56 Chevy frame frome scratch? - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

PDW HOTRODS · 08-12-2013, 11:03 AM

I bought a 56 Chevy pickup with no frame. I plan to use a Camaro subframe and rear end. Has anyone here built there own frame? It should be prety easy, but I was looking for any ideas in case I forgot something. I have all the mounts that were cut off the original frame. The PO was going to put this on a mid 80's 1 ton frame. I was looking at using 2x6 steel .120 wall, and 2x4 steel behind the rear end. Maybe use the Camaro rear, or 70's 1/2 ton springs with new mounts and shackels. I would need to check the arch for hight. This would onle haul lawn chairs and coolers. If anyone has done this can you post pics and info? Thanks.

_Ogre · 08-12-2013, 11:50 AM

the frames on these trucks is straight and square except for a slight c-notch out back
i don't see where it would be a problem and see lots of advantages to building a frame
buy a factory assembly manual, it will have all the measurements to place the brackets
as long as your somewhat proficient at fabrication, i see no problems

mechanixman · 08-12-2013, 12:06 PM

I can see one downside, and it's really only an inconvenience.
That's getting to the inside of the frame, whether that be attaching fasteners for the brake lines, or (if you're daring) running the wires through the frame.
But a few access panels will fix that.

OrrieG · 08-12-2013, 01:50 PM

I remember a couple of threads that had built from scratch frames, a site search should turn them up. There are also a couple of aftermarket places that offer full frames, google will find them. Like orge said its 34" wide, FAM will show where to hang the body and core mounts (which would need to be fabbed anyway for the camaro clip). Back notch is usually done if you want to lower it more than 4-5 inches from stock. Just takes attention to detail and lots of mocking up.

PDW HOTRODS · 08-12-2013, 11:23 PM

I can run conduit in the frame while building it and run all wires like electrictions do. Just thought it would be kinda cool to build from scratch. Just want to do my homework first rather than the job twice.

fabguy · 08-13-2013, 12:29 AM

This sounds like a great idea, although yeah it will be ALOT of mocking up to get it just right.
Posted via Mobile Device

_Ogre · 08-13-2013, 01:13 PM

Look at smurf tube at home depot, blue flex conduit
I used 1/2 pvc. Hard to get over my notch and a little tight getting all the wires in

oldcouple · 08-15-2013, 12:32 PM

look here http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com...to/56index.htm

Indian113 · 08-15-2013, 02:52 PM

It's too bad your so far away there's a guy advertising on craigslist a 57 1/2 ton frame for $300.00. in Iowa.

08-12-2013, 11:03 AM	#1
PDW HOTRODS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sutherlin Oregon Posts: 495	56 Chevy frame frome scratch? I bought a 56 Chevy pickup with no frame. I plan to use a Camaro subframe and rear end. Has anyone here built there own frame? It should be prety easy, but I was looking for any ideas in case I forgot something. I have all the mounts that were cut off the original frame. The PO was going to put this on a mid 80's 1 ton frame. I was looking at using 2x6 steel .120 wall, and 2x4 steel behind the rear end. Maybe use the Camaro rear, or 70's 1/2 ton springs with new mounts and shackels. I would need to check the arch for hight. This would onle haul lawn chairs and coolers. If anyone has done this can you post pics and info? Thanks.

08-12-2013, 11:50 AM	#2
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,677	Re: 56 Chevy frame frome scratch? the frames on these trucks is straight and square except for a slight c-notch out back i don't see where it would be a problem and see lots of advantages to building a frame buy a factory assembly manual, it will have all the measurements to place the brackets as long as your somewhat proficient at fabrication, i see no problems __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

08-12-2013, 12:06 PM	#3
mechanixman Registered User Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Mt. Prospect, ILL Posts: 820	Re: 56 Chevy frame frome scratch? I can see one downside, and it's really only an inconvenience. That's getting to the inside of the frame, whether that be attaching fasteners for the brake lines, or (if you're daring) running the wires through the frame. But a few access panels will fix that. __________________ -Nick Projects: 1952 Chevy 1 ton = The Build page

08-12-2013, 01:50 PM	#4
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: 56 Chevy frame frome scratch? I remember a couple of threads that had built from scratch frames, a site search should turn them up. There are also a couple of aftermarket places that offer full frames, google will find them. Like orge said its 34" wide, FAM will show where to hang the body and core mounts (which would need to be fabbed anyway for the camaro clip). Back notch is usually done if you want to lower it more than 4-5 inches from stock. Just takes attention to detail and lots of mocking up. __________________ 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

08-12-2013, 11:23 PM	#5
PDW HOTRODS Registered User Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Sutherlin Oregon Posts: 495	Re: 56 Chevy frame frome scratch? I can run conduit in the frame while building it and run all wires like electrictions do. Just thought it would be kinda cool to build from scratch. Just want to do my homework first rather than the job twice.

08-13-2013, 12:29 AM	#6
fabguy Elev8r Man Join Date: Aug 2010 Location: Glendora, CA Posts: 835	Re: 56 Chevy frame frome scratch? This sounds like a great idea, although yeah it will be ALOT of mocking up to get it just right. Posted via Mobile Device __________________ 1955.2 C4 Carry-all / Suburban ---> 55.2 Build Thread!! 1958 Fleetside SWB ---> 58 Fleetside Build thread 1939 2 door sedan *My F.B. project page.*

08-13-2013, 01:13 PM	#7
_Ogre Registered User Join Date: Jan 2012 Location: Motown Posts: 7,677	Re: 56 Chevy frame frome scratch? Look at smurf tube at home depot, blue flex conduit I used 1/2 pvc. Hard to get over my notch and a little tight getting all the wires in __________________ cool, an ogre smiley Ogre's 58 Truk build how to put your truck year and build thread into your signature shop air compressor timer

08-15-2013, 12:32 PM	#8
oldcouple Registered User Join Date: Nov 2011 Location: Winlock Wa Posts: 584	Re: 56 Chevy frame frome scratch? look here http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com...to/56index.htm __________________ Retired and too busy to work.

08-15-2013, 02:52 PM	#9
Indian113 Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Monroe,Iowa Posts: 4,370	Re: 56 Chevy frame frome scratch? It's too bad your so far away there's a guy advertising on craigslist a 57 1/2 ton frame for $300.00. in Iowa.



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