1959 Chevy Truck on Envoy/Trailblazer Frame

[dug224]

Has anyone had the opportunity to put a '55 - '59 Chevy truck body on a late model Envoy or Trailblazer frame? After viewing the early '50's Suburban that Hot Rod Mag did and the "New" '55 that Dyancorn had done by Lingenfelter, it seems like a logical choice since I am headed towards building a daily driver. I have an opportunity to purchase the entire 2002 frame including fuel tank, brakes and suspension for $800 delivered. See photo of donor. No wheels or tires included. Besides engineering the body to the frame, the only other heavy lifting will extending the frame from 113" to approximately 116". Envoy is 113" stock compared to the stock truck WB at 114" and I want to extend another 2 inches to get the front wheel properly located in front wheel opening. Any help is appreciated.

[OrrieG]

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=348244

Check out Beeep's thread in the build section on his AD Ambulance over an Envoy. Not exactly the same but it will show some of the issues you are going to encounter. should be interesting to watch.

[Pop's C-10]

I say lose some from tha bed..i'm sure that would be easier that adding to tha frame..that way no brake, wiring or drive shaft mods have tbe made..sat tha cab with fenders on & see what you need to chop..

[dug224]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=348244

Check out Beeep's thread in the build section on his AD Ambulance over an Envoy. Not exactly the same but it will show some of the issues you are going to encounter. should be interesting to watch.

Perfect. Thanks for the source...

[dug224]

Originally Posted by Pop's C-10

I say lose some from tha bed..i'm sure that would be easier that adding to tha frame..that way no brake, wiring or drive shaft mods have tbe made..sat tha cab with fenders on & see what you need to chop..

I will take that into consideration. Got the cab off the old frame yesterday and will proceed with the mock up Monday night after the frame is delivered.

[beanyard]

There is a body shop in Newdale Idaho (a very small town) and they used a trailblazer ss.
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[meter swinger]

Certinly looks doable.
Do you know the wheel mounting surface width on the front of the TB?
Depending on the stlye of wheel/tire/ride hieght you want on the truck, i would think if you can get that to work for you, the rest may be doable.
I would assume the TB frame is relatively flat being as it was desinged for a wagon. If so that would be a plus. Do the frame rails taper where the cab mounts would go or are they straight?
It would also be a bonus if the width of the frame is close to a TF truck. At least where the body mounts would be.
The only thing i dont care for about the green truck is that the wheels seem a little stuffed in the front wheel wells and not in the fender enough, but thats just my opinion, and the truck looks well put togther. I remember it from a magazine i think.
Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide.
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[dug224]

Originally Posted by meter swinger

Certinly looks doable.
Do you know the wheel mounting surface width on the front of the TB?
Depending on the stlye of wheel/tire/ride hieght you want on the truck, i would think if you can get that to work for you, the rest may be doable.
I would assume the TB frame is relatively flat being as it was desinged for a wagon. If so that would be a plus. Do the frame rails taper where the cab mounts would go or are they straight?
It would also be a bonus if the width of the frame is close to a TF truck. At least where the body mounts would be.
The only thing i dont care for about the green truck is that the wheels seem a little stuffed in the front wheel wells and not in the fender enough, but thats just my opinion, and the truck looks well put togther. I remember it from a magazine i think.
Good luck and keep us posted on what you decide.
Posted via Mobile Device

I agree with you on the stuffed wheel appearance. Since I was planning on having some steelies made, I felt like I could over come that look with a bit more offset. Found a shot of a TB frame on the internet. It happens to be a 4x4 but should be the same frame. The frame rails appear to be parallel and flat. My concern is the encroachment of the top of the rails over the rear axle into my bed.

[G&R's57GMC]

As for wheels, the bolt pattern is 6 on 5" not your typical 6 on 5 1/2" makes for slim pickens on wheels. You can get billet adapters to change the pattern from http://www.ezaccessory.com

BTW the SSR is the same but its a 115" wheelbase.

[meter swinger]

I see what you mean about the rear kickup.
I see you have a fleetside, it wouldnt be too hard to raise the floor...
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[G&R's57GMC]

Here's a SSR rolling chassis, 5.3 or 6 Liter 115" wb

[dug224]

Originally Posted by G&R's57GMC

As for wheels, the bolt pattern is 6 on 5" not your typical 6 on 5 1/2" makes for slim pickens on wheels. You can get billet adapters to change the pattern from http://www.ezaccessory.com

BTW the SSR is the same but its a 115" wheelbase.

Thankds be even the most wrecked SSR is out of my budget. Currently working with a buddy of mine who owns a large salvage yard. He is treating me well with regard to price. His next mission is to find a low mile (50k-ish) 5.3l with transmission for me. He is building a similar truck and will be putting a fresh 6.0l in his. Way too pricey for me. Will stop by on the way to work tomorrow to see the Envoy up on the rack. Wanted to take one last look before they lift the body in case I find a disaster under there.

[dug224]

Originally Posted by meter swinger

I see what you mean about the rear kickup.
I see you have a fleetside, it wouldnt be too hard to raise the floor...
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May even consider putting a metal bed in it out of a late model truck which would make raising the bed even easier. Good idea. The Dynacorn truck at the top of this thread appears to have a normal height bed in it. I found an extensive number of photos on the internet but unfortunately, I have not found any showing it under construction. They may have shaved the top off of the frame and reinforced it to keep the bed height stock.

[Pale Face in a 58]

Dug,
Any progress report on the Envoy frame swap? Hopefully no major pitfalls! Dyeing to know.....

Thanks, PF

[oldcouple]

http://www.thelingenfeltercollection...-e-rod-pickup/ found some more pictures.

[duwem]

Are you looking at doing it on a 2wd or 4wd frame? I6 or V-8?

[dug224]

Originally Posted by Pale Face in a 58

Dug,
Any progress report on the Envoy frame swap? Hopefully no major pitfalls! Dyeing to know.....

Thanks, PF

I inadvertantly slowed down the delivery by telling my buddy I needed to insure that I got as many of the systems (brakes, fuel tank & pump, etc. ) that come with the frame delivered in tact. Had to make a couple of extra visits to make it happen. Did not want to have to fix something because of poor planning on my part. I suspect it will be ready tomorrow which means I won't be able to get it until Monday 9 April. The moment I get it, I will post on my build thread.

Feeling pretty good about it the more I think about it. The hardest part appears to be lengthening the frame that seems pretty easy the more I study all the build threads. It is amazing how much unfounded confidence you can gain watching all the talented welders work.

[dug224]

Originally Posted by oldcouple

http://www.thelingenfeltercollection...-e-rod-pickup/ found some more pictures.

Thanks. Now what I would really like to see are the photos of the build. I can't seem to find any. Let me know if you do.

[dug224]

Originally Posted by duwem

Are you looking at doing it on a 2wd or 4wd frame? I6 or V-8?

2 WD with late model LS V-8 with AT. I want it to look old but drive new. Basically, a less professional Fleetside version of the Dynacorn at the top of this thread.

By the way, how do you get a photo of your truck to show up with your name when you respond to a thread? I have a photo in my profile but it is not showing up.

[b2948kevin]

Any new news on this? I would like to do something similar, looking for feasibility.

[coachie]

Dug224 has a build thread here:
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=515876