C20-C30 frame swap???

[Mustard72]

I've tried to search and really couldn't find the answer I was looking for. Can I swap a C30 frame in for my rotted out C20 frame? The C20 is not a SWB, but it seems that some of the info out there has the C30's at an even longer wheelbase than a LWB C20. Is that correct? Any other differences in the frames between C20 and C30?

[Batavia67-C/30]

There were a lot of different size C/30 frames, some short some long, and some really long, but there is one that will fit a C/20 LWB truck....

[da-burb]

The normal short C30 frame is the same length as a C20 Longhorn frame. That is why the bed is 8.5' instead of 8'. C10/C20 Long wheel base = 127" C30= 133" and 157"
If I call my 72 C30 with a 133" wheel base can I call it a short wheel base and sell it for thousands more??

[SS Tim]

There were no short wheelbase C20s 67-72.
The standard C20 frame is a 127" wheelbase (54"CA).
The standard C30 frame is a 133" wheelbase (60"CA).
Many C20s have coil rear springs.
All C30s have leaf springs.
Both the C20 and C30 Longhorns were built on a C30 frame and sprung accordingly with leaf springs.



C20 127 6.11" height 2.46" flange width 0.194" thick 3.71 section modulus

C20/30 133 (Longhorns) 7.20" height 2.77" flange width 0.194" thick 5.05 section modulus

C30 157 8.18" height 2.97" flange width 0.224" thick 7.29 section modulus

[Mustard72]

Thanks for the info, guys. I'll tell the yard with the 1 ton frame I'm not interested. Would have been cool to get a 127 inch 1 ton frame, but alas, it's just not to be.

SS Tim, I've seen you post that frame size information before, but never paid attention to the wheelbases shown. I was apparently just geeked out by the section modulus info, etc. Good stuff. Really clears up the questions about whether or not the C20 frames (and C30) are built heavier than the C10's. I was more asking about wheelbase info, body mount locations, etc., to see if my C20 suspension would bolt up correctly, etc. It apparently doesn't matter, though, as I can't get the C30 frame in my 127" wheelbase.

Da Burb, I think you'll get the extra thousands because of the ochre paint rather than the SWB C30...

Thanks again, all. The search continues...

[SS Tim]

You could always find a Loghorn box. How complete is the chassis?

[Mustard72]

Originally Posted by SS Tim

You could always find a Loghorn box. How complete is the chassis?

I could try that. I kind of like that idea. My box is sort of shot, too. Hmmmmm. Longhorn box might be a little tricky to come by around here. Hard to find a topper for, too??? I would think a Longhorn might be more stable for towing trailers. That's going to be the primary job for Old Mustard when it's back together. Decisions, decisions, decisions....