55-59 front end question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Webrigs · 04-26-2009, 11:06 PM

Will a 55-57 front end fit on a 58/9? I believe I had once heard that the cabs are the same...

GRIMSS · 04-26-2009, 11:45 PM

Yes the cabs are the same. You will need to use all of the '55-57 front clip.

OrrieG · 04-27-2009, 12:27 AM

You will need to trim the frame a little, the 58-59 frame is longer because the fenders are longer.

ChuckDriver · 04-27-2009, 07:30 AM

Mine was converted by the PO. He had just cut a notch out of the top of the frame ends. After the camaro clip was installed, I cut the ends off. I cut a little extra so that I could move the bumper closer to the body.

bensimmons_05 · 04-27-2009, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrrieG

You will need to trim the frame a little, the 58-59 frame is longer because the fenders are longer.

Is the the distance from the cab to the radiator the same? or does the frame just extend out further infront of the radiator mounts to put the bumper out further. And how much longer?? I am performing this conversion so I am curious. Thanks for the info!

OrrieG · 04-27-2009, 10:52 AM

The distance from the firewall to radiator is the same. 58-59 fenders are longer in front of wheelwell so the bumper needs to be farther forward. Springs and front crossmember are also the same.

bensimmons_05 · 04-27-2009, 10:56 AM

Ok , thanks a bunch about how much do you have to trim off of the front?

1-ton of fun · 04-27-2009, 11:27 AM

i think the holes for the hood hinges are in different locations also, but you just have to drill new ones, no problem.

dwcsr · 04-27-2009, 12:32 PM

The front is about 2.5" longer on a 589 and the hood hinges have different holes in the cab for 557 and 589 so you will have to redrill a hole. You may also have to relocate the rad support mounts. but I'm not 100% on that.

joeys66pickup · 04-27-2009, 03:10 PM

ooooo so thats why my truck looks like it sticking its tongue out! (you could hide behind the bumper)

bensimmons_05 · 04-27-2009, 04:17 PM

I didnt know this stuff so thanks for sharing guys!

Webrigs · 04-27-2009, 09:57 PM

Thanks a bunch for the input everyone.

Good to know I wasn't the only one wondering...

1-ton of fun · 04-28-2009, 03:23 PM

i am 99% sure the core support mounts on the frame are in the same location, the 58-9 frames are just longer in front of that. i have one of each at my house (a 55 for parts and a 59 under construction) but i have already cut the frame for the clip on the 59 frame. i just haven't welded back on the front frame horns because my jig broke in transit when i moved the truck to my house when i bought the place

04-26-2009, 11:06 PM	#1
Webrigs Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Nampa, ID Posts: 66	55-59 front end question Will a 55-57 front end fit on a 58/9? I believe I had once heard that the cabs are the same...

04-26-2009, 11:45 PM	#2
GRIMSS --------------- Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Central Missouri Posts: 1,791	Re: 55-59 front end question Yes the cabs are the same. You will need to use all of the '55-57 front clip. __________________ 2001 GMC SIERRA 1956 Chevy Panel *Build Page* with a Scott's Hotrods IFS 1953 Chevy trucks *Project Dime Time* 1968 Camaro 1968 Volksrod "NOBACK" 55-59 one piece window *Video* 55-59 one piece window *template files* Jared

04-27-2009, 12:27 AM	#3
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: 55-59 front end question You will need to trim the frame a little, the 58-59 frame is longer because the fenders are longer. __________________ 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

04-27-2009, 07:30 AM	#4
ChuckDriver A320 Pilot/USAF Retired Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Charleston, SC Posts: 2,622	Re: 55-59 front end question Mine was converted by the PO. He had just cut a notch out of the top of the frame ends. After the camaro clip was installed, I cut the ends off. I cut a little extra so that I could move the bumper closer to the body. __________________ JJ My 1957 build: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=334552 http://www.trifive.com/forums/showthread.php?t=22037 Instagram - Chuckdriver57

04-27-2009, 10:52 AM	#6
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: 55-59 front end question The distance from the firewall to radiator is the same. 58-59 fenders are longer in front of wheelwell so the bumper needs to be farther forward. Springs and front crossmember are also the same. __________________ 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

04-27-2009, 10:56 AM	#7
bensimmons_05 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jacksonville, AL Posts: 479	Re: 55-59 front end question Ok , thanks a bunch about how much do you have to trim off of the front? __________________ ---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to!

04-27-2009, 11:27 AM	#8
1-ton of fun polishing a turd Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: houston, tx Posts: 674	Re: 55-59 front end question i think the holes for the hood hinges are in different locations also, but you just have to drill new ones, no problem. __________________ 59 chevy apache 31 4x4 - my project: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=8668512 53 buick special - straight 8 sled - blow through turbo 47 gmc - flatbed hot rod build 99 ford econoline e350 - 4x4 converted family roadtrip/overlanding rig AKA 'Monstervan' AKA 'Daddy-Van'

04-27-2009, 12:32 PM	#9
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,134	Re: 55-59 front end question The front is about 2.5" longer on a 589 and the hood hinges have different holes in the cab for 557 and 589 so you will have to redrill a hole. You may also have to relocate the rad support mounts. but I'm not 100% on that.

04-27-2009, 03:10 PM	#10
joeys66pickup Dr. Frankenstein Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: beaverton,Or Posts: 458	Re: 55-59 front end question ooooo so thats why my truck looks like it sticking its tongue out! (you could hide behind the bumper) __________________ I Wanna Go Fast!!

04-27-2009, 04:17 PM	#11
bensimmons_05 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jacksonville, AL Posts: 479	Re: 55-59 front end question I didnt know this stuff so thanks for sharing guys! __________________ ---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to!

04-27-2009, 09:57 PM	#12
Webrigs Registered User Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Nampa, ID Posts: 66	Re: 55-59 front end question Thanks a bunch for the input everyone. Good to know I wasn't the only one wondering...

04-28-2009, 03:23 PM	#13
1-ton of fun polishing a turd Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: houston, tx Posts: 674	Re: 55-59 front end question i am 99% sure the core support mounts on the frame are in the same location, the 58-9 frames are just longer in front of that. i have one of each at my house (a 55 for parts and a 59 under construction) but i have already cut the frame for the clip on the 59 frame. i just haven't welded back on the front frame horns because my jig broke in transit when i moved the truck to my house when i bought the place __________________ 59 chevy apache 31 4x4 - my project: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s....php?p=8668512 53 buick special - straight 8 sled - blow through turbo 47 gmc - flatbed hot rod build 99 ford econoline e350 - 4x4 converted family roadtrip/overlanding rig AKA 'Monstervan' AKA 'Daddy-Van'

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