88-98 under 57?

[kgmunro]

I thought I read that some one used the 88-98 style chev frame under the 55-57 body..anyone remember who??

[Flames97]

Look in Projects and builds. I believe SGTUSMC is using that sort of frame for his '59 build. Around page 3 shows the frame. I tried to insert a link but I couldn't really figure it out. But it shouldn't be hard to find. Hope this helps.

[55metalmonkey]

Here it is, don't know the year of the frame though,
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=398361&page=3

I'm not an expert but did look into this once. the most popular s10 frames used have a wheel base thats too long 117" if I remember correctly. TF trucks are 114" meaning that you would have to shorten the frame by 3" which leads to a slight issue with your choice in frame... in late 88 virtually all manufaturers changed to a hardened mild steel frame process meaning you can't just cut and weld on them without creating heat affected stess points that will eventualy crack and fail. most of the guys that go with a s10 frame swap use pre 88 frames to avoid this. Again I don't profess to be an expert and am only working from memory on the subject. Others who have accualy done the swap would have much more insight than me.

[55metalmonkey]

I just did some more checking on this and chevy didn't start hardening their frame rails untill you move up to medium duty trucks and RV's. s-10s would be a mild steel frame so there should be no problem.. my mistake

[MrDude_1]

Originally Posted by 55metalmonkey

Here it is, don't know the year of the frame though,
http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...=398361&page=3

I'm not an expert but did look into this once. the most popular s10 frames used have a wheel base thats too long 117" if I remember correctly. TF trucks are 114" meaning that you would have to shorten the frame by 3" which leads to a slight issue with your choice in frame... in late 88 virtually all manufaturers changed to a hardened mild steel frame process meaning you can't just cut and weld on them without creating heat affected stess points that will eventualy crack and fail. most of the guys that go with a s10 frame swap use pre 88 frames to avoid this. Again I don't profess to be an expert and am only working from memory on the subject. Others who have accualy done the swap would have much more insight than me.

all the S10 frames from 82 to 04 are made of the same mild steel. you can cut and weld on all of them the same.

[sgtusmc]

I've done both, a 1953 on a 90's s10 and halfway done on my 1959 to a 1988 full-size. The 59 to 88 was by far easier than the s10 swap.

[Flames97]

O' I was thinking that he was asking about full size 88-98 Chevys. I could be wrong thought.

55metalmonkey- Thanks for attaching the link. That is SGTUSMC '59 Built. He is using a full size 88 chevy pickup.

[55metalmonkey]

I had to correct myself on the details but for some reason I remember reading something about this subject somewhere....I'll have to check when I get off work.

[DG Racing]

This is a 1957 Body sitting on a 2000 silverado 3/4 ton 4 wheel drive with a 6 litre engine.
But the Tires are out of the fenders

For sale on kijiji

http://ontario.kijiji.ca/c-cars-vehi...dIdZ245052836#

[kgmunro]

Ya sorry guys I meant a full size not an s10 frame..I know the s10 is too narrow for the 55-59 style bodies. Thanks for the leads though.

[DG Racing]

kgmunro if you go see sgtusmc post YES he his using a full size frame

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...sgtusmc&page=3

[DG Racing]

this is one with a c-10 1988 full size frame also

http://www.lespac.com/vehicules/anti...cpZZ50WWgrZZ12

[DG Racing]

kgmunro do you whant to use a c-10/c-20/c-30 frame ?

2x4 or 4x4 ?

[kgmunro]

2wd c10 88-98 style I was thinking. Think the track width is too wide up front? How about where the stepside box sits on the frame?

[DG Racing]

With stock 1988 wheels and tires is to wide
because its right under the fender lip
So the truck as to be high so that the tires doesnt hit the fender lip

But with 15x5 rims and small tires YES it fits like KGMUNRO did

For the box i didnt check that yet

[sgtusmc]

I'm betting money that the step side will not work if you plan to lay it right on the frame as I did. I haven't welded on my new cab corners yet. But, when I do I'll have to trim them to fit the frame rails. Just by looking at that pic I can tell you the bed will not be wide enough to fit over the rails. That doesn't mean it still can't have a nice drop (if that is your plan?). It will just take more suspension work.

You can run up to a 15x7 up front...even a 15x8 with the right backspace.

[55metalmonkey]

Finally found where I read that 88 and later frames were made of different (HCS) metal. It was in the Dec 2010 issue of Classic Trucks in the metalworking tech section (last page). I haven't found out as to how valid the info is but I've heard rumors of this before. Still searching

[mr48chev]

If you did it like Sarge did his the metal in the frame wouldn't be a real issue. No cutting and welding the frame where it would cause issues or concerns about the strength or reliability of the frame. But the swap probably isn't for the guys who are fans of the big cartoon car size wheels or super wide wheels and tires.

[kgmunro]

So if you buy the right offset for wheels you couldd lower the body more on the frame...correct??

[DG Racing]

check this link

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=436406

[sgtusmc]

Originally Posted by kgmunro

So if you buy the right offset for wheels you couldd lower the body more on the frame...correct??

Yeah, that's correct. The cab will sit right on the frame with no problems. It's the step on the step side bed that will present an issue. You could channel the bed to allow the frame to run through it. Then lift the floor up some or run a tonneau cover. But, you will still have an issue with the step.

[kgmunro]

I wonder what it would look like if you stepped it out like on a 51-53 style.

[drivea55]

Originally Posted by DG Racing

check this link

http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=436406

If you have any questions let me know. I cut out the old floor leaving the steps and trimmed the 92's floors so the cab just slid and dropped right over it.

[drivea55]

I have not gotten to the bed yet, but as others have stated here,

The frame rails are going to make things challenging for sure. If you go with a flat bed, or some kind of custom diamond plate bed it would be most likely be easier than fitting a stock bed. IMO