Another frame swap questions 69 frame on a 64?

[kpc01]

I know there are tons of frame questions and even at one time I was looking into a new body frame for my 1964 C10. I'd decided to bow out on that idea but just had a friend that has a built frame for his 1969 suburban that he is getting rid of. I have a 64 suburban....how much would need to change?

I have searched threads and on the net and the best I can find is the body mounts are the only difference but looking for a little more info and someone that has a definite answer. I know both wheel bases are 115 but thats all I've been able to find.

thanks for any help!

cliff notes: Will a 69 c10 suburban frame work on a 64 C10 suburban pretty easily?

[padresag]

what is wrong with the frame that you have under it?
ron

[Captainfab]

I don't know for sure what all on a Suburban would need to be changed. I would imagine it would be as much as doing it with a '67-'72 pickup frame and them some. Considering all the work involved in swapping a '64 Suburban body onto a '69 frame, why not just transfer everything from the '69 frame to the '64 frame? I don't think it would be any more work that way, and it might just be a little easier. Plus your frame and body will still have the same VIN number. As I alwayd recommend....check with your local DMV regarding swithching to a frame that has a different VIN, and what you need to do to make it legal.

[kpc01]

Originally Posted by padresag

what is wrong with the frame that you have under it?
ron

My frame is stock and my long term plans have been to do a porterbuilt type suspension and air bags. My friend has already done his whole frame raising the front crossmember and notching the rear with all the 4 link and other goodies. I want to use my 64 body but his frame will be unused so thought if it wasn't too hard I could just use his already complete 69 frame and put my 64 body on it.

[kpc01]

Originally Posted by Captainfab

I don't know for sure what all on a Suburban would need to be changed. I would imagine it would be as much as doing it with a '67-'72 pickup frame and them some. Considering all the work involved in swapping a '64 Suburban body onto a '69 frame, why not just transfer everything from the '69 frame to the '64 frame? I don't think it would be any more work that way, and it might just be a little easier. Plus your frame and body will still have the same VIN number. As I alwayd recommend....check with your local DMV regarding swithching to a frame that has a different VIN, and what you need to do to make it legal.

thats an option I'll have to look at too. He's had it at a shop for quite a while getting a close to custom frame as I know they did the front with tubing. All I can find on the trucks is the cab mounts are off and need to be adjusted and figured if it was something like that on mine I'd give it a try. If it seems like too much I should probably just hold off until I can build my own

[kpc01]

I'm probably going to have to go look at mine and his and do measurements. Assuming the 66 trucks and burbs have the same frame and the 69s do to it seems like it should be as easy as the trucks are to convert. Just hoping someone had some suburban experience.

[padresag]

for the second time in a week. the difference is the front frame horns are different and should be changed, the rad mount crossmember is different all of the body mounts are different. the suburban frame has about a 16" extension which may not fit the 69 frame the same. are you aware how much work that it is to modify the floor and the wheel tubs in a suburban when you put one of those modified rear frames in; quite a bit different than a p/up.
I would follow what the capt. said
then again the best way to learn is the hard way, then you never forget.
ron

[kpc01]

Originally Posted by padresag

for the second time in a week. the difference is the front frame horns are different and should be changed, the rad mount crossmember is different all of the body mounts are different. the suburban frame has about a 16" extension which may not fit the 69 frame the same. are you aware how much work that it is to modify the floor and the wheel tubs in a suburban when you put one of those modified rear frames in; quite a bit different than a p/up.
I would follow what the capt. said
then again the best way to learn is the hard way, then you never forget.
ron

Thanks for the info. I was aware of the frame horns and the rad support as well as the body mounts. All of those can be done fairly easily. All of the "truck" threads and stuff I can find say its not too bad, however the suburban could be different so wanted to verify. You are the first one I've seen with the 16" extension info which is exactly what I'm looking for. Is it 16" on the rear of the frame? (so I'll know where to measure and look)

I know the rear will take some modification for the frame but its just a stock c notched frame in the rear so I can't imagine it being any more work then doing a c notch and 4 link on my current frame.

thanks again for the info, I figured the suburban would have some kind of twist to it compared to a truck.

[padresag]

if you look under your suburban frame you can measure exactly what the extensions are in length. they do extend forward into the frame and are riveted in. it will be simpler to do your own frame I would say and less hassle in the end
the rad support mounting brackets are also different on a suburban than a p/up by being rubber suspended instead of all solid
ron

[kpc01]

Originally Posted by padresag

if you look under your suburban frame you can measure exactly what the extensions are in length. they do extend forward into the frame and are riveted in. it will be simpler to do your own frame I would say and less hassle in the end
the rad support mounting brackets are also different on a suburban than a p/up by being rubber suspended instead of all solid
ron

Ok I'll measure all of my stuff before I go check out the other frame (I've seen the other one but it was while they were still building it so been a while). If his stuff can be cutout and put on mine thats an option too, if I remember right he did a bunch of custom stuff to the rear for the way he did the suspension and bags so may not be worth it. I'll just check it all out and go from there. thanks again for the length differences from the truck.