Frame help, please

[a squarecan]

Hey guys,

I have a 64 short bed and I need a new frame some I am thinking about looking for a 73-87 chassis. I am just curious if anyone who has their body off could take a few measurements for me. If someone would be so kind to take a measurement at the front frame horns where the fenders bolt up and one where the core support bolts in. Then the only other measurement I am worried about it at the cab mounts. I could care less about the back half of the frame cause I am going cut it off and build something custom any ways. I am hoping the frame are close enough I will not have to modify too much. My thought is to cut off all the body mounts off my 64 frame and weld them back on to the newer frame. I will not know if this will work until I get some measurements, but that is my general theory.

Thanks
Keith

[60-66 Nut]

Hey Keith, I don't have any dimensions on hand but I can tell you the frame widths will be pretty much the same. The mounting brackets are different, but as you said they can be swapped. The problem you will likely run into will be the shape of the frames. The 64-66 frame is strait under the cab and starts to sweep upward under the bed. The 73-87 frames start an upward bend under the cab, so the cab won't sit all the way down at the rear. You may be able to cut part of the floor section out of the later cab, but I'm sure it would be alot of work. What's wrong with your frame? The 73-87 front crossmember will bolt up to your frame, and all you need is the adapter to bolt the later power steering box on. The 60-66 coil spring rear suspension is one of the best riding setups you'll find. Is your frame broken or rotted or something? Just curious.

60-66 Nut

[a squarecan]

Thanks for the reply 60-66 nut,

I just bought a new project and the PO got in a reck and the way he decided to "fix" it is very very scary! In the process of "fixing" the frame he welded the front cross member in too!

Sounds like I want to stay away from the 73-87 frame then! I am not against some custom cheetmetal work, but there are easier ways about going about it. I do know the cross member swap over and that is the direction I am leaning now sinse I have talked to a good number of people. I am thinking about getting a 63-66 frame, 73-87 front cross member, and a 67-72 rear end. Complicated I know but it should all work out in the end. I am waiting to find out if the body mounts are the same on a 67-72 as the 63-66 'cause if they are I am going to get a 71-72 and use the frame and rear end and then just swap over the 73-87 spindles, and tie rods ends. I am cutting the frame off behind the cab and building a custom back half, bagged and notched with a triangulated 4 link, so I have a big project ahead of me no matter which way I decide to go!

Keith

[60-66 Nut]

Keith, as far as I know the cab mount outriggers are different on the 67-72 frames but I think the basic frame shape is the same. I've seen many people use the 5 bolt 71-72 rear ends under the 63-66 trucks, they bolt right up to the original swing arms. I put a 70 model axle on my 64, it's still 6 hole but I wanted the 3.07 gear. But if you're going with a different rear suspension then it would be just as easy to use a later axle since whatever you use will have to be modified to your needs. Best of luck whatever you decide.

60-66 Nut

[72 CustomCamper]

Going by my GM parts book, the frames from 63-72 are the same...


Chuck