Now the next step...cutting the frame... - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

fade94 · 01-05-2006, 10:04 AM

This is my only option at this point for the following reasons.
My frame is straight, short ones I have looked at are not.
My frame is a leaf rear frame. Can't find one of these.
I want to use my entire drive train, thus the need for the leaf frame.
I have seen posts/ads for a couple of short leaf frames, but they are pricey $400+

I can cut mine and only have to get the shorter brake lines ($50). I have everything else.
Cost is the main factor here.

Only other option is to either sell my truck and TRY to find a short fleet, or trade my truck for a short fleet in the same condition of my truck, which ain't gonna happen.

**truckdude239** · 01-05-2006, 10:09 AM

hehehe

fade94 · 01-05-2006, 10:11 AM

I haven't taken the truck apart yet, just got it legal. Wanted to get it street legal so that when I cut it down, I will be able to drive it as soon as it's back together.

72MARIO · 01-05-2006, 11:59 AM

I cut my frame it's a short leaf. It's a in the but to lower but it's doable. If you plan on lowering get a coil frame. Cheeper and easy. You will also need to get your drive shaft cut down.

fade94 · 01-05-2006, 12:03 PM

I will be lowering, but will do it with shackles first to see how much it changes it. I have a couple of short bed shafts in my garage so I have that handled. ECE carries a lowering leaf spring setup now as well. Once I get it shortened, I will measure to see just how low I need to go for the look I want. Probably spindles on front and springs/shackles on back.

Frizzle Fry · 01-05-2006, 12:41 PM

Do it! I'm doing a '64 soon. You know, you can convert a leaf rear-end to spring. ECE sells the cradles. If you can do the frame splice you can to the rear conversion. But I understand cost and time saving. Be sure to take.post lots of pics.

northcountry67 · 01-05-2006, 08:21 PM

I just finished cutting my 67 GMC frame. If you are going to do it, do it right. I've seen many of these trucks cut behind the rear cab mount and they were cut straight down. It seams like they work out alright, but I'm afraid of what might happen in an accident.
I posted a thread about a week ago called "attempting to post photos of my 67". There are a few pictures of my frame during the cutting process. I cut mine between the cab mounts where the frame is flat. I removed a 12" section using a half diamond cut. After the welding, I put a piece of plate steel behind the frame for added support. I also boxed in an 18" section where I made the cut. It is a little more work to do it this way because you will need to move the rear cab mount back 12"
As far as lowering goes, a flip kit will get you 5" out back.

ratrod67 · 01-05-2006, 08:35 PM

Is it possible to get a short coil frame and just swap the leaf hangers onto it?

gringoloco · 01-05-2006, 08:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ratrod67

Is it possible to get a short coil frame and just swap the leaf hangers onto it?

Absolutely.

Eddie H. · 01-05-2006, 10:32 PM

If anybody is interested, I know a guy here in the D/FW area who has a couple of short frames for sale. I don't know if they're coil or leaf, but I can give you his phone number if you'll email me.

SCOTI · 01-06-2006, 12:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eddie H.

If anybody is interested, I know a guy here in the D/FW area who has a couple of short frames for sale. I don't know if they're coil or leaf, but I can give you his phone number if you'll email me.

PM sent.

01-05-2006, 10:04 AM	#1
fade94 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Melissa, TX Posts: 799	Now the next step...cutting the frame... This is my only option at this point for the following reasons. My frame is straight, short ones I have looked at are not. My frame is a leaf rear frame. Can't find one of these. I want to use my entire drive train, thus the need for the leaf frame. I have seen posts/ads for a couple of short leaf frames, but they are pricey $400+ I can cut mine and only have to get the shorter brake lines ($50). I have everything else. Cost is the main factor here. Only other option is to either sell my truck and TRY to find a short fleet, or trade my truck for a short fleet in the same condition of my truck, which ain't gonna happen. __________________ 68 short bed driver (71 clip on it now, swapping to 68 when weather cooperates) 67 short step project (will get SWB from the 68) 67 Camaro, #'s matching (my wife's) 03 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 diesel 5 speed 4.10 rear

01-05-2006, 10:09 AM	#2
truckdude239 Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Lewisville, Nc Posts: 10,233	Re: Now the next step...cutting the frame... hehehe __________________ David fuller Ase Certified Mechanic Click here to help support our board!! 1971 Chevy c-10 under going a 4.8l LSx swap Build Thread http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=421305 2007 Honda Accord my daily 145kmiles 2002 Honda Accord 4 door With 330k(sisters car) 2005 toyota Avalon 228k( brothers car) 2002 Sububran 5.3 245k 2000 Tahoe 5.3l 378 General manager for Marco's Carwash & lube

01-05-2006, 10:11 AM	#3
fade94 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Melissa, TX Posts: 799	Re: Now the next step...cutting the frame... I haven't taken the truck apart yet, just got it legal. Wanted to get it street legal so that when I cut it down, I will be able to drive it as soon as it's back together. __________________ 68 short bed driver (71 clip on it now, swapping to 68 when weather cooperates) 67 short step project (will get SWB from the 68) 67 Camaro, #'s matching (my wife's) 03 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 diesel 5 speed 4.10 rear

01-05-2006, 11:59 AM	#4
72MARIO Registered User Join Date: Nov 2000 Location: Huntsville Ontario Canada Posts: 4,052	Re: Now the next step...cutting the frame... I cut my frame it's a short leaf. It's a in the but to lower but it's doable. If you plan on lowering get a coil frame. Cheeper and easy. You will also need to get your drive shaft cut down. __________________ 1968 Suburban numbers matching all original truck now equipped with 6.0/4L80 on Accuair http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=625017 1967 C/20 6.0/4L80 Roofing Truck 1990 V2500 Suburban "Plow Truck" 2005 TAHOE DD

01-05-2006, 12:03 PM	#5
fade94 Registered User Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Melissa, TX Posts: 799	Re: Now the next step...cutting the frame... I will be lowering, but will do it with shackles first to see how much it changes it. I have a couple of short bed shafts in my garage so I have that handled. ECE carries a lowering leaf spring setup now as well. Once I get it shortened, I will measure to see just how low I need to go for the look I want. Probably spindles on front and springs/shackles on back. __________________ 68 short bed driver (71 clip on it now, swapping to 68 when weather cooperates) 67 short step project (will get SWB from the 68) 67 Camaro, #'s matching (my wife's) 03 Dodge Ram 2500 4x4 diesel 5 speed 4.10 rear

01-05-2006, 12:41 PM	#6
Frizzle Fry Registered User Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Hillsboro Oregon Posts: 6,449	Re: Now the next step...cutting the frame... Do it! I'm doing a '64 soon. You know, you can convert a leaf rear-end to spring. ECE sells the cradles. If you can do the frame splice you can to the rear conversion. But I understand cost and time saving. Be sure to take.post lots of pics.

01-05-2006, 08:21 PM	#7
northcountry67 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Lengby, Minnesota Posts: 225	Re: Now the next step...cutting the frame... I just finished cutting my 67 GMC frame. If you are going to do it, do it right. I've seen many of these trucks cut behind the rear cab mount and they were cut straight down. It seams like they work out alright, but I'm afraid of what might happen in an accident. I posted a thread about a week ago called "attempting to post photos of my 67". There are a few pictures of my frame during the cutting process. I cut mine between the cab mounts where the frame is flat. I removed a 12" section using a half diamond cut. After the welding, I put a piece of plate steel behind the frame for added support. I also boxed in an 18" section where I made the cut. It is a little more work to do it this way because you will need to move the rear cab mount back 12" As far as lowering goes, a flip kit will get you 5" out back. Last edited by northcountry67; 01-05-2006 at 08:24 PM.

01-05-2006, 08:35 PM	#8
ratrod67 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2002 Location: DFW Texas Posts: 2,270	Re: Now the next step...cutting the frame... Is it possible to get a short coil frame and just swap the leaf hangers onto it?

01-05-2006, 10:32 PM	#10
Eddie H. Registered User Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Paradise TX USA Posts: 1,200	Re: Now the next step...cutting the frame... If anybody is interested, I know a guy here in the D/FW area who has a couple of short frames for sale. I don't know if they're coil or leaf, but I can give you his phone number if you'll email me. __________________ "Negative people always seem to have a problem for every solution"



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