55.2-59 Frame question

[8man]

Raven, I've only seen pictures of the trucks, I have not had time to make the 3+hour drive, one way, to see any of them yet. That'll be after the trip.

I have seen some of the trucks on Tahoe frames, and I think like Russ said, go with a stock frame and add to it to make it better, Mustang II front, etc. Unless I hear differently on here.

[57tailgater]

Originally Posted by 8man

57, I agree, the S10 won't work right. Luckily I've found a 55-58 bare frame, so I can make that work.

What did you do to your frame?

I have a stock '57 frame under my '57. Note there are differences in the front end between '55.2-'57 and '58-'59 frames. The '58-'59 ones are a little longer and there are radiator mounting differences.

[8man]

Thanks 57 that's good to know!

[dsraven]

don't remember the thread name or member name but there is a tahoe swap on here. here is a link to a trailblazer ss swap that shows what big offset wheels would look like.
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=782939

[8man]

Raven, I saw that done with a 64 F100 and a 2010 F150. Very cool.

[dsraven]

really good idea to download that assembly manual and do a little brain work on the frame drawings before you start, if you start, with a 58-59 frame under the 55-57 body. no problem except for a couple of small things that can easily be worked out with a drill and a cutting disc. I put a 58 frame under a 57. no biggie really.
unless that pounded big back window truck has some super solid parts to go with it I would say let that one pass. a roof hit with door damage is a lot of work to redo. a good donor if you planned on doing an extended cab where you would be doing the roof and door work anyway maybe, but otherwise what's in it that you need? below the belt line there would be fenders, hood, frame (if straight), bumpers, grille stuff, box, interior stuff like dash, seat, etc.
once you see the frame drawings you will go "I can make that". some rectangular tubing, some crossmembers, a C notch, a flat surface to assemble it all and tack it together for a welder to finish (or finish yourself if you are a good welder), an IFS cross member and suspension kit, a rear axle from a donor that possibly comes with springs and hangers or maybe just an axle and you fab up a 4 link or use some S10 or ford ranger springs and hangers. BOOM, done like dinner. cab mounts would be relatively easy to fab up from square tube (check out an aftermarket chassis like TCI for some ideas), crossmembers are also pretty easy to fab up with rectangular tubing. depends on the skill level and desire I would say. a factory chassis would be best if you can get your hands on a good one for a decent price. BUT, if the 79 chassis is under the truck, and it's done well, and the purchase price reflects the actual value, and it just needs some tweaking to make it "yours" maybe just keep it like it is currently. yup, not a huge dollar assessed value compared to a stock frame with modifications but, hey, you're driving it and having fun.

[8man]

Thanks Raven. I enjoyed making the mounts for the 48 to the S10, so if I had to do something to a frame, I can. However, the frame I found is the 55.2-57, or so they say.

When I get back I'm going to go look at the basket case and decide if it is the truck I want. If the work that has already been done is good, that is the truck. The cab will be on the 79 frame, as a roller to help me move it around until I can actually start work on it. I'll also go get the "57" stripped frame and see it is really a 57 or if I need to do some work on it.

However, I won't start work on it until I finish the metal work on the cab of the 54 and get it in primer. So, I have to wait a little longer to drive either.