What are the differences between GMC and Chevy AD frames? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

MrTucker · 11-01-2009, 05:21 PM

I have a 1953 GMC 1/2 ton long bed with a slightly twisted frame. I've read on Stovebolt and OldGMCTrucks and I know that there are differences between GMC and Chevy frames - specifically in the radiator support area to compensate for the longer/larger GMC motor. What other differences are there?

I'm not planning on keeping the original drive train, instead I'm going with a sbc/th400/MII set up.

I also have a line on a super cheap Chevy shortbed 1/2 ton frame that I wouldn't mind picking up - if it will work.

thoughts??

54 jimmy · 11-01-2009, 06:14 PM

i think that is the only difference. just grind the rivets off of your rad support and the chevy on and swap them. i almost positive that will work.

BIGMAC68 · 11-06-2009, 04:17 PM

The rear of the frames between the 3/4 ton Chevy and the 1/2 ton GMC are different as well. The 3/4 ton Chevy frame rails are straight back wheras the 1/2 ton GMC frame rails bend outward towards the bed sides after the cab. This makes the bed mounting situation somewhat complicated especially for the rear cross member.

Dan Bowles · 11-06-2009, 04:42 PM

Both series changed frames in '54 to lower, flatter kicks in order to get a 2" deeper box.

MrTucker · 11-07-2009, 02:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BIGMAC68

The rear of the frames between the 3/4 ton Chevy and the 1/2 ton GMC are different as well. The 3/4 ton Chevy frame rails are straight back wheras the 1/2 ton GMC frame rails bend outward towards the bed sides after the cab. This makes the bed mounting situation somewhat complicated especially for the rear cross member.

so then are 1/2 ton Chevy frames are the same as 1/2 ton GMC frames???

olBlue · 11-09-2009, 06:15 PM

In the 1/2 ton frames, the difference between GMC and Chevy is the front frame cross-member.

11-01-2009, 05:21 PM	#1
MrTucker Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Denver, CO Posts: 455	What are the differences between GMC and Chevy AD frames? I have a 1953 GMC 1/2 ton long bed with a slightly twisted frame. I've read on Stovebolt and OldGMCTrucks and I know that there are differences between GMC and Chevy frames - specifically in the radiator support area to compensate for the longer/larger GMC motor. What other differences are there? I'm not planning on keeping the original drive train, instead I'm going with a sbc/th400/MII set up. I also have a line on a super cheap Chevy shortbed 1/2 ton frame that I wouldn't mind picking up - if it will work. thoughts??

11-01-2009, 06:14 PM	#2
54 jimmy Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: pittston,PA Posts: 1,183	Re: What are the differences between GMC and Chevy AD frames? i think that is the only difference. just grind the rivets off of your rad support and the chevy on and swap them. i almost positive that will work. __________________ There is nothing you can't fix with a BFH or a FIRE WRENCH. 1997 chevy k1500 ext cab z71 (daily driver) sold 1996 chevy k1500 reg cab 4x4(daily driver)totaled 2008jeep patriot (wife's daily driver 2008 chevy 1500 ext cab 4x4 sold 2011 chevy 1500 crew cab ltz (daily driver) 1996 chevy 1500 reg cab 4x4 project sold 2006 pontiac grand prix gxp (daily work commuter)

11-06-2009, 04:17 PM	#3
BIGMAC68 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Tuttle Oklahoma Posts: 162	Re: What are the differences between GMC and Chevy AD frames? The rear of the frames between the 3/4 ton Chevy and the 1/2 ton GMC are different as well. The 3/4 ton Chevy frame rails are straight back wheras the 1/2 ton GMC frame rails bend outward towards the bed sides after the cab. This makes the bed mounting situation somewhat complicated especially for the rear cross member.

11-06-2009, 04:42 PM	#4
Dan Bowles AD Addict Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Blissfield, MI Posts: 822	Re: What are the differences between GMC and Chevy AD frames? Both series changed frames in '54 to lower, flatter kicks in order to get a 2" deeper box.

11-09-2009, 06:15 PM	#6
olBlue Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Walla Walla, WA Posts: 10	Re: What are the differences between GMC and Chevy AD frames? In the 1/2 ton frames, the difference between GMC and Chevy is the front frame cross-member.



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