Hey Denny

[dubie]

I'm sure I have asked this in the past, but how does that 67-72 shorty frame fit and look under that truck of yours? I know you have sent me pics in the past, but in your opinion, does it make a good donor chassis?

[DennyB]

I think its a great doner.
A short WB 71-72 (disc brake) 2WD chassis (115") is the right length. Actually corrects the factory misalignment of the stock 114" chassis for wheel placement.
I think wheel backspacing can be done to make up any other problems IF you run into any.
The engine is a little close to the firewall so if you plan on HEI then that would need to be addressed.
Just weld up new cab mounts, new steering shaft, etc..

Are you done with your truck now and getting started on Shawnas?

[dubie]

yeah mine is done and now I am turnign my interests to shawnas 58. I have a spare 72 lwb rolling chassis parked outside the shop here that I was thinking of cutting down for hers. Just need to move some body mounts i guess then hey?

[cadman89]

And Speaking of Chassis / Frames...
I saw this 55 on my way home the other day.
The body sits on a car chassis.
The frame is very wide in the middle and runs under the step plates.

The truck sits pretty nice though and he drives it everyday.

Scott

[dubie]

do you have any idea what kind of car frame?

[cadman89]

It looked like a 70's Chevelle/ElCamino Chassis. I will ask when I see him again...And If you like..I will take more pictures.

Scott

[dubie]

Sure Scott, that would be awesome!! Any info you might be able to gather regarding the frame swap would be very much appreciatted

[DennyB]

Would be intresting to see a steering setup on that as well.
I know the ElCamino Chassis have the steering gear located on the inside of the frame rail as opposed to the trucks which is on the outside of the frame rail.
The 55-59 steering columns are a bit closer to center than the later pickups.
This makes for tight steering shaft placement.
Dubie,
If ya want a nice ride for Shawna why not use that 71-72 chassis and use an air bag suspension?
Should be easy with the coils on the front and rear, dont ya think?

Denny

[dubie]

I was thinking the same thing Denny. Air ride would be sweet but kind of pricey. I was looking at doing a 4 and 6 drop with drop coils if I use this spare 72 rolling chassis I have here. It already has disc brakes, power steering, and factory IFS. The more I think about it, the more I want to cut it down and giver!!

[DennyB]

Bust out the cutting wheel or plasma cutter Tim!
Keep in mind that a 6 inch rear drop will probably require you to notch the frame over the axle.

BTW, nice Halloween avatar.

[DennyB]

One other thought, I was looking at a frame I have here and it seems to me that there is enough room (length of frame hump) to move the rear axle forward to get the correct wheel base. This was a leaf rear though.

Is yours coil or leaf?

Denny

[Slams_58]

it's coils all around. And with a 4 and 6 drop with drop springs you shouldn't have to install a c notch. I see that TXfirefighter has done it on his green stepside with the 454 in it.