The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Swapping frame ?? - 1979 step van to 1958 Chevy Viking 40 Bus

I am new here, this is the start of my new project. I've been holding on to the bus for many years, now it's time to get it going.

I came across this 1979 Chevy step van last weekend at auction ($500) and thought it would make sense to pick it up and swap frames. I am wondering if anyone here has experience in doing something like this? Anything I should be looking out for?

The old bus had split rims, and old brake system. The 79 frame has wheels, transmission, steering (power) and has the same engine that is in the bus.

The van engine looks terrible, but the bus engine is basically unused. It is a 350 that I installed about 30 yrs ago, bought from a dealership out of a crate. Then the bus sat for many years. Wheelbase is 156 on the bus, 157 on the van frame.

You are already familiar with the Big Bolts forum, and had some good responses to your post about finding fenders. So, I'm moving your post over there, too.

Glad you have some photos, especially of the details for the step van as well as the bus. That should help a lot.

We've had a number of school buses show up lately.

That is a sweet bus. I can't offer much helpful advice on the swap, but the bus is pretty awesome.

Yep, I like a 58 short bus

I'm looking forward to following your build. I am working on a frame swap for my '47 1-ton, you are welcome to look at my build thread. I had driven the '47 for many years and had a good idea of what I wanted to change. I drove the donor truck for a couple years to make sure it fit the bill. I also have a 26' '55 bus I have driven a couple times. I don't know what could improve the driving experience of such a large vehicle. I had also lived in a '58 Viking for a couple years and driving that down the freeway was like floating a big boat. I ask this: have you driven both vehicles, do you know how each handle?

Hi Walter,
I have only driven the bus briefly many years ago. My big considerations were of course getting new wheels, disc brakes seemed pretty appealing, automatic transmission is also nice to have and power steering. The van was not in working order, so didn't have a chance to experience that. However, I had driven one of these and traveled a bit in one that was converted to a camper 35-40 yrs ago, and remember no drawbacks. The bus is not so large, 1 1/2 ton vehicle, Viking 40. It has been sitting around for so long, I had to do something with it before the end of my days.... Having the 79 frame and parts availability was also a consideration. I remember when I was working on the bus 30 yrs ago, even then had problems getting basic parts for the '58 bus.

I had a 59 short bus that I let go to a new owner last year. I considered the same thing you are before letting it go, because I knew I would not get around to doing them.

However, I believe the more efficient path is to address the issues on your bus. As you probably know, you can do a rear end swap (P30?) for disc brakes and convert the front to disc as well. Attaching an automatic transmission behind the 350 should not be tough and must be a way to do power steering etc.

Anyway, just my opinion and I believe it is a project worth doing and wish I had more time to do the one I had.

Good luck on your build. You will get great advice here!

To follow VEW's views, I have found that using the existing frame is much better. Use the van for axles and whatever, but keep the frame under the bus if still structually sound. Too many issues you haven't thought about when swapping frames. NOTHING fits. So measure and think about it. I don't know anything about the bus or the van. My axle/drivetrain swap experience is 55-59 light trucks.
I assume you have some big equipment and tools to do this heavy work.

I'm suggesting the van parts swap, too. There are a bunch of threads here about the P30 to old bus disc brake swap. But you've got the whole axle and everything, so maybe it's easier to just do that. There are kits to put modern master cylinder and power booster into your bus, so that homework's been done. It's easier to do that and plumb new brake lines and swap the rear axle than it is to jack up both vehicles and get them down to where you can roll the frame out from under the body. The van also gives you all the power steering gear, pump, etc. so with parts in hand at no cost, this homework will also be easier to do. And the modern steering column gives you access to a working set of turn signals that self cancel, along with hazard lights. You might even be able to give it a tilt wheel for added measure of hippie de-luxe :-D

Great old bus tho, glad to see it getting saved!

That is an aluminum body on that stepvan. It will never rust out. You made a fantastic buy on it. I would think about restoring it & customizing it.
They are great for swap meets, concession vending & motor home/camping vehicle. They are basic chevrolet & easy to work on. All parts are available.

George

Fred needs to get into this conversation...he has a 1956 bus with modern drivetrain. I'm sure he would have some good tips and feedback.

Here's his Gallery link

https://www.stovebolt.com/gallery/claridge%20fred%201956.html

Mike B

I had forgotten about Fred. I followed his progress for a while. Glad you pointed that out Mike.

Please don't hit that step van in the head.

George

Ha ha, my local consultant is gung ho for the swap, still going that direction at this point. Getting ready to start hopefully soon.

I believe that the more modern front axle will be quite a bit too wide for the old bus, that is why most swap the spindles over from the P-30 to the older axle. Rear axle should be real close to the same width though.

That is what I found on my 88 GMC C6000 when measuring to do a swap of the axles to my 58 Viking.

Hi, I ran out and checked the measurement as soon as I read your comments. They are both about the same, within less than an inch for sure by my tape measure. Thanks for keeping me on my toes....