long bed to modern chassis question

[donthekawguy]

What I would like to do is get a cheap beat down long bed and put it on a more modern chassis. The 90's suburbans and trucks are really cheap around here so thats probably what I would go with. Which would the 60-66 body fit on, the truck or suburban? I think they have the same frame but not sure. I think refreshing the suspension, rebuilding the motor and gear boxes, 6 inch lift would be perfect. Nice smooth ride, cruise control, AC and power everything with a classic body is what I want. I'll keep my 66 shorty for loud obnoxious tire shredding!

[Captainfab]

This question gets asked quite frequently.

http://www.67-72chevytrucks.com/vboa...d.php?t=481023

[donthekawguy]

Thanx Capt. but I was looking for info about a newer model from the 90's with all the goodies. I guess I'll have to measure one and find out which is the closest and go from there. At the least it would take new body mounts and maybe moving the rear axle forward or back. If I find one with IFS I won't want to mess with that if at all possible. It seems it would be a lot easier to move the rear end than the front.

[Captainfab]

If you're talking about a '88 and up truck or the '92 and up Suburban, That will be even worse IMO. Those frames are way different than the earlier trucks. There was one local here that was started several years ago. To my knowledge it has never been completed. I have also seen a couple on line that were started and given up on.....way too much work. The only one I know of that was completed is that green 4x4 Suburban on the Duramax running gear.

Also as I said in the thread linked above, and have said every time this is asked, you need to be sure that you are following the legal guidelines in your state regarding changing the frame on a vehicle. You need to have all the required paperwork and inspections for it to be legal. Otherwise you risk having the vehicle confiscated. That would plain suck after all that work. And yes that is a factor here in Idaho.

[88Lt1wagon]

When I bought my '66 I planned on putting it on a 2000 or newer frame, figured I'd have a modern Vortec drivetrain under a classic body, but everyone on this forum has said it's not worth it. I wish these guys went into more detail with this build, it looks like a nice toy.

[Clyde65]

Your MUCH better off my friend by swapping disc brakes on the front, sliding a LSx motor with a 60e tranny in there and go that route. You want to drive it right? The way I did mine and others have done theirs is so much easier and safer, you get the truck and the modern drive train/conveniences. Plus your not spending years in the shop trying to get this and that to fit, your driving your truck and looking very cool doing it.


Oh and that truck you showed was a "money no object" kind of thing, listen to these guys, they know what your after and some have even gone that route before. We aren't trying to dictate what to do or not to do, we are only giving friendly advice and fair warning about the path. We all hope you have fun going whatever route you decide to do and we all will be here to cheer you on!

Good luck my friend!
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[donthekawguy]

Sounds like it would be easier and cheaper to swap all the goodies into a 4x4.