65 on a Caprice frame, not crazy but anyone else try it??

[E911manager]

I am new to the forum and have heard just about every reason why I shouldn't put a 60-66 Chevy on a Caprice Frame. Well contrary to old school thinking, I think it will not only work but be a great ride. I purchased at 1994 Caprice 9C1 Police package with 69K miles on it. The track width and wheel base is less than an inch off all the way around. The car has 69K original miles and I got all the service records. I personally know the guy that drove it all its life and he was a 35 year vet and never drove it over 55. Literally, i had to ride with him a few times. It was an unmarked unit.

Anyway, if you are not familar with the 9C1 package they have thicker frames, 4 wheel disk brakes, 3.08 positrac, 4 link coil over, low gear lockup transmissions, of course the LT1 with an electric water pump and I could go on. I am not planning on channeling the frame and am going to cut the outer cab/floor mounts and then mount the cab to the inside of the frame instead of the outside like the factory. The bed floor will need to be tubbed or resemble being tubbed to clear the 4 link.. I intend on using the complete wiring harness along with the analog instrument cluster from the caprice (caprice instruments are 16" wide and the 65 is 18"). This will be a fun task but I think it will look pretty good. i have several other ideas like using the inner fender wells "frenched" into the originals to give it a more modern look to match the motor..

I have picked up 2 complete long bed pickup and a 3rd cab and near perfect doors and also SWB that is a little rough but will work for mock up. I am starting the metal work on the cab, which is minor, primarily just floor pans, the cab has perfect rockers and all original paint.

I heard of a guy that did this in either Kansas or Oklahoma, if you know who it was then give me the hookup...

So give it to me.. What am I missing????

[richards72chevy]

Sounds like a cool project.Start a build thread when you do it.

[rustyrodknocker]

I was contemplating this also for my burb i think it could work great. Do it.
Posted via Mobile Device

[bubba327]

Go for it!!!
There is a Idaho truck that I see around at the local cruises.
It is sitting on a Cadillac frame with front wheel drive and uses a Northstar Caddy motor.
Take lots of pictures and start a build thread.
Remember that somebody always has to go first!!!!!

[jonzcustomshop]

I saw one done once maybe on here , one of the message boards at least... a couple years back.
my radical 60 build is on a 85 pontiac wagon frame(same as that year caprice) the body fit over the rails pretty easy :didn't have to modify either, just weld on the mounts.

[E911manager]

Sweet, thanks to all especially jonzcustomshop. You are corrent that is the same frame design as what I have. I will start a build thread soon, All I have now is a sluth of parts all over the yard.. I will take some pics of the mess I have and start from there..

jonzcustomshop, Did you box the frame? How did you manage the bed floor? My wife loves the oak wood and stainless runners look but i dont think I can get there from here..

[jonzcustomshop]

the wagon frames are boxed from the factory, I am in the middle of the bed process right now,but what I have done so far is keep the original cross sills, but re arrange them, and then I had a metal shop cut me some steel plate for the front and back sections, and had them bend up a piece to go over the rear and the "factory" c notch.

[E911manager]

I looked at your pics, what a project.. Man you have some serious ambition. I thought I was extreme considering a mid 60's impala grill and headlights for mine.. I am anxious to see more pics..

[RockTonka]

Hey Lance,

Good to see you made your way over here...lots of info/help to be had. Let us know if there's anything you need. Also, we're big on pics around here

[RockTonka]

Here's the thread I was telling you about...

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=489385

Not quite what your doing, but close.

[E911manager]

Sweet thanks.
Posted via Mobile Device

[ChiefRocka]

Sounds like a winning combo to me !!

In case you didn't know already ..........





and BTW.....