56 made2drag

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A buddy of mine made a trade for 3 squarebodies... 2 were headed for the scrapeyard for a measly .09 a pound...so somewhere between $200 and $300 if this was complete....no rearend...cut driveshaft and needs a clutch. Motor is supposed to have ran when parked...we know how that goes...

I already have a 89 Camaro rearend and a turbo 350 trans so no problems there if the straight six 250 runs.

This is what i have read on this forum and on the net:

The long bed frame will need to be shortened 16 inches right behind the cab and 4-6 inches off the ends.

16 instead of 14 inches because a shortbed 56 on a shortbed 76 would have a 3 inch gap between the cab and bed if only 14 were taken out. I'll leave and inch extra to make sure its not too tight.

I've heard also that only skinny steelies work in the front if you want to tuck tire....I plan on that. I'll probably have negative camber too to help tuck tires...LOL

I've read the front cab mounts will need to be raised about 4 inches...no problem.

I've read that the front frame horns will have to be modified....no problem.

The longbed gas tank will be too long after frame is shortened...i'll find a shortbed tank

I'll have to find a shortbed driveshaft and parking brake cables...no problem

[made2drag]

basically, the way i see it is most of the hard work will be done or easier to replace with the square body frame.

Bonus list:

IFS front suspension
disc brakes (will add booster)
better steering (but still obstacles)
aftermarket suspension stuff abundant
motor already mounted
5 lug now instead of 6 lug
bagging is an option now vs. straight axle issues
tank is already on frame and not behind seat.
the bed i picked up recently (68) will bolt right up
and i have a 76 cab to hold onto

[Flames97]

Sweet deal on the donor. Looking forward to seeing the frame swap.

[made2drag]

Originally Posted by Flames97

Sweet deal on the donor. Looking forward to seeing the frame swap.

thanks....im hoping it will be swapped by summer. i might have the cab and bed on it by the end of march then getting everything to fit well and adapted soon after that. Currently its about 20 miles north of me at a friend's house.

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