The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network - View Single Post - 55.2-59 55-59 frame swap

56hotrodred · 10-25-2010, 11:34 PM

I am putting my 56 on an 80 SWB. Few issues to work out as the frame is 3 or so inches longer but is pretty much the same width. Only real fab work was the front rad support but I worked that out as have others without too much trouble. I do not want to cut and shorten the frame so may just move the rear axle ahead a few inches with new perches to get the box a bit closer to the cab. I want to be able to order all stock brake lines and other parts to keep costs and complexity down.

There is lots of info and threads on here that deal with most of these issues. So the 73 to 87 frame is not a bad choice but it would be worthwhile to check the earlier frames as well - late 60s to 72. Sarges 88 frame is also awesome and should get you into the newer front torsion bar suspension I think.

Good luck.

56hotrodred

10-25-2010, 11:34 PM	#11
56hotrodred Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Mountain View, Alberta, Canada Posts: 415	Re: 55-59 frame swap I am putting my 56 on an 80 SWB. Few issues to work out as the frame is 3 or so inches longer but is pretty much the same width. Only real fab work was the front rad support but I worked that out as have others without too much trouble. I do not want to cut and shorten the frame so may just move the rear axle ahead a few inches with new perches to get the box a bit closer to the cab. I want to be able to order all stock brake lines and other parts to keep costs and complexity down. There is lots of info and threads on here that deal with most of these issues. So the 73 to 87 frame is not a bad choice but it would be worthwhile to check the earlier frames as well - late 60s to 72. Sarges 88 frame is also awesome and should get you into the newer front torsion bar suspension I think. Good luck. 56hotrodred