I have an early 50's frame and modified it for my '54 truck. I trimmed about 2 plus inched off the top. I was able to keep the entire bottom and the side rail. I then boxed the bottom further down. Then boxed the top and the inside. I maintained the front frame height over the modified area. It works fine. You can see my modifications by going to my listed cars at the bottom of my reply. Look at "54toy". That will solve your problem. There are other things I have done that you may want to do as well. One is moving your rear axle back 2" so it centers better in the wheel well. That is accomplished with a simple 2" plate.

Last edited by '54 Daily Driver; 10/18/2010 3:28 AM.
Dan
"I think I can, I think I can"
My Current Truck: http://ILovePortTownsend.com/54Toy.htm
My Last Truck: http://ILovePortTownsend.com/Truck_files/53.htm
My 59 Vette: http://ILovePortTownsend.com/Truck_files/59.htm
My High School Vehicles: http://IlovePortTownsend.com/Truck_files/late50s.htm