1955-57 frame swap

[57ToyBox]

So C10 Custom
Since you started this awesome informative thread.
Where are you at?
What direction are you gonna take?
Have you come up with a plan?

I know I have a plan now

[c10 custom]

sorry for the delay on this post not sure what i am going to do maybe do the mustang 2 front suspension not sure haha

[cadman89]

I am about to put my 56 GMC on a 69 C10 chassis.
The 69 is only one inch longer 115" as opposed to the current 114" and the bed will almost bolt right on.
I will just need to raise the cab up 4" due to the dip in the newer frame.



I have see this swap done before on a 55 second series. http://www.jalopyweb.com/55chevypu/1955pu.htm

The S10 is to narrow for this swap and if you go newer than a 72 C10 you will need to move the rear end up to get it to fit right due to the 118" wheelbase.
But that is not too hard as they go back to leaf springs and you can move the spring perches forward and bolt them back on...

Cadman

[pugs]

just started this 2 weeks ago. its on an s10 frame with 8" turbines

[gabe2000]

Nice job!!! I have a 1966 or 67 frame on Tf frame. I did not sabotage a classic truck. That how brought from PO. It basically bolt on exempt for the front body mounts.

[dsraven]

if you are planning on getting a used stock frame and then adding front and rear suspension then why not just start from scratch with making your own frame. the assembly manual has all the specs on the frame for width, cab mount locations etc. it is basically a flat frame with a kick up over the rear wheels and then a taper for the front end. flat where the cab and the box sit. a lot of guys cut the rear frame off in front of the kick up and fab up their own rear suspension so the truck can be lowered. the front end is an aftermarker mustangII or a camaro clip so that is straight forward as well. trust me, i have spent many hours straightening and boxing etc. as an afterthought, if doing it again, I would have fabbed my own frame on a home made jig. get some stout I beam from the scrap dealer and make a jig, then fab away.

[dsraven]

here is a pic of my frame when welding the boxing plates in. not much to them if you think about it. a lot of guys remake the crossmembers, install mustangII crossmembers out front or weld in a camaro front clip and then replace the rear section over and behind the diff anyway. wouldn't be too tough to fab up your own using that mindset.

[dsraven]

just to be clear, all those x's and tubing are just bracing to keep it square, all the crossmembers are out of it in this pic.