55-59 cab on a 73-87 frame pics???

[made2drag]

anyone have pics of a 55-59 on a 73-87 frame????
how ya mounted it???
pics of trucks done this way???
build threads??
anyone???


i need as much info as possible on where and how people did their front cab mounts....rear cab mounts...steering and brakes....

im in the middle of trying to do this and any help will help...

all i know right now is the front cab mounts will have to be 4 inches high

thanks!

[akdg87]

i did it on a 72 c10 frame. Same concept. (I think the frames are pretty much the same as well)

1. put the bed on the frame, should bolt right up, may have to remove a crossbar or two, I had to extend my frame about 3 inches in the back so the rear bed mounts would bolt on.

2. Ensure the frame is level and square at this point, i would advise removing the cab mounts that are currently on the frame, also remove the 55-59 cab mounts as well, you may need them.

3. Set the cab on the frame and block it up so the body lines meet correctly, also would be wise to throw the front clip on and ensure the front wheel placement is correct in the front fender.

4. Fab up some cab mounts or use the existing ones, I didn't want to modify my bed too much at this point so my cab has a few inches of gap between itself and the top of the frame, but you could get a pretty good body drop if you were willing to modify the bed to sit lower than it does. Just because of the way the frame dips down on the 73-87 trucks (even 60-72 does as well).

5. take a look at my build, i did have to notch the front of the frame to accept the 55-59 core support, but it was easy. Or you could mod the core support to fit the frame. Stock radiators should work fine since (mine did at least)

6. Steering is easy, i went with rack and pinion and bought an assortment of steering shafts and joints and made it work.

7. Brakes are easy as well, the stock 72 c10 lines came up in the same spot as the firewall mount Brake Booster for the 55-59 trucks.

[made2drag]

Originally Posted by akdg87

i did it on a 72 c10 frame. Same concept. (I think the frames are pretty much the same as well)

1. put the bed on the frame, should bolt right up, may have to remove a crossbar or two, I had to extend my frame about 3 inches in the back so the rear bed mounts would bolt on.

2. Ensure the frame is level and square at this point, i would advise removing the cab mounts that are currently on the frame, also remove the 55-59 cab mounts as well, you may need them.

3. Set the cab on the frame and block it up so the body lines meet correctly, also would be wise to throw the front clip on and ensure the front wheel placement is correct in the front fender.

4. Fab up some cab mounts or use the existing ones, I didn't want to modify my bed too much at this point so my cab has a few inches of gap between itself and the top of the frame, but you could get a pretty good body drop if you were willing to modify the bed to sit lower than it does. Just because of the way the frame dips down on the 73-87 trucks (even 60-72 does as well).

5. take a look at my build, i did have to notch the front of the frame to accept the 55-59 core support, but it was easy. Or you could mod the core support to fit the frame. Stock radiators should work fine since (mine did at least)

6. Steering is easy, i went with rack and pinion and bought an assortment of steering shafts and joints and made it work.

7. Brakes are easy as well, the stock 72 c10 lines came up in the same spot as the firewall mount Brake Booster for the 55-59 trucks.

AWESOME info man!! thanks, i have read your build several times to try to understand how everything will come together.....i love your truck!

cool ideas.....i'll look into them...

[akdg87]

I know mine isn't detailed from when I modded the frame but I can take some pics if you want better detail on certain areas

[made2drag]

Originally Posted by akdg87

I know mine isn't detailed from when I modded the frame but I can take some pics if you want better detail on certain areas

that would be great!! i would love to see pics of how you mounted the cab to the frame

[made2drag]

anyone with cab mounting pics?

[akdg87]

hey sorry, i didnt grab some detailed pictures, i already left home to work in a remote village for the summer.

But the cab mounting is the easiest part. Check the frame width on the 73-87 frame (for reference my 72 c10 frame was 34" outside to outside where the cab mounts go). Check the frame width on your 55-59 frame (iirc it was 34" outside to outside as well).

So basically you will need to build cab mounts that "reach up" further, or you can build some spacers. I highly suggest boxing the frame where the cab mounts in the front go.

I have included a pictures of a friend of my dad who was inspired by my build (this is a 71 c10 frame).


Here is a side shot of my frame:

[made2drag]

WOW!! Thanks! That is exactly what i needed to see to get to the next step! I really do appreciate you taking the time to help me out!

thanks,
DJ