I am working on a 1959 Chevrolet 3100 frame, using it for my 1955 project truck. I am installing a Monte Carlo front clip and have come to the point where I need to verify where to place my front radiator support brackets. Before I cut the 1959 frame, I made a jig that bolted to factory holes in the frame, including the radiator support brackets that are rivited on top of the frame rails. (rivets 6" apart oc) I figured that once I cut the 1959 frame and installed the Monte Carlo front clip, I would then re-install the jig to establish where the exact location of the radiator support needs to go.
I had measured from the centerline of the front axle reference holes in the 1959 frame to the centerline of the radiator support brackets (with cage nuts) and came up with exactly 18-1/2". I have verified that the 1959 frame was a factory V-8 truck. I have verified that 1955-1957 and 1958-1959 frames are different in length, about 2" longer in the very front of the 1958-59 trucks for a splash pan between the front bumper and grille area. Did Chevrolet change the location of the radiator mounting brackets in '58-59? I have heard different opinions on this, depending on not only the year, but rather or not the truck was a V-8 or not. My factory assembly manual has the 3100 frame shown from 1955 in it, and my calculations say that the radiator support needs to be 17-1/2" from the 1/2" front axle reference holes. So I have a discrepancy of 1" difference. I plan on installing my 1955 Chevrolet TF cab and front end sheet metal on the 1959 frame, but don't want to weld anything final until I get a few verifications on weather or not to weld the frame rails at 18-1/2" or 17-1/2". I suspect that it really should be 17-1/2" but am a little leary on the dimension for some reason. I initially didn't think there was any difference aside from the 2" longer front frame rails on the 1959 frame.
I got the truck as someone elses unfinished 1955 project, and the front end was never assembled. I picked up a 1959 frame to work on for the chassis clip upgrade without having to completely dismantle the original 1955. This is when I was told that all frames are exactly the same other than the length at the front. Obviously I am new to these trucks, and didn't know better at the time.
I really would like someone with a 1955-1957 frame that is easily accessible to check the dimension from the centerline of the radiator support brackets to the centerline of the 1/2" reference holes located above the front axle. It should be 17-1/2" if my calculations are correct going from the frame drawing in the 1955-1959 Assembly manual. Anyone that could help would be greatly appreciated
Last edited by Oleblue55; 01/15/2009 5:00 AM.
