suede71
09-03-2006, 09:21 AM
Hey.
I have a '55 with everything except for chassis and bed sides. I gave the stock long bed frame and bed sides away - needed the space. As I plan this project, what is the best (affordable) option for a frame? S-10, later model C10, fabricate my own rails, what do you suggest. I want a low static drop stance.
Thanks for your input.
Tristen
1955 2nd series project
1954 Kustom
Gene Sharp
09-03-2006, 10:21 AM
I used an 80model Chevy 4x4 frame
filled in the drop with 2x6 retangular tubing
and used stock bodymounts with poly bushings
you might want to measue carefully and maybe remove 1"
from the frame depending on the bed to cab fit you wanthttp://s111.photobucket.com/albums/n139/Gene_015/th_HPIM0304.jpg
Gene
Gene Sharp
09-03-2006, 10:30 AM
you could do sorta the same thing with a 2 wheel drive frame
lots of drop spindles and good stuff around for those frames
and you get steering thatworks and good brakes
Gene
suede71
09-03-2006, 11:12 AM
Thanks man, hows the track width up front on theses later model frames? Any idea?
Gene Sharp
09-03-2006, 11:23 AM
should work fine
my 4x4 front axels are a couple of inches wider
than the rears and I am running 10 inch wheels ]
so mine stick out some but witha 2 wheel drive setup should work out fine
a little tape measure work should giv the eanswer
Gene
qksilver
09-03-2006, 10:51 PM
I used a 66 frame, the 60 to 72 frames don't have the kick up like the 73 up do. The measurements are are very close to the second series 55. The only trick is to use the 55 frame body brackets onto the swapped frame. I measured twice then drilled holes into the 66 and bolted the 55 brackets up.
The only problem I encountered , should have used a 68 up frame was that there wasn't a dimple for a power steering box.
There will be some fabbing needed but things are close enough that i pretty much used stock chevy parts from diffferent years from the junkyard
suede71
09-04-2006, 08:13 AM
Thank you. Good info.
Tristen
ShamrockCustoms
09-07-2006, 11:30 PM
you might also try using an original frame and discard the original front suspension and utilize one of the many available mustang II style independent suspensions available. no messing with body mounts and such, plus you shed the weight and hassle of gm steering poop. rack and pinion is nice.
just a thought.
suede71
09-10-2006, 07:13 AM
Hey,
I have seen a couple 55-57's using el-camino frames. I know that they are like 3" longer but any major issue using something like this?
Thanls