

I just bought my first Chevy Truck 68' swb 4x4, I got to cleaning the frame for a restoration, I found a damaged frame near the Steering box. It seems that it has already been patched for repair, and recracked near the bolts, it has a plate that has been welded on the inside of the frame and welded support bar. Anyway it looks like it needs a good fix.

I am green to this restoration process, and love doing it, is there someone out there could help, I will send photos if need be?

I live in the Katy, Texas

Long Knight · 12-03-2002, 12:51 PM

Can't help ya, But welcome to the board!

*Randy70C-10* · 12-03-2002, 02:09 PM

Can you post a picture?

rusty ol' 69' · 12-03-2002, 03:11 PM

It's a common stress point for forbys. Either take everything off and repair it or try to get a donor frame with no damage. I would get an estimate from a welder (if you can't do it yourself, but I wouldn't recomend trying if it's your first time). I think your best bet is to find a donor frame, and attach a stress plate between the box and frame. It's been a while since I've had a 4x4, but when buying an old chevy 4x4 the first thing to look for is stress cracks by the steering box, and if it's got 'em don't get it. Anyway, you could try fixing it, but it just might happen again. I would opt for a new frame.

Good luck,

Rusty

meathead95 · 12-03-2002, 03:17 PM

lets see some pics! and welcome from nashville.

smithjp1 · 12-03-2002, 03:35 PM

Thanks for the reply

Here is one view

smithjp1 · 12-03-2002, 03:37 PM

here you can see how they tried to patch it

smithjp1 · 12-03-2002, 03:39 PM

A plate was also put it to fix the frame

Give me your suggestions

New Frame or should I fix it?

**1971Stepside** · 12-03-2002, 03:48 PM

Wow! By the looks of it I would be looking for a new frame. Unless of course I lived next door to ebfabman!!!

landon4421 · 12-03-2002, 03:49 PM

If you doing a total restore I would try the doner frame idea, or the new frame idea would be even better. BTW The frame I had looked 100 times worst, but still worked and looked good after all the welding and grinding. good luck

meathead95 · 12-03-2002, 04:00 PM

if you are going for a full restoration i would get e new frame if not get it take it to a good welder and get it repaired

smithjp1 · 12-03-2002, 04:18 PM

Where would I get a new frame cheap?

I wish I would have known before I bouth the truck.

What year model frames work on the 68 4x4 swb body

Thanks for the input!

GloryHound · 12-03-2002, 04:29 PM

I'm not totally shore but the experts here might be able to give you a little better idea but if I was going to do it I might try going with a newer style frame. You would gain a lot of the new technology that everyone else tries to shoe horn in as after market assessories. Also parts in general seem to be a little cheaper for mid 70's to early 80's trucks. Just something that might be worth looking into if you are going with a new frame.

So what does everyone else think

Da Hound

meathead95 · 12-03-2002, 05:09 PM

fill in your location in your profile then someone may be able to help you a little better

smithjp1 · 12-03-2002, 06:32 PM

I can get my hands on a lwb frame fairly cheap

Is this an easy swap, to put a swb body on a long wheel base frame?

rusty ol' 69' · 12-03-2002, 06:53 PM

First thing I would do is check the junkyards. Since the posts I have seen so far from Texas seem to have a lot of yards available for these types of trucks. Or you could try making a post, something like, "looking for swb 4x4 frame in Texas!!" I'm sure someone on here would have one and they might even be close by. From the looks of the frame it is in need of some serious fabricating. You could also go cheap and find a donor frame in a junkyard and if you have a portable cutter (And if the yard will let you) you cut out the front part of the frame and then match it (notch the frame or dog ear it) but you need to make sure that you or who ever you get to do it knows what they're doing. Otherwise, you'll end up worse off. But the easiest would be to look for another used frame in texas. You should be able to get a used one at a resonable price, just make sure to inspect the whole frame next time. Oh and I would just stick with the swb for 67-68 otherwise you'll have to end up doing more work than you want. Unless you want front disc brakes, but that's another topic. Alright I've gone on for way too long.

Good luck,

Rusty

rusty ol' 69' · 12-03-2002, 06:55 PM

About the lwb you would need a new bed, driveline, etc. that's why I said stick with the swb

smithjp1 · 12-03-2002, 06:58 PM

Man I really appreciate all the input
Would a frame from a 68 swb 2wd work on my truck?

rusty ol' 69' · 12-03-2002, 07:10 PM

Probably, but then your getting into more custom modifications than neccesary. But I don't know whether or not they made the frames differently (ie. more or less support for front end). I would try to stick with a 67-68 swb 4x4 frame. It would probably be less work to put a lwb 4x4 than a swb 2x4. Since I've never done either I couldn't tell ya. Sorry

bigvinnie · 12-03-2002, 07:33 PM

a reputable welding shop should be able to repair your frame with little trouble.... they would cut out the old repair and fabricate a new piece, welding it in from both sides for maximum penetration... then drill a new mounting hole and you're in business...

you could also have them fab you a reinforcment plate for the outside of the frame, for more strength, or make one yourself...

the front frame horn repair would be a slam dunk...

I would ask around for a recommenation and then get an estimate....

I welded a frame with the same problem around the steering box for a friend with a 74 Blazer... the key was taking the time to remove the steering box so I could weld from both sides... it's still holding 5 years later.

Can't imagine wanting to toss the whole frame when it can be repaired fairly easily...

ozarkhippie · 12-03-2002, 08:45 PM

If your not intending a a full show truck you could do what I did on a later model 4wd that had the same prob. It had been welded several times and still cracked. I took and cut the frame rail under the cab behind the front cabmount and welded in a good section from another frame. I plated the inside the rail, the cab mount bridged the weld on the outside of the rail and also help hide the repair. I also added the repair strengthing piece you can buy to put behind the steering box. I never had any trouble with it again.

smithjp1 · 12-03-2002, 09:15 PM

great thats the kind of advise I have been looking for

Thanks.

Do you have photos?

Hutch · 12-03-2002, 09:51 PM

Check this post on the parts board.
Another member has a 72 swb 4x4 frame for $750
Be sure and check it for cracks around the steering box.
This would be a good upgrade for your project as there were quite a few changes through these years and 72 being the most desirable.
I believe he goes by Marlborough_Man and he is in Stephenville Texas
That is within a day drive for you.

A 68 Short 4x4 is a good find for a project.

I learned the same way as you did about the steering box frame mount cracks on a 68 GMC short step that I bought to restore some 15 years ago. I ended up bailing out on it and gave it away to a kid in the neighborhood. It also had some issues with the early model axles, which had the super long hubs with drum brakes. It just seemed like too much trouble at the time.

Good luck

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=31602

rusty ol' 69' · 12-04-2002, 02:17 AM

Dude check out this link from efabman. He did a really sweet job on his frame (made a lwb into a swb). Anyway, he took some good pictures of each step for notching the frame. Check it out:

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ame+shortening

12-03-2002, 12:27 PM	#1
smithjp1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 116	HELP with FRAME! I just bought my first Chevy Truck 68' swb 4x4, I got to cleaning the frame for a restoration, I found a damaged frame near the Steering box. It seems that it has already been patched for repair, and recracked near the bolts, it has a plate that has been welded on the inside of the frame and welded support bar. Anyway it looks like it needs a good fix. I am green to this restoration process, and love doing it, is there someone out there could help, I will send photos if need be? I live in the Katy, Texas

12-03-2002, 12:51 PM	#2
Long Knight Spank 'em if you got 'em! Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Kansas City Posts: 628	Can't help ya, But welcome to the board! __________________ Long Knight '71 C-20, 350ci, TH350, Edl. 1406 Carb w/elec.choke, Ignitor ignition, Viper Tires, Orange Dipstick

12-03-2002, 03:11 PM	#4
rusty ol' 69' Grubbin' Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 293	Common It's a common stress point for forbys. Either take everything off and repair it or try to get a donor frame with no damage. I would get an estimate from a welder (if you can't do it yourself, but I wouldn't recomend trying if it's your first time). I think your best bet is to find a donor frame, and attach a stress plate between the box and frame. It's been a while since I've had a 4x4, but when buying an old chevy 4x4 the first thing to look for is stress cracks by the steering box, and if it's got 'em don't get it. Anyway, you could try fixing it, but it just might happen again. I would opt for a new frame. Good luck, Rusty __________________ project rust attack 1969 Chevrolet LWB w/ 307. I got power steering now woohooooo!!!!!!!

12-03-2002, 03:17 PM	#5
meathead95 computer illiterate Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 6,446	lets see some pics! and welcome from nashville. __________________ 72 2wd blazer 72 swb 4x4

12-03-2002, 03:35 PM	#6
smithjp1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 116	Thanks for the reply Here is one view Attached Images

12-03-2002, 02:09 PM	#3
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	Can you post a picture?

12-03-2002, 03:37 PM	#7
smithjp1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 116	here you can see how they tried to patch it Attached Images

12-03-2002, 03:39 PM	#8
smithjp1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 116	Replace or Fix A plate was also put it to fix the frame Give me your suggestions New Frame or should I fix it? Attached Images

12-03-2002, 03:48 PM	#9
1971Stepside Almost Satisfied Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Springfield, MO Posts: 2,930	Wow! By the looks of it I would be looking for a new frame. Unless of course I lived next door to ebfabman!!! __________________ 1971 C10 Stepside. LSx 6.0 with BTR Stage IV, Speed Engineering Headers, 4L80e transmission w/3200 Circle-D Stall. 3.73. Posi. Purchased this truck when I was 17. I started the rebuild (or take apart) in 1993. I have drug it around all over the country in pieces. Finally back on the road in 2021. "I can't complain, but sometimes I still do. Life's been good to me so far."

12-03-2002, 03:49 PM	#10
landon4421 Life is Good ! Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Hollister, Ca. Posts: 1,992	If you doing a total restore I would try the doner frame idea, or the new frame idea would be even better. BTW The frame I had looked 100 times worst, but still worked and looked good after all the welding and grinding. good luck __________________ '72 Chevy C10 4x4 shortbed "Project" '71 Chevy C10 2wd longbed "partsrunner" '91 Chevy Burb 4x4 "kidrunner" '14 Honda Accord Sport "commuter"

12-03-2002, 04:00 PM	#11
meathead95 computer illiterate Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 6,446	if you are going for a full restoration i would get e new frame if not get it take it to a good welder and get it repaired __________________ 72 2wd blazer 72 swb 4x4

12-03-2002, 04:18 PM	#12
smithjp1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 116	Where would I get a new frame cheap? I wish I would have known before I bouth the truck. What year model frames work on the 68 4x4 swb body Thanks for the input!

12-03-2002, 04:29 PM	#13
GloryHound Working on a Nova. Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: ## Posts: 506	New frame I'm not totally shore but the experts here might be able to give you a little better idea but if I was going to do it I might try going with a newer style frame. You would gain a lot of the new technology that everyone else tries to shoe horn in as after market assessories. Also parts in general seem to be a little cheaper for mid 70's to early 80's trucks. Just something that might be worth looking into if you are going with a new frame. So what does everyone else think Da Hound

12-03-2002, 05:09 PM	#14
meathead95 computer illiterate Join Date: Jan 2001 Location: Des Moines, IA Posts: 6,446	fill in your location in your profile then someone may be able to help you a little better __________________ 72 2wd blazer 72 swb 4x4

12-03-2002, 06:32 PM	#15
smithjp1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 116	I can get my hands on a lwb frame fairly cheap Is this an easy swap, to put a swb body on a long wheel base frame?



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12-03-2002, 06:53 PM	#16
rusty ol' 69' Grubbin' Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 293	First thing I would do is check the junkyards. Since the posts I have seen so far from Texas seem to have a lot of yards available for these types of trucks. Or you could try making a post, something like, "looking for swb 4x4 frame in Texas!!" I'm sure someone on here would have one and they might even be close by. From the looks of the frame it is in need of some serious fabricating. You could also go cheap and find a donor frame in a junkyard and if you have a portable cutter (And if the yard will let you) you cut out the front part of the frame and then match it (notch the frame or dog ear it) but you need to make sure that you or who ever you get to do it knows what they're doing. Otherwise, you'll end up worse off. But the easiest would be to look for another used frame in texas. You should be able to get a used one at a resonable price, just make sure to inspect the whole frame next time. Oh and I would just stick with the swb for 67-68 otherwise you'll have to end up doing more work than you want. Unless you want front disc brakes, but that's another topic. Alright I've gone on for way too long. Good luck, Rusty __________________ project rust attack 1969 Chevrolet LWB w/ 307. I got power steering now woohooooo!!!!!!!

12-03-2002, 06:55 PM	#17
rusty ol' 69' Grubbin' Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 293	About the lwb you would need a new bed, driveline, etc. that's why I said stick with the swb __________________ project rust attack 1969 Chevrolet LWB w/ 307. I got power steering now woohooooo!!!!!!!

12-03-2002, 06:58 PM	#18
smithjp1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 116	Man I really appreciate all the input Would a frame from a 68 swb 2wd work on my truck?

12-03-2002, 07:10 PM	#19
rusty ol' 69' Grubbin' Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 293	Probably, but then your getting into more custom modifications than neccesary. But I don't know whether or not they made the frames differently (ie. more or less support for front end). I would try to stick with a 67-68 swb 4x4 frame. It would probably be less work to put a lwb 4x4 than a swb 2x4. Since I've never done either I couldn't tell ya. Sorry __________________ project rust attack 1969 Chevrolet LWB w/ 307. I got power steering now woohooooo!!!!!!!

12-03-2002, 07:33 PM	#20
bigvinnie Registered User Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: escondido, ca 92026 Posts: 1,222	a reputable welding shop should be able to repair your frame with little trouble.... they would cut out the old repair and fabricate a new piece, welding it in from both sides for maximum penetration... then drill a new mounting hole and you're in business... you could also have them fab you a reinforcment plate for the outside of the frame, for more strength, or make one yourself... the front frame horn repair would be a slam dunk... I would ask around for a recommenation and then get an estimate.... I welded a frame with the same problem around the steering box for a friend with a 74 Blazer... the key was taking the time to remove the steering box so I could weld from both sides... it's still holding 5 years later. Can't imagine wanting to toss the whole frame when it can be repaired fairly easily... __________________ '72 short step, 350, 700R4, tilt, ps, pdb, a/c, lowered coils, etc., other work in progress... San Diego, CA 72 Stepside Project Last edited by bigvinnie; 12-03-2002 at 07:44 PM.

12-03-2002, 08:45 PM	#21
ozarkhippie Registered User Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Eureka Springs AR Posts: 494	If your not intending a a full show truck you could do what I did on a later model 4wd that had the same prob. It had been welded several times and still cracked. I took and cut the frame rail under the cab behind the front cabmount and welded in a good section from another frame. I plated the inside the rail, the cab mount bridged the weld on the outside of the rail and also help hide the repair. I also added the repair strengthing piece you can buy to put behind the steering box. I never had any trouble with it again.

12-03-2002, 09:15 PM	#22
smithjp1 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Katy, Texas Posts: 116	great thats the kind of advise I have been looking for Thanks. Do you have photos?

12-03-2002, 09:51 PM	#23
Hutch Registered User Join Date: Oct 2001 Location: Grapevine, Tx. Posts: 2,140	Check this post on the parts board. Another member has a 72 swb 4x4 frame for $750 Be sure and check it for cracks around the steering box. This would be a good upgrade for your project as there were quite a few changes through these years and 72 being the most desirable. I believe he goes by Marlborough_Man and he is in Stephenville Texas That is within a day drive for you. A 68 Short 4x4 is a good find for a project. I learned the same way as you did about the steering box frame mount cracks on a 68 GMC short step that I bought to restore some 15 years ago. I ended up bailing out on it and gave it away to a kid in the neighborhood. It also had some issues with the early model axles, which had the super long hubs with drum brakes. It just seemed like too much trouble at the time. Good luck http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...threadid=31602 __________________ John Hutchison Grapevine,Texas 68 1/2 t swb 68 Mustang 69 Jaguar 71 1/2 t swb 88 Supra CompTs6m 93 Escort GT 2005 Corolla XRS

12-04-2002, 02:17 AM	#24
rusty ol' 69' Grubbin' Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Chico, CA Posts: 293	Dude check out this link from efabman. He did a really sweet job on his frame (made a lwb into a swb). Anyway, he took some good pictures of each step for notching the frame. Check it out: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...ame+shortening __________________ project rust attack 1969 Chevrolet LWB w/ 307. I got power steering now woohooooo!!!!!!!

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