Frame swap on a 58

[dubie]

I have seent he tech article that deal with the S10 frame swap for 47-54 trucks, but what about the 55-59's? I have a 58 GMC I am about to tear the body off of and was wondering if the S10 frame swap would also work for this application? It's a 58 GMC shorty fleetside 1/2 ton

[Terry]

Not to sound like a A-Hole, but why would you want to?

[dubie]

What I have right now is the stock frame and the previous owner butchered on a Nova Front clip. I figured if I could find an easy swap for a complete frame, I would do that. If it doesn't work, then I will graft a Camaro front clip onto the existing frame properly.

[squirrel]

I'd look around for an original frame first....the stock suspension has worked ok on my 59 for twentysome years.

[graverobber63]

ooooooouuuuuuuuuuu me likes 59's http://www.jalopyjournal.com/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/grin.gif

http://www.autowonderland.ca/wednesday/502gmc59.jpg

[droplord49]

Dubie do you have any pics of yours? S10 longbed or extended cab frames have a wheelbase of 117 inches front to back and 48 inches backing plate to backing plate

[Roothawg]

Hey man, here's the skinny.

The deal is a mid 80's Chevy pickup. SWB. The frame is really close.

[squirrel]

mmmm...they're sort of close, although the 73-87 frame has that big dip in the middle and narrows at the front. And the axles are a few inches wider than the early truck, but they will fit.

[Terry]

Oh ok now I understand, and see your problem. Maybe a trip down to the local steel mill for some 2X6 and whip out a new one. The frames are pretty easy ladder design. But it would problably be easier to go the camaro route without swapping frames.

[Roothawg]

I have seen a clip grafted onto the stock frame using the 73-87 GM frt clip. It matched up pretty dang close. Looked factory when the guy was done.