1962 C10 frame swap? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

12-06-2020, 02:18 PM

I have a 1962 C10 stepside.
I also have a 1964 frame complete with front and rear suspension.

My current plan is to move the '64 12 bolt rear end into the 1962 truck.
I also plan to swap out the front suspension with whats on the '64. Lots of great articles on this site on that.

other plans are power steering conversion. I have also seen a few good post on this site for this. Seems like a bit more difficult for the '62 vs the 63-66.

bases on this...should I move my cab/bed to the '64 frame and deal with a few mounting adjustments or deal with the mods of swapping the front/rear suspension?

LostMy65 · 12-06-2020, 08:17 PM

If your 62 frame's VIN matches the VIN on the cab, I'd keep them matching.

**cwcarpenter98** · 12-06-2020, 09:18 PM

On the axle, all you'll need to do is weld on new perches next to the old ones. Member CaptainFab makes a perch to do just that. The panhard bar might need to be modified or replaced as well, but it's doable. I agree with what LostMy65 said. If the VINs match, keep it that way

**Captainfab** · 12-06-2020, 10:55 PM

This is the one exception I have to swapping frames, since I really dislike the '60-'62 frames.. I would put the '62 body onto the '64 frame, but check with your local DMV to make sure you are doing it legally. If you do keep the '62 frame, there is no point in swapping the '64 front suspension to it. Just find a '73-'87 front suspension which already has disc brakes.

12-06-2020, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cwcarpenter98

On the axle, all you'll need to do is weld on new perches next to the old ones. Member CaptainFab makes a perch to do just that. The panhard bar might need to be modified or replaced as well, but it's doable. I agree with what LostMy65 said. If the VINs match, keep it that way

much appreciated.

Another question. the left corner of the bed sits one inch higher than the right..seen this referred to as the chevy lean on this forum..i was hoping to address this if i reframed the cab/bed.

i have not seen anyone explain how they addressed this other than maybe shimming the right side of the bed..if the frame is slightly twisted is this something an auto body shop can fix?

I just replaced the rear springs..made no difference.
any thoughts on how to see where the lean is coming from? or known fixes?

**cwcarpenter98** · 12-07-2020, 07:33 PM

That seems way more than just a lean. That looks more like bent frame to me from that picture. If the frame is bent, and your state allows it, it might be easier and cheaper to do the frame swap. I know in GA, they don't care about if the frame and cab match.

**The Rocknrod** · 12-08-2020, 11:57 AM

Many body shops have a frame rack that can adjust that for you.

12-06-2020, 02:18 PM	#1
NathanC Guest Posts: n/a	1962 C10 frame swap? I have a 1962 C10 stepside. I also have a 1964 frame complete with front and rear suspension. My current plan is to move the '64 12 bolt rear end into the 1962 truck. I also plan to swap out the front suspension with whats on the '64. Lots of great articles on this site on that. other plans are power steering conversion. I have also seen a few good post on this site for this. Seems like a bit more difficult for the '62 vs the 63-66. bases on this...should I move my cab/bed to the '64 frame and deal with a few mounting adjustments or deal with the mods of swapping the front/rear suspension? Attached Images

12-06-2020, 08:17 PM	#2
LostMy65 But Found Her 25yrs Later! Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: Oregon City, Oregon Posts: 10,527	Re: 1962 C10 frame swap? If your 62 frame's VIN matches the VIN on the cab, I'd keep them matching. __________________ I lost my 65 - Found it 25 years later: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=426650 66 C20 Service Truck: http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=428035

12-06-2020, 09:18 PM	#3
cwcarpenter98 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Hickory Flat, GA Posts: 4,483	Re: 1962 C10 frame swap? On the axle, all you'll need to do is weld on new perches next to the old ones. Member CaptainFab makes a perch to do just that. The panhard bar might need to be modified or replaced as well, but it's doable. I agree with what LostMy65 said. If the VINs match, keep it that way __________________ Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here 1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson

12-06-2020, 10:55 PM	#4
Captainfab 60-66 Nut Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Coeur d'Alene, Idaho Posts: 23,250	Re: 1962 C10 frame swap? This is the one exception I have to swapping frames, since I really dislike the '60-'62 frames.. I would put the '62 body onto the '64 frame, but check with your local DMV to make sure you are doing it legally. If you do keep the '62 frame, there is no point in swapping the '64 front suspension to it. Just find a '73-'87 front suspension which already has disc brakes. __________________ Power Steering Box Adapter Plates For Sale HERE Power Brake Booster Adapter Brackets For Sale '63-'66 HERE and '67-'72 HERE and '60-'62 HERE and "60-'62 with clutch HERE Rear Disc Brake Brackets For Sale. Impala SS calipers HERE Camaro Calipers HERE D52 Calipers HERE 6 Lug HERE Hydroboost Mounting Plates HERE

12-07-2020, 07:33 PM	#6
cwcarpenter98 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2018 Location: Hickory Flat, GA Posts: 4,483	Re: 1962 C10 frame swap? That seems way more than just a lean. That looks more like bent frame to me from that picture. If the frame is bent, and your state allows it, it might be easier and cheaper to do the frame swap. I know in GA, they don't care about if the frame and cab match. __________________ Christian Carpenter 1963 C10 - Frankentruck 283, Muncie 3 speed with overdrive Overdrive wiring here 1963-ish truck bed trailer - Half-Wit 1981 C10 - Penny 305, th350 --> Soon to be 350, Saginaw 4 speed 1995 Dodge Dakota Sport "I'll put it simple: if you're going hard enough left, you'll find yourself turning right." - Doc Hudson

12-08-2020, 11:57 AM	#7
The Rocknrod Moderator Join Date: Aug 2011 Location: China Spring, TX Posts: 7,280	Re: 1962 C10 frame swap? Many body shops have a frame rack that can adjust that for you. __________________ Master Chief, US Navy, Retired 1964 C10 Step-side Short Bed - In Progress 2009 2500HD Duramax LTZ 1948 GMC Panel 1956 Big Window Stepside 1953 5 Window Chevy Stepside 1932 Coupe New Seat Foam for Bench Seats?



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