Ever do a partial frame-off on your truck? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Drogster · 03-22-2005, 01:02 AM

This is my first truck I've ever had ('68 C10). I've had a few other cars, but never did anything other than body work, engine work, and some suspension stuff.

It seems as though with a truck, you could do a partial frame-off restoration on a truck. Remove the bed, keep the cab on, and take off the front end stuff. Is there good access to the frame by doing that, for sanding/scraping and painting?

If so, I think it's what I'll be doing once I get my truck in person.

Thanks.
Andy

muddpile · 03-22-2005, 01:08 AM

I think that's what I'll be attempting with mine too, so hopefully this thread helps me out too!

shifty · 03-22-2005, 01:18 AM

I'm going to say the same. I'm already thinking about replacing the nasty ass wooden bed soon and I have a ton of gunk on the frame and crossmembers (all over front to back) to remove. Thought I'd do that and maybe swap out the drums for discs on the back.

I'm interested in seeing more [helpful] replies

roj2323 · 03-22-2005, 01:19 AM

someone on this board did this and posted a couple of months ago. i don't quite remember the details but it turned out quite nice.

skokie · 03-22-2005, 01:47 AM

I will be doing kinda the same. As the cab and bed comes off I am going to clean up the frame as best I can.

weasel29gm · 03-22-2005, 02:29 AM

I did'nt do a '' frame off '' I think a frame should be clean and painted for a driver or cruiser. Now if its a show only yea spend more the frame,firewall etc. Scrape, sand, prime,paint and drive!!

Rollie396 · 03-22-2005, 02:31 AM

Why wouldn't you pull the cab as well?Is it a space thing?

Drogster · 03-22-2005, 03:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rollie396

Why wouldn't you pull the cab as well?Is it a space thing?

Space is a big issue...but also having the truck as my main daily driver, at least until wintertime comes. I know how loooooong lasting and expensive a full "frame off" resto. can be, and I want to avoid that.

I'm planning on doing the front end in the wintertime.

BigSky71 · 03-22-2005, 11:55 AM

I can see this saving time over a full frame off, as long as you don't have to replace much sheetmetal in the cab. It would be hard to replace cab mounts that are sittin on the frame, its hard enough to get them out with the cab off! I just did that last weekend, wore out 8 wheels on my cut off tool getting all the rust out.

**CPNE** · 03-22-2005, 12:11 PM

Every spring I do a "Rolling Resto". I drive her hard over the frost-heaved New England roads. The rust and debris that does not "shake" off is structural and is painted over to preserve her for another year.

junkyardjohn · 03-22-2005, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Drogster

This is my first truck I've ever had ('68 C10). I've had a few other cars, but never did anything other than body work, engine work, and some suspension stuff.

It seems as though with a truck, you could do a partial frame-off restoration on a truck. Remove the bed, keep the cab on, and take off the front end stuff. Is there good access to the frame by doing that, for sanding/scraping and painting?

If so, I think it's what I'll be doing once I get my truck in person.

Thanks.
Andy

ONLY 4 BOLTS AWAY FROM A FRAME OFF. I DON'T THINK THERES ANY SUCH THING AS A "PARTIAL FRAME OFF" .THATS KINDA LIKE BEING PARTIALLY PREGNANT. EITHER YOU ARE... OR YOU AREN'T.

JOHN

*wolfthing2000* · 03-22-2005, 01:14 PM

Whatever works for you works for me!! I have had so many disagreeing advice when it comes to rebuilding/restoring stock/ semi stock/ oem only original drivetrain vs upgrades etc. etc......I just ignore it anymore and do what I think is right.
If you can do most all repairs for structural soundness and longevity then leave the cab on.....................if not pull it off.
I look at it like working on an engine..............minor stuff the engine can stay in.............any major stuff.... pull it out!!!
Dave

BET68 · 03-22-2005, 01:48 PM

I AGREE WITH WOLF, IN 55 YEARS OF PLAYING WITH TRUCKS I'VE GONE BOTH WAYS, LOVED EVERYONE OF THEM WOULD LIKE TO HAVE 55 MORE YEARS TO DO IT

HAVING SEX IN A TWIN BED IS OUT OF THE QUESTION!!

72 Cheyenne402 · 03-22-2005, 01:59 PM

I may go the extra mile and replace the cab I'm not sure if it can be repaired

**Palf70Step** · 03-22-2005, 02:03 PM

Mine was an almost frame off. You can check my website, but you can get to things pretty well that way. I am replacing the cabe mounts on my final reassembly, but all the cleaningand painting can be done OK that way.

Jason915 · 03-22-2005, 02:57 PM

That is what I am doing right now I had the bed and front wrap off to take my truck to a frame alighnment shop to get it all squared up. While I have the bed off I blasted and painted the frame, put new suspension all of the way around, hung a new rear bumper, (still need a new front one) got some nice used front fenders, and nice bed that I had blasted and sealed. with the cab on I can still paint the frame just fine and have great access to everything else. I don't have the time, space, or money to do a complete frame off resoration but it'll be good enough for me when it's done

67ChevyRedneck · 03-22-2005, 03:08 PM

If the underbelly of the cab is nice, mostly rust free and has most of the original undercoating and the frame has light surface rust only.....leave her on. If the cab needs a whole bunch of metal replaced and is real rusty...I'd yank her. I have a 58 chevy that was clean as a whistle underneath, so I just cleaned er up and painted her underneath while the cab was on. My 67 on the other hand is going to have a "frame off" not because it really needs it, but because I want to know that I sanded/cleaned every nook and cranny on her and put fresh paint on it....

You can't have sex with your pants on.... if your gonna "do it", go all the way

*dtlilly* · 03-22-2005, 03:10 PM

I did a 'partial' on the C-30 while in the back yard in Memphis. I had to remove the old bed to put on a nicer bed, and I yanked the front clip to replace rusted metal and make it easier to install a new engine. While I had things off, I spent a lot of time with a putty knife, wire hand brush, oven cleaner, and rust converter.

Now, when I get the truck from Milwaukee to Green Bay, I'll take the bed off, rooll the trashed cab off, and remove the front sheet metal. I'll reclean everything, spray on more rust converter, spray several coats of chassis black, then put the rust free cab on (after paint), repaint the front clip, and paint the bed, and reassemble everything. So... I'll have done a partial and a full body off.

You'll need to come down and see how I plan on doing it by myself. I engineered an A frame out of 2X6 lumber and a chain hoist to roll the truck under (red neck engineering)

67ChevyRedneck · 03-22-2005, 03:10 PM

Also, don't forget to replace those nasty old cab mount bushings.... it'll make lining up the front end much easier.... That said....all the bolts holding her to the frame will be off....

03-22-2005, 01:02 AM	#1
Drogster Stroke it! Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Juneau, Alaska Posts: 214	Ever do a partial frame-off on your truck? This is my first truck I've ever had ('68 C10). I've had a few other cars, but never did anything other than body work, engine work, and some suspension stuff. It seems as though with a truck, you could do a partial frame-off restoration on a truck. Remove the bed, keep the cab on, and take off the front end stuff. Is there good access to the frame by doing that, for sanding/scraping and painting? If so, I think it's what I'll be doing once I get my truck in person. Thanks. Andy __________________ Drog Nitrous is for those who don't know how to build.

03-22-2005, 01:08 AM	#2
muddpile Registered User Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Saskatchewan, Canada Posts: 1,371	I think that's what I'll be attempting with mine too, so hopefully this thread helps me out too! __________________ 1964 Chevy Short Fleet: Tornado 1972 Chevy C10: Fast Orange Secondaries Wide Open

03-22-2005, 01:18 AM	#3
shifty Questionable Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Atlanta Posts: 13,376	I'm going to say the same. I'm already thinking about replacing the nasty ass wooden bed soon and I have a ton of gunk on the frame and crossmembers (all over front to back) to remove. Thought I'd do that and maybe swap out the drums for discs on the back. I'm interested in seeing more [helpful] replies __________________ If I've got anything up for grabs, it'll be here: 7-hole gauge cluster for a 67-72 p/u FREE (link) I can't check the forum daily. If I don't reply to you within 24 hours, drop me a PM! I'm (hopefully) still alive and will reply faster to a PM.

03-22-2005, 01:47 AM	#5
skokie Registered User Join Date: Oct 2003 Location: San Jose Ca. Posts: 3,339	I will be doing kinda the same. As the cab and bed comes off I am going to clean up the frame as best I can. __________________ RIP to my son Dylan. 5/17/2002 - 8/18/2018 If you want to know more about rare forms of pediatric cancer or if you want to help fund pediatric cancer research, please check out the website for the non-profit I started. https://slothforpedcancer.org 68 build thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=223234

03-22-2005, 02:29 AM	#6
weasel29gm SLOW BUT SURE,BUT CLOSER Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: eleanor wv usa Posts: 3,094	I did'nt do a '' frame off '' I think a frame should be clean and painted for a driver or cruiser. Now if its a show only yea spend more the frame,firewall etc. Scrape, sand, prime,paint and drive!! __________________ 69 C-10, OWNED 38YRS... 350 over 30, 350 Turbo, 3:73 Posi P/S, P/B Black with red and black int. ''LOVE THESE OLD ''TRUCKS.......

03-22-2005, 01:19 AM	#4
roj2323 Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Somewhere Posts: 985	someone on this board did this and posted a couple of months ago. i don't quite remember the details but it turned out quite nice.

03-22-2005, 02:31 AM	#7
Rollie396 someday it will be done! Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Lloydminster,AB. Canada Posts: 1,620	Why wouldn't you pull the cab as well?Is it a space thing? __________________ '72 C-10 Proud owner of a million new and used pieces that used to be and will once again be(god willing) a testament to the term "they don't build em like that anymore. '80 LWB 2wd beater '67 GMC long fleet (cab donor) '66 long step (parked till it's turn comes around) '65 short step (parts truck that will donate it's bed and possibly frame to the '66) '06 Grand Prix wife's car (she hardly lets me touch it) my pics

03-22-2005, 11:55 AM	#9
BigSky71 LAIDOUT Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: NW Montana Posts: 928	I can see this saving time over a full frame off, as long as you don't have to replace much sheetmetal in the cab. It would be hard to replace cab mounts that are sittin on the frame, its hard enough to get them out with the cab off! I just did that last weekend, wore out 8 wheels on my cut off tool getting all the rust out. __________________ 67 2wd Shorty Build Pictures

03-22-2005, 12:11 PM	#10
CPNE Resident Curmudgeon Join Date: Dec 1999 Location: NH Posts: 6,664	Every spring I do a "Rolling Resto". I drive her hard over the frost-heaved New England roads. The rust and debris that does not "shake" off is structural and is painted over to preserve her for another year. __________________ Currently on or near the homestead: 67 Chevy SWB 2WD stepside 350/3 on tree (Pat's) 67 GMC SWB 2WD Fleet 402/auto (Brian's under construction) 67 Chevy 3/4 ton 2WD 402/auto (Business Hauler) 67 Chevy 1 ton dually 2WD 396/4 speed (Former business hauler, Needs TLC) 68 Chevy 1/2 ton Suburban 2WD 250 six/3 on tree (Brian's Needs TLC) 70 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD 350/4 speed (Pat's - Disguised as a 68 GMC) 71 Chevy SWB stepside (Crushed by tree - parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD (Parts donor) 72 Chevy 3/4 ton 4WD Suburban (Parts Donor) 72 GMC 3/4 ton 4WD 292 six/4 speed (Mine - Disguised as a 67 GMC) 81 GMC 4WD Dually Dump Body 350/4 speed (Business Hauler) 82 Camaro Z/28 355/Super T-10 (Pat's toy) 93 Caprice 9C1 (Brian's Cop Car) 02 Toyota Camry (Reliable but a souless steel and plastic hulk) 2011 2SS RS Camaro M6 Factory Hurst Shifter Maybe I need to sell some of this crap Yet another Bozo with a sawz-all

03-22-2005, 01:14 PM	#12
wolfthing2000 Account Suspended Join Date: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,276	Whatever works for you works for me!! I have had so many disagreeing advice when it comes to rebuilding/restoring stock/ semi stock/ oem only original drivetrain vs upgrades etc. etc......I just ignore it anymore and do what I think is right. If you can do most all repairs for structural soundness and longevity then leave the cab on.....................if not pull it off. I look at it like working on an engine..............minor stuff the engine can stay in.............any major stuff.... pull it out!!! Dave

03-22-2005, 01:48 PM	#13
BET68 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: BREVARD NC Posts: 156	Frame Off I AGREE WITH WOLF, IN 55 YEARS OF PLAYING WITH TRUCKS I'VE GONE BOTH WAYS, LOVED EVERYONE OF THEM WOULD LIKE TO HAVE 55 MORE YEARS TO DO IT HAVING SEX IN A TWIN BED IS OUT OF THE QUESTION!! __________________ NAMASTE B&E 1971 LONGHORN C-30 1969 LONGHORN C-20 1968 DUALLY 1970 STEP SIDE PROJECT 1972 CST C-20 1980 M-80 MALIBU FOR SALE 1974 NOVA FOR SALE:

03-22-2005, 01:59 PM	#14
72 Cheyenne402 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Texas Posts: 581	I may go the extra mile and replace the cab I'm not sure if it can be repaired

03-22-2005, 02:03 PM	#15
Palf70Step State of Confusion! Join Date: Jul 2002 Location: Gulfport, MS USA Posts: 47,083	Mine was an almost frame off. You can check my website, but you can get to things pretty well that way. I am replacing the cabe mounts on my final reassembly, but all the cleaningand painting can be done OK that way. __________________ Bill 1970 Chevy Custom/10 LWB Fleetside 2010 Toyota Tacoma PreRunner SR5 Double Cab - DD Member of Louisiana Classic Truck Club (LCTC) Bill's Gallery Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a gift. Live simply. Love generously. Care deeply. Speak kindly. Leave the rest to God!

03-22-2005, 02:57 PM	#16
Jason915 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Colorado Springs Posts: 693	That is what I am doing right now I had the bed and front wrap off to take my truck to a frame alighnment shop to get it all squared up. While I have the bed off I blasted and painted the frame, put new suspension all of the way around, hung a new rear bumper, (still need a new front one) got some nice used front fenders, and nice bed that I had blasted and sealed. with the cab on I can still paint the frame just fine and have great access to everything else. I don't have the time, space, or money to do a complete frame off resoration but it'll be good enough for me when it's done __________________ 1971 GMC K1500 SWB Fleetside, 4" skyjacker softride and, 14 Bolt FF, HD Dana 44 4.10's 1970 K5 TBI conversion lifted etc SOLD 1968 C20 camper truck SOLD “To ban guns because criminals use them is to tell the innocent and law-abiding that their rights and liberties depend not on their own conduct, but on the conduct of the guilty and the lawless.” Jeff Snyder

03-22-2005, 03:08 PM	#17
67ChevyRedneck Hittin E-Z Street on Mud Tires Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Greenville, SC Posts: 23,090	If the underbelly of the cab is nice, mostly rust free and has most of the original undercoating and the frame has light surface rust only.....leave her on. If the cab needs a whole bunch of metal replaced and is real rusty...I'd yank her. I have a 58 chevy that was clean as a whistle underneath, so I just cleaned er up and painted her underneath while the cab was on. My 67 on the other hand is going to have a "frame off" not because it really needs it, but because I want to know that I sanded/cleaned every nook and cranny on her and put fresh paint on it.... You can't have sex with your pants on.... if your gonna "do it", go all the way __________________ Jesse James 1967 C10 SWB Stepside: 350/700R4/3.73 1965 Ford Mustang: 289/T5-5spd/3.25 Trac-Loc 1968 Pontiac Firebird: Project Fire Chicken! 2015 Silverado Double Cab 5.3L Z71 2001 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4.0L 5spd 2020 Chevrolet Equinox Premium 2.0L Turbo 2011 Mustang V6 ~ Wife's ride American Born, Country by the Grace of God 1967 CST Shop Truck Rebuild! My 1967 C-10 Build Thread My Vintage Air A/C Install Project "On a Dime" Trying my hand at Home Renovation! 1965 Mustang Modifications!



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03-22-2005, 03:10 PM	#18
dtlilly Account Suspended Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Shadow of Lambeau Field Posts: 5,597	I did a 'partial' on the C-30 while in the back yard in Memphis. I had to remove the old bed to put on a nicer bed, and I yanked the front clip to replace rusted metal and make it easier to install a new engine. While I had things off, I spent a lot of time with a putty knife, wire hand brush, oven cleaner, and rust converter. Now, when I get the truck from Milwaukee to Green Bay, I'll take the bed off, rooll the trashed cab off, and remove the front sheet metal. I'll reclean everything, spray on more rust converter, spray several coats of chassis black, then put the rust free cab on (after paint), repaint the front clip, and paint the bed, and reassemble everything. So... I'll have done a partial and a full body off. You'll need to come down and see how I plan on doing it by myself. I engineered an A frame out of 2X6 lumber and a chain hoist to roll the truck under (red neck engineering)

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