Frames - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

stepdog · 01-14-2013, 05:31 PM

Can anyone tell me if all 55-59 shortbox frames are interchangable GMC or Chevrolet.

_Ogre · 01-14-2013, 05:50 PM

yes on chevy
motor mounts and core support might be different on the gmc
basically the same frame

OrrieG · 01-14-2013, 07:20 PM

58-59 the front rails are about 3" longer, but core support, spring shackles, etc. are all in the same location.

stepdog · 01-14-2013, 07:24 PM

So I should be able to use the 58 GMC frame in place of my 55 Chevy and just trim off 3 inches . Are the core support brackets the same?

**buggy5872** · 01-14-2013, 07:46 PM

You should be able to use it. The front cross member is a little different also but that won't hold you up. Wait to cut the frame rails off until you mock up the front clip. That way you can set the bumper where you want it and do not risk cutting too much off.

dwcsr · 01-14-2013, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stepdog

So I should be able to use the 58 GMC frame in place of my 55 Chevy and just trim off 3 inches . Are the core support brackets the same?

58 59 support brackets on the frame are different than 55-57 brackets.

stepdog · 01-14-2013, 09:16 PM

But I should be able to use the chevy core support brackets and remove the GMC. I dont know if there is a difference but the GMC frame is canadian. I think GMC used Pontiac engines and Canada used Chevy. I think?

_Ogre · 01-15-2013, 12:10 AM

isn't the steering wheel on the right side in canada?

stepdog · 01-15-2013, 11:01 AM

Yea I guess I deserved that one.What I meant to say is the GMC frame is off a 58 9314 which is a canadian model. I think either GMC USA or GMC Canada used pontiac engines. I heard Pontiac engines were mounted different and that is why the GMC frame is longer than the Chevy.Or am I out to lunch on this one .Anyways I think the GMC frame will fit on my Chevy.

**mr48chev** · 01-15-2013, 12:36 PM

The GMC six was/is a bit longer to begin with but I think the difference in frames between 55/57 and 58/59 has more to do with the sheet metal on the nose than engine size.

OrrieG · 01-15-2013, 01:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr48chev

The GMC six was/is a bit longer to begin with but I think the difference in frames between 55/57 and 58/59 has more to do with the sheet metal on the nose than engine size.

Exactly, the hood and fenders are longer, engine crossmember is in the same place 55-59.

**G&R's57GMC** · 01-16-2013, 01:26 AM

On my '57 GMC the rad support mount is a center mount on its own crossmember. The trans cross member has a bolt in cross piece. The engine mounts are different then the Chevy also.

The pictures are of a Chevy frame that I'm using to replace the GMC Frame, note the rad support brackets on top of the frame rails. This will require a Chevy rad support and some mods made to the GMC grill to mount it.

I'm using a NoLimit Wide Ride front suspension system and their Fat Bar rear suspension and a Currie 9" rear axle.

01-14-2013, 05:31 PM	#1
stepdog Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: vermilion bay ontario Posts: 20	Frames Can anyone tell me if all 55-59 shortbox frames are interchangable GMC or Chevrolet.

01-14-2013, 05:50 PM	#2
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,680	Re: Frames yes on chevy motor mounts and core support might be different on the gmc basically the same frame __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

01-14-2013, 07:20 PM	#3
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: Frames 58-59 the front rails are about 3" longer, but core support, spring shackles, etc. are all in the same location. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

01-14-2013, 07:24 PM	#4
stepdog Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: vermilion bay ontario Posts: 20	Re: Frames So I should be able to use the 58 GMC frame in place of my 55 Chevy and just trim off 3 inches . Are the core support brackets the same?

01-14-2013, 07:46 PM	#5
buggy5872 Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2011 Location: North Beaver TWP PA Posts: 833	Re: Frames You should be able to use it. The front cross member is a little different also but that won't hold you up. Wait to cut the frame rails off until you mock up the front clip. That way you can set the bumper where you want it and do not risk cutting too much off. __________________ ___________________________ 1959 Apache Short Fleetside, 1959 Apache NAPCO Long Stepside, 1957 3100 with 59 fleetside bed 1957 5700 LCF Crew Cab "Big Bertha",1959 GMC F370 1958 GMC 600, 1946 Chevy, 1959 Viking 60 LCF 1974 Elcamino SS, 1979 6500 GMC Tilt Bed Wrecker Big Bertha Build

01-14-2013, 09:16 PM	#7
stepdog Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: vermilion bay ontario Posts: 20	Re: Frames But I should be able to use the chevy core support brackets and remove the GMC. I dont know if there is a difference but the GMC frame is canadian. I think GMC used Pontiac engines and Canada used Chevy. I think?

01-15-2013, 12:10 AM	#8
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,680	Re: Frames isn't the steering wheel on the right side in canada? __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

01-15-2013, 11:01 AM	#9
stepdog Registered User Join Date: Jan 2011 Location: vermilion bay ontario Posts: 20	Re: Frames Yea I guess I deserved that one.What I meant to say is the GMC frame is off a 58 9314 which is a canadian model. I think either GMC USA or GMC Canada used pontiac engines. I heard Pontiac engines were mounted different and that is why the GMC frame is longer than the Chevy.Or am I out to lunch on this one .Anyways I think the GMC frame will fit on my Chevy.

01-15-2013, 12:36 PM	#10
mr48chev Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Toppenish, WA Posts: 15,705	Re: Frames The GMC six was/is a bit longer to begin with but I think the difference in frames between 55/57 and 58/59 has more to do with the sheet metal on the nose than engine size. __________________ Founding member of the too many projects, too little time and money club. My ongoing truck projects: 48 Chev 3100 that will run a 292 Six. 71 GMC 2500 that is getting a Cad 500 transplant. 77 C 30 dualie, 454, 4 speed with a 10 foot flatbed and hoist. It does the heavy work and hauls the projects around.

01-16-2013, 01:26 AM	#12
G&R's57GMC Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Shasta Lake, CA. Posts: 1,624	Re: Frames On my '57 GMC the rad support mount is a center mount on its own crossmember. The trans cross member has a bolt in cross piece. The engine mounts are different then the Chevy also. The pictures are of a Chevy frame that I'm using to replace the GMC Frame, note the rad support brackets on top of the frame rails. This will require a Chevy rad support and some mods made to the GMC grill to mount it. I'm using a NoLimit Wide Ride front suspension system and their Fat Bar rear suspension and a Currie 9" rear axle. Attached Images



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