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Frame swap

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by Wreckerman, Nov 7, 2012.

  1. Wreckerman
    Joined: Aug 21, 2012
    Posts: 11

    Wreckerman
    Member
    from Macon Mo

    :confused: Hello to all. I am looking for somepointers from the forum. I have a 46 Chevt 1 1/2 ton wrecker. I am considering putting it on a 85 Chevy One Ton C30 frame. Has anyone had any experience with soething similar to this? My old wrecker has a lot of issues that seem to make it difficult to get on the road. Thx Wreckerman
     
  2. Don's Hot Rods
    Joined: Oct 7, 2005
    Posts: 8,319

    Don's Hot Rods
    Member
    from florida

    Never done this particular one, but the problem with most frame swaps is the tread width not the wb length. It is pretty easy to increase or decrease the wb by some frame cutting, but changing the tread width is a lot more difficult.

    I would take a tape measure to someones C30 and compare it to your older truck, that would be the place to start.

    Don
     
  3. Wreckerman
    Joined: Aug 21, 2012
    Posts: 11

    Wreckerman
    Member
    from Macon Mo

    I made a check on my 46, it was 58" center to center of front tires. The C30 is 66" center to center. Hard to find something that is that 58" width with a modern running gear. You can see in the picture in my page that the finders are high cut as well as 20" rims on the old truck. It is hard to picture how something would actually look. It sure could be something UGLY! Thanks!!!!
     
  4. Those 73-87 frames are like a roller coaster,
    And the front cross member can be narrowed with some doing.
    There was a tech on it in the last few months.

    Once you narrow the cross member you could probably pinch the frame almost bare handed with the font member out of it.

    Rebuilding what you have would be your best option unless its just rotted.

    What about those 1 ton chassis under Toyota motor homes and uhauls ?
     

  5. Mr48chev
    Joined: Dec 28, 2007
    Posts: 33,861

    Mr48chev
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

  6. 50dodge4x4
    Joined: Aug 7, 2004
    Posts: 3,534

    50dodge4x4
    Member

    Is the 66" center of tire to center of tire with dually front wheels or single tire wheels? Dually wheels are usually inset.

    You can also add a fender extension to the existing fenders, or split your fenders front to back and add a section of metal between the inner and outed parts of the fenders.

    The Big Dodge trucks from 48-53 had fender extensions. See the picture. You might be able to make something like this for your truck. Gene
     

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  7. Wreckerman
    Joined: Aug 21, 2012
    Posts: 11

    Wreckerman
    Member
    from Macon Mo

    Thanks for the idea, that may just work for me. Roger
     
  8. Hnstray
    Joined: Aug 23, 2009
    Posts: 12,355

    Hnstray
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Quincy, IL



    The "dually" style front wheels are deep offset, but that doesn't help on a rear dual equipped truck because the front hub mounting flanges are way outboard compared to a non-dually style. The hub offset cancels the wheel offset. In other words, the centerline of the tire is in about the same place.

    Ray
     
  9. Wreckerman
    Joined: Aug 21, 2012
    Posts: 11

    Wreckerman
    Member
    from Macon Mo

    ok here is a wrench in the works. I spoke in some detail to the fella that i purchased the wrecker from tonight. He told me that my uncle whom he bought the truck from. That it a 53 corvette crate motor purchased from the A.J. Noll Motor company back here in Macon, Mo. I cannot believe that this is correct. By chance is there any way to verify this motor?? Thanks for the help!!! Roger
     
  10. Hnstray
    Joined: Aug 23, 2009
    Posts: 12,355

    Hnstray
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Quincy, IL

    Well, for starters, it would be a 235 engine and have the sheet metal side plate on the right side only coming up to the block deck, whereas a 216 has the tin all the way up the head. Corvette 6 cyl engines were equipped with three sidedraft Carter YF's but you didn't mention that, so I assume they are not what's on it. But if they are present, that's a good sign ! :)

    Also, the Corvette 6's have extensive ignition shielding to reduce/eliminate radio interference that otherwise penetrates a non-metal body.

    Perhaps the people who really know early Corvettes can offer ID number info as well.


    Ray
     
  11. kennkat
    Joined: Aug 25, 2011
    Posts: 1,385

    kennkat
    Member

    To swap a frame or not... Hmmm:):):) Well here in the great state of California:rolleyes: I would prefer to keep the stock frame, box it, up date the suspension, etc Because in this state if you change the frame it will now be regged according to the chassis number... Me NO LIke That!!!:mad::mad::mad:
     
  12. 49ratfink
    Joined: Feb 8, 2004
    Posts: 18,829

    49ratfink
    Member
    from California

    looks like you have some property there. in my world there is nothing you can do to this truck to improve on this right here... VVVVVVVV

    [​IMG]

    I wouldn't touch it. people can always build some sort of HOT ROD or restoration from trucks like this, but only time can make it look this way. I bought a 40's Dodge "1/2 ton" truck in similar shape with the sole purpose of parking it out behind the house by the old fence and take pictures of it. it had been battling it out with Mother Nature and Father Time for a bit too long and it was losing. Very photogenic though.





    I
     
  13. Diavolo
    Joined: Apr 1, 2009
    Posts: 824

    Diavolo
    Member

    I don't have pics and I haven't actually started putting it together (winter project) but I am putting a 55 F600 (2 ton) on a 92 F350 dually frame. Track width is the same. Biggest problem looks like maybe getting the body mounts fabbed up. Given another option, I would have gotten a late 60s frame since they are much straighter but I am working with that I got.
     
  14. 56premiere
    Joined: Mar 8, 2011
    Posts: 1,445

    56premiere
    Member
    from oregon

    My brother has a, 42 we set it on a 68 3/4 dually frame and it works pretty good.I don't remember the measurements,it 50 miles from here.I also have a couple friend that are putting several 46 together,1 put his on a 64 chevy pu frame,but he put a camaro clip on it,with a nailhead.They told me those fenders on the one in the pics are military,i don't know.good luck with yours. jack
     
  15. Hnstray
    Joined: Aug 23, 2009
    Posts: 12,355

    Hnstray
    ALLIANCE MEMBER
    from Quincy, IL

    [​IMG]



    It's Tow Mater's Dad !!!!!!!!!!!! :D

    Ray
     

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