Frme swap?

Has anyone out there swapped a 55-59 chevy truck sheet metal onto a later model chevy frame and running gear?My wheel base is 114 inch's.  

Many have done this swap....  But it requires a lot of work to make all the brackets and mounts.  And the later frames were a lot different with a raised section in the bed that is quite different from the "flat" 55-59 frames.

Add to this the front part of the frame on the newer trucks that tends to be narrower and have a more "Y-shape" to them.

My question is... What are you looking to *** put it up in the air, or go 4x4 or what?

If it is a smoother more modern ride, then the installation of a modern IFS like a Mustang II clone and a rear end swap would be the way to go.  That way you can lower the truck or stay at stock height.

Plus a new IFS is engineered for the 55-59 truck frame, and provides disk brakes and coil over or full Air Ride if you choose that option.

If this is your first attempt at something like this.... Do your self a favor and do a lot of research first, look at many articles and talk to lots of guys who have these truck and then you can make an informed decision.

What you are asking to do, is not for a novice by any means.

My 2-cents worth,
rico_bob  

I have a 55 GMC I put on a 72 C-10 chassis. Made new cab mounts and bed mounts. Same wheelbase just offset more towards the front.  
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You hit the nail on the head with your reply, rico Bob. Sounds like you probably do a lot of this kind of work yourself. I would have told him the same thing.  

Hello, I have completed this one in a week! There are a few things to consider but really a straight forward project! I used a 1983 chevy 1/2 ton for my trade! Rear end needs to come forward a few inches to get the wheels to line up in the openings, two new front cab mounts need to be made from the old ones and the radiator support brackets need to be located and fabricated to support the front sheet metal. These are the main areas that will require some time and labor! Ididit will be there for you when it comes to fitting the sterring column to the gear box, no big deal and makes for a great rideing truck! I have pictures if you need to see something! Good luck  

Can you please send me the pics I am doing the same thing,but with a 1979 as my trade.  

Lizzen to Rico.  

please post up some picts or links to them,, also what yr and body style of truck did you use? Thanks TC  

I used a 2000 GMC sierra rollover for my donar truck on my 1950 GMC and mounting the body does take some work but if you have the tools its not bad,plasma,mig,cutters,metal benders.The drop in the frame gives you room for rubber mounts on the cab and front end makes it ride nice.The drivetrain is all good dayly driver. the thing is the wheel stance is wider but fatting the fenders takes care of that and looks good if you building a street rod.If you want to keep it stock looking the s-10 frame is better.My project now is a 55 chev truck with a 06 lS2 6.L out of a GTO nothing fit the frame it had a 67 chevelle front clip so i decided to biuld a frame to fit with the rear independent and strut front end took all week but looking good.decide what you want first and build it to your liking and capability and enjoy.  

Sorry my spelling sucks!  

Don't worry Autotec, we don't hate for bad spelling.