67 frame swap rant

[1fun71]

Ok long story short. After being in my family for 40+ years, then being sold before I had a chance to buy it. I finally found and purchased back the 67 that I have a lot of childhood memories in... but, its bitter sweet because in its 2 year hiatus it was modified and not really to my liking either. It was originally a plain jane 6cyl truck but is now sitting on a 2003 yukon 4x4 frame and running gear. its not completly finished, its basically a semi permanent mock up that you can drive. I figure its almost as much work to finish right, than to but back to mostly stock.. I do have a 67 frame minus engine and trans.. but im on the fence, do I keep going where the other guy left off? or do I build it like I would have had it still been stock? I know this is a question I need to figure out myself but Im almost to the point of giving up on it all together.. I just wish it was like it was when it was sold. I have limited time and budget for this project and im thinking money wise selling the 03 everthing underneath would really help with paying for the parts I need to put it back on the stock frame.. Im just kinda venting some frustration now and I appreciate anyone who will listen. Thanks!

[57larry]

I would go back to the 67 frame with disc brakes, front & rear. Also with a 350/350 combo

[seafoam68]

I have to agree. To me these trucks were perfect as they came from factory. I dont like when people use a 80s model stepside bed on them. They dont look bad, but it is just not the perfect original. Mine has been in my family since 1970. It is a 68 short fleet. I am staying as orginal with exception of horsepower and beefier rear end. I would use the 67 frame and upgrade to modern running gear, (disk brakes, new hoses, stuff to be safe, ect...)
Good luck with whatever you decide.

[1fun71]

Im not even against the idea of a LS swap in the stock configuration, I already have the 5.3 in it I could use I guess. But I think I could sell the 03 chassis easier keeping the engine in it. I might post it on the classifieds here since its already set up to hold the 67-72 body but in order to make sense I would need to get around 1800-2k for it otherwise I will have a pricey 67 shell. Parting out the chassis is also an option.... decisions decisions.

[Overdriven]

Sometimes you pay for sentiment. My father sold a 68 Camaro he and I worked on when I was younger. When I saw it up for sale I went into full on scramble mode to get the funds together even though I would've been overpaying and would've been eating ramen noodles for the forseeable future. Still on the fence whether or not I was better off it got away.

If you try to sell the 03 chassis with the 5.3 in it I guarantee most of your calls will be about parting the engine from the chassis. As long as the 67 cab isn't hacked up for the 03 chassis I say put it back on the 67 chassis and keep the 5.3 engine. Get what you can get for the remaining 03 stuff and deal with it even if it takes longer to get funds together. You're in it, finish it the way you want total cost invested be damned or dump it.

[Grumpy old man]

Put it back on a stock frame , it's not worth much on an 03 chassis and the value will triple on a short bed . It's only time and money , Youll make more .

[GR8-68]

Unfortunately everyones taste of what is good is different and even us when we buy something will tag it with what we like. I am sure the guy thought he had something great and maybe never thought he would sell it or din't even realize he had ditched any value the truck once had. I see a lot of things I don't like, hang around this board awhile and you will have a bunch of wth moments But hey I keep my opinions to myself for the most part as its not my truck and they may love it. As for the late 80's to early 90's steppers on our trucks, nah not for me so I have the freedom to say no I will not do that because I wanted a 68 not a half n half. You have it back now so make it what you want to make it, I am sure when mine is done some will love it and others will think, ( or possibly say ) wth was you thinking

[70shortfleet]

I vote back on 67 frame but we need some pictures!

[1fun71]

Thanks for the feedback everyone! Ok so now Im sure Im putting it back on a stock frame. I just needed a little reassurance and I knew I would find it here thanks. I think I will just use the 5.3 I have, although Im unsure if the 4l60 can be made 2wd...but thats not important now. If you want to see the 67 in its current form just look at my profile theres a album for it. I havent posted a pic on the forum for years so I have to relearn. I used to use photobucket but it seems spammy now so I dont know. Im off to work now, but I will try to post some pics of the truck this evening.

[67ChevyRedneck]

Cool looking truck!

Good decision to go back to stock, that huge frame sticking under the body isn't a good look. It's driveable so enjoy it as is while you get the frame completely ready for the LS swap and truck body.

The 4L60 can be converted to a 2wd, but it does require disassembly but it would definitely be worth it to keep the LS and 4L60.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HY4dust2ksM

Unfortunately, without the LS, that frame isn't really worth much.

[michael bustamante]

what i would do is find a 71-72 frame honestly.... youll get the disk brakes, power brakes, correct steering gear setup and brake lines as well as the 5 lug rear to match. and itll bolt right up.