another frame swap question - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

craigs55 · 11-23-2012, 10:37 PM

I've seen alot of frame swap threads on here, but was wondering about using a 1960 through 1965 frame under a 1955-1957? I know the stepside beds are alike, so why aren't these used more? Is the width different? I am going from a 3/4 ton longbed to a 1/2 shortbed and didn't want to shorten my frame since i'm also going to use a front subframe.

Russell Ashley · 11-24-2012, 09:04 AM

Can't help with answering your question, but those early 60's Chevy trucks had a torsion bar front suspension. I've always wondered why those don't get more attention. I've had numerous Mopars with torsion bars and I always liked it. My 2002 Suburban has a torsion bar front suspension that looks almost like a copy of the setup that was in a 1957 Desoto that we had.

craigs55 · 12-01-2012, 01:56 AM

Well, I was hoping that someone had an answer to this question. Doesn't anyone out there know of someone using a 1960 -1965 frame under a 1955-1957 truck? Surely someone has tried this before?

beanyard · 12-01-2012, 08:38 AM

I just saw your thread. Ez chassis swaps sells a kit I think.
Posted via Mobile Device

OrrieG · 12-01-2012, 05:09 PM

One reason might be that the 60-65 guys are using the. Also, no disc brakes, if you are going to go to the trouble of a frame swap why not use the beer that fits well?
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

mknittle · 12-01-2012, 09:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrrieG

One reason might be that the 60-65 guys are using the. Also, no disc brakes, if you are going to go to the trouble of a frame swap why not use the beer that fits well?
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

when i was younger all beer fit well

craigs55 · 12-02-2012, 01:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OrrieG

One reason might be that the 60-65 guys are using the. Also, no disc brakes, if you are going to go to the trouble of a frame swap why not use the beer that fits well?
Posted via Mobile Device
Posted via Mobile Device

The 60-65 guys are using the ??? I never was very good at those fill in the blank tests.

OrrieG · 12-02-2012, 01:55 AM

I hate typing on my phone, once I hit send no editing. "them" is what I ment. Don't know about the beer (best?), auto complete got that one. I was trying to say if you are going to the effort to do the swap, use a donor that has the most upgrades built in. 59 to early 60's, in my opinion, is a marginal improvement with the the same or more work than a 70's or maybe 80's. Even better stick with the stock frame and upgrade the front and rear suspensions without the headaches of radiator support and associated front clip alignment issues, lifting bed floors and having to potentially channel the cab steps.

11-23-2012, 10:37 PM	#1
craigs55 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: lancaster ky. Posts: 9	another frame swap question I've seen alot of frame swap threads on here, but was wondering about using a 1960 through 1965 frame under a 1955-1957? I know the stepside beds are alike, so why aren't these used more? Is the width different? I am going from a 3/4 ton longbed to a 1/2 shortbed and didn't want to shorten my frame since i'm also going to use a front subframe.

11-24-2012, 09:04 AM	#2
Russell Ashley Registered User Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lawrenceville, Ga Posts: 2,641	Re: another frame swap question Can't help with answering your question, but those early 60's Chevy trucks had a torsion bar front suspension. I've always wondered why those don't get more attention. I've had numerous Mopars with torsion bars and I always liked it. My 2002 Suburban has a torsion bar front suspension that looks almost like a copy of the setup that was in a 1957 Desoto that we had.

12-01-2012, 01:56 AM	#3
craigs55 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: lancaster ky. Posts: 9	Re: another frame swap question Well, I was hoping that someone had an answer to this question. Doesn't anyone out there know of someone using a 1960 -1965 frame under a 1955-1957 truck? Surely someone has tried this before?

12-01-2012, 08:38 AM	#4
beanyard Registered User Join Date: Mar 2011 Location: Idaho Falls, Idaho Posts: 247	Re: another frame swap question I just saw your thread. Ez chassis swaps sells a kit I think. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1959 Fleetside Big Window Long Box Standard Trim soon to be Deluxe 1953 GMC Carryall Suburban

12-01-2012, 05:09 PM	#5
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: another frame swap question One reason might be that the 60-65 guys are using the. Also, no disc brakes, if you are going to go to the trouble of a frame swap why not use the beer that fits well? Posted via Mobile Device Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project

12-02-2012, 01:55 AM	#8
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: another frame swap question I hate typing on my phone, once I hit send no editing. "them" is what I ment. Don't know about the beer (best?), auto complete got that one. I was trying to say if you are going to the effort to do the swap, use a donor that has the most upgrades built in. 59 to early 60's, in my opinion, is a marginal improvement with the the same or more work than a 70's or maybe 80's. Even better stick with the stock frame and upgrade the front and rear suspensions without the headaches of radiator support and associated front clip alignment issues, lifting bed floors and having to potentially channel the cab steps. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project



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