Hey all, could anyone give me the dimensions on the bracket that bolts to the frame on a 58 Chevy 3100, that the radiator core support sits on top of (like the one in the picture)? My truck doesn't have these brackets (likely because somebody decided a GMC frame was a close enough match I think). Before I take some dial calipers to some photocopies, I was hoping maybe some Apache brethren could help me out? Thanks all!
I'll bet, lol. No, I was hoping maybe someone had a a build in progress that was still in bare frame phase so it would be easy to do. If not, don't sweat it.
I have a pair of brackets, that are loose, but I think they're from a 55-57, probably the V8 version with the radiator scooted back. Different from 58-59. Do you mostly just need to know the height? How far apart is your truck right now?
Hey Squirrel, I'm mainly interested in the height, since I don't know how much room will be taken up by the rubber pads (or how much they will compress). I'm currently using a stack of MDF that is 1.375" high. As far as length, I was just going to make it as long as needed to get the ends over existing holes in the top of the frame. And right now, my truck is in strict mockup dreamer mode
as best I can measure, it's 1-5/16" from the top of the frame rail, to the top of the bracket, where the mounting bolt goes through. The rubber pad that goes between the bracket and the radiator core support, is 1/4" thick.
A 55-6 GMC had a Pontic V8 engine with a center engine mount mount under the damper like the 6’s. I don’t remember the radiator sitting on a spring system. It it was just bolted to the front section which held the fenders. Mine was hobbled too.
Thank you for the info on the GMCs. The way I'm figuring on doing it, I'll make brackets like the Chevys had, and bolt them to the frame, and mount the radiator support them, with the Chevy inner fenders bolted to the rad support like normal. Seems the easiest route to go for now.
That picture in your first post looks to me to be a 55-57 model which is altogether different from 58-59. I went out to take some pics. of a 59 frame to give you some measurements. I didn't remember that I had already cut these off but found them and are including pics. If you need any more, let me know. Squirrel is the expert on these trucks and I'm sure that he will advise if I am correct or not. Should you want to purchase these, make a decent offer through private message. Eddie 478-967-3362
Check the picture with the wood block (1&3/4") behind it. That gives a reasonable idea of height and also that it is tapered so very difficult to describe. Also, there is a guy in Texas that is usually selling 55-59 frame parts on that auction site. Eddie 478-967-3362
Thanks very much for the pics, Eddie, they are super helpful! I really appreciate your (and Squirrel's) help This should give me enough info to give it a go, and if I bungle things, I'll certainly give you a shout about your brackets. Have a great weekend, guys!