"The only frame that's going to fit under a 57 RIGHT is a TF, 55.2 to 59 frame, or something custom made."
* Fair enough, but I don't have a stock frame to work with. I could get a '56 frame w/ a front steer Camaro clip in it from a local yard. I wasn't looking foward to buying a couple of lengths of 2x6 and fabbing a new frame.
"GM ran the same chassis on their trucks from 73-87. I have seen those adapted under a TF, never quite fit right. Those frames have curves the trucks aren't built for. There are wheelbase issues to boot. I can't remember for sure, the later one is longer or shorter by a few inches."
* So this might be a good guess as to what I have. It doesn't really seem to sit quite right, and there are some wheelbase issues - not only did they cut and splice the frame twice, but they also shortened the bed about 6-8".
"I measured a friend's 97 standard cab swb 1/2 ton against my own 57 I had at the time and wheelbase and track width looked good, but the frame was much wider in the center and had far more curves than a TF. A TF frame is basically a ladder frame, virtually straight. GM went away from that in 1960 when independent suspension first arrived."
* Well, I was hoping to find a roll-over wreck, strip off the cab & bed, and use the newer driveline under my vintage sheetmetal, but that would take all the fun out of it, huh?
"What are your goals for your truck, how are you going to use it, how do you want it to ride, and at what height do you want it to ride?"
Devin
I bought this heap to use as a utility truck, hauling parts, tow a trailer once in a while, drive to work sometimes, etc. Riding like a truck is fine, maybe slightly lowered is O.K., I'm not interested in slamming or bagging it, or making a show car out of it. I do have a stock short bed that I'd like to put on it. The really oddball part is, I have a spare cab and doors, and I would like to make a stretch cab, maybe 14-18" added, for a little inside storage. This is the part that has had me thinking about a longer wheelbase late model frame.
Thanks, Kinky6.
