Converting to Disc? Frame Bracing? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Egdorf · 12-06-2007, 04:04 PM

I posted these questions in the FAQ section but someone suggested I put it in the General board, I hope this is the correct one. If not I'm sure an administrator will correct me
Hi, I have a couple questions.
First, I have started the build on my 68 C10 stepside. I found a brace on each side, riveted directly in front of the coil spring pad to the side and bottom of the frame. The problem is rust developed in between these two spots, and actually pushed them apart. Even the frame has gotten a little thin in a spot. I attached a picture. Keep in mind that in the picture the frame has been flipped over so you are really looking at the underside. I'm knocking out the rivets and taking those plates out, straightening the lumps in the frame, then painting and bolting back in the plates. I just wanted to know if anyone has noticed these before, and/or had the same problem. My guess is that these braces just gave some additional frame support by the springs.
My other question concerns brakes. Since I want to make this truck go fast (some day) I want to upgrade the drums in the front to disc. I don't think I need fancy aftermarket brakes, stock will do. Do the later year stock Chevy disc brakes work with the stock spindles?
Thanks for any and all help.

**special-K** · 12-06-2007, 07:44 PM

Disc brakes:You want to grab factory disc Knuckle assemblies from the ball joints out.It`s a bolt-on.
I`d have to look at a frame to be certain on an answer to the braces.

CHYNSPR · 12-06-2007, 08:35 PM

Had the same problem on my short frame from my parts truck, which I was going to use to shorten my '72 Cheyenne. It was very fixable, especially if you intend to c-notch it, but I ended up selling it and I will shorten my lwb frame, which is super clean and will be nicer cosmetically.

Pretty common problem in areas like ours, I would have fixed it if i wasn't so fussy, but removing the braces, straightening, replacing and reinforcing will work well if the metal is not too thin. You may find the frame rusted right through, or super thin, once you get the brace off, especially on the bottom rail, hopefully it is not too bad.

I am sure someone knows more and has fixed one, they will probably chime in soon.

Larry

12-06-2007, 04:04 PM	#1
Egdorf Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Joliet, Illinois Posts: 6	Converting to Disc? Frame Bracing? I posted these questions in the FAQ section but someone suggested I put it in the General board, I hope this is the correct one. If not I'm sure an administrator will correct me Hi, I have a couple questions. First, I have started the build on my 68 C10 stepside. I found a brace on each side, riveted directly in front of the coil spring pad to the side and bottom of the frame. The problem is rust developed in between these two spots, and actually pushed them apart. Even the frame has gotten a little thin in a spot. I attached a picture. Keep in mind that in the picture the frame has been flipped over so you are really looking at the underside. I'm knocking out the rivets and taking those plates out, straightening the lumps in the frame, then painting and bolting back in the plates. I just wanted to know if anyone has noticed these before, and/or had the same problem. My guess is that these braces just gave some additional frame support by the springs. My other question concerns brakes. Since I want to make this truck go fast (some day) I want to upgrade the drums in the front to disc. I don't think I need fancy aftermarket brakes, stock will do. Do the later year stock Chevy disc brakes work with the stock spindles? Thanks for any and all help. Attached Images __________________ 1968 Chevy C10 Stepside: Future DragTruck 1993 Saab 9000s: My Work Gopher 2002 Mitsubishi Lancer: Wife's Grocery-Getter 1969 Harley FLH Chopper RIP 1984 Chevy K10 RIP 1983 Chevy C10 RIP 2000 Wrangler Modified RIP

12-06-2007, 07:44 PM	#2
special-K Special Order Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Mt Airy, MD Posts: 85,859	Re: Converting to Disc? Frame Bracing? Disc brakes:You want to grab factory disc Knuckle assemblies from the ball joints out.It`s a bolt-on. I`d have to look at a frame to be certain on an answer to the braces. __________________ "BUILDING A BETTER WAY TO SERVE THE USA"......67/72......"The New Breed" GMC '67 C1500 Wideside Super Custom SWB: 327/M22/3.42 posi.........."The '67" (project) GMC '72 K2500 Wideside Sierra Custom Camper: 350/TH350/4.10 Power-Lok..."The '72" (rolling) Tim "Don't call me a redneck. I'm a rough cut country gentleman" R.I.P. ~ East Side Low Life ~ El Jay ~ 72BLUZ ~ Fasteddie69 ~ Ron586 ~ 67ChevyRedneck ~ Grumpy Old Man ~

12-06-2007, 08:35 PM	#3
CHYNSPR Registered User Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Grande Prairie, Alberta Posts: 202	Re: Converting to Disc? Frame Bracing? Had the same problem on my short frame from my parts truck, which I was going to use to shorten my '72 Cheyenne. It was very fixable, especially if you intend to c-notch it, but I ended up selling it and I will shorten my lwb frame, which is super clean and will be nicer cosmetically. Pretty common problem in areas like ours, I would have fixed it if i wasn't so fussy, but removing the braces, straightening, replacing and reinforcing will work well if the metal is not too thin. You may find the frame rusted right through, or super thin, once you get the brace off, especially on the bottom rail, hopefully it is not too bad. I am sure someone knows more and has fixed one, they will probably chime in soon. Larry

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