1951 truck on 66 chevelle frame

[rktolds]

Not sure this will work but I have a 66 rolling frame. I have a 51 cab that I may get. The wheelbase is close to S10 at 115" I think. Is it too wide? Thoughts? I have researched it some and can't find any info. I'm sure that tells me the answer.

Matt

[iowaboynca]

Can it be done...sure. Can it be done well...that's a better question. The chevelle frame is about 7 in wider so you probably wont be able to use your running boards (or with some serious modifications) and just trying to visualize, probably would have to hack up both front and rear fenders...plus all the other fun stuff the s-10 guys have to deal with.

With that being said, would probably be easier to get an S10 frame or even a chevelle body. Not trying to be sarcastic, but sounds like a lot of work. I'm sure you'll get some more precise answers from more knowledgeable folks on here.

[rktolds]

No worries. Just wondering if I could use the frame I currently have sitting by my barn. Any more input is appreciated.

[BigBlocksRule]

Problem with the Chevelle frame is that it runs near the rockers, almost all the way outboard versus a truck that wants one well inboard.
Surely somebody needs a frame for a Chevelle???

[1-ton of fun]

Measurments fit, but yeah, perimeter frame would need to be dealt with. You might be able to make it up my mostly getting rid of the steps but by the bed it might be wierd.

[mr48chev]

This is my buddy's 48 sitting on a 65 Chevelle frame. That frame had a 115 inch wheel base but I think he shorted it to fit the 3/4 ton box that was cut off at the second post.

[1project2many]

Yeah, but... IIRC 66 Chevelle frame is larger.

[tmoble]

no, they're similar from 64-72.

It might be easier to run straight frame rails between the front and back, then cut off the perimeter frame part.

[OrrieG]

I have a 64 Chevelle and the frames are basically the same up to 72, you can use the later suspension parts to upgrade to 12 bolt rear end and front disc brakes. As stated the rails are wider, not the X configuration on the Impalas and Belairs. It is your truck and frame, my personal opinion is that somewhere in the rust belt there is a guy with a rusted out 66-67 frame that would love to have it and you could use the proceeds to get a stock, modified stock, or repop AD frame that would be less work in the long run.

[1project2many]

no, they're similar from 64-72.

Hmmm... ok.

my personal opinion is that somewhere in the rust belt there is a guy with a rusted out 66-67 frame that would love to have it

Someone in the rust belt would love to have it. A good '66 frame would fit nicely under my '67 that still suffers the wounds of the most amateur frame repair I've ever seen from a professional shop. And it would allow me to put a car back on the road that has been sitting since '01. Not even sure how I'd make a trade happen but rusty Toyotas and S10's are all over the place in this area and I might even be able to locate an AD frame, too.

[iowaboynca]

Originally Posted by 1project2many

but rusty Toyotas and S10's are all over the place in this area .

Toyotas?!? Never seen that swap...interesting...a little hard to swallow, but interesting. But don't get me wrong, engineering is engineering if done right.

[55dude]

toyota frames are great! 1998+ ford rangers are killer as they have R&P and steering and steer great! hell use the chevelle if it's what you have.

[G&R's57GMC]

If you use the Chevelle frame weld in some box tubing between the front and rear sections of the frame at the narrowest point then cut out the stock wide part of the frame.

In essences you will have created a straight frame.

This should work if the narrow parts are less then the steps.

[joedoh]

Originally Posted by iowaboynca

Toyotas?!? Never seen that swap

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1954-Chevy-Rat-rod-pickup-truck-Air-bags-Custom-Chevrolet-hot-rod-53-55-56-C10-/261665897577?pt=US_Cars_Trucks&forcerrptr=true&hash=item3cec80bc69&item=261665897577&nma=true&si=aCE pZRitce%252B8U63f1%252FSjWTmalN4%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnwzFsNpkB4

[rktolds]

I kinda like the no running board look. The vibe would be a muscle/shop truck. Dog dish caps and painted wheels. No frills.

[mr48chev]

Jim may have narrowed the rails a bit on the one I showed above with the tilt nose. I know that he did shorten the frame a bit when he built it in the late 70's.

I've got a friend in Waco Tx who built one that was similar on a shortened 55 Chevy car frame around 1974 or 5. It had a Pontiac 400 in it and went to Oklahoma after he sold it. I'll hunt for photos of it if I can find that bunch of missing albums.

[rktolds]

Thanks. I was looking at those pics. It looked like he did some work to fit those big meats.

[mr48chev]

He has rebuilt and changed that frame about three times since those photos were taken. He is heavy duty into the BIG WIDE TIRES thing.
The bed on that truck is actually the back part of the 3/4 ton bed that came with the cab I bought for my second rebuild on my 48 back in 1979.