The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 53' frame question (newbie)

hi all,
Just aquired a 53' 1/2 ton and it is in good shape other than it has been hit in the back and the frame is tweaked quite a bit. I have a friend that says he has access to a frame off of a 3/4 ton. My question is will the 3/4 ton work on a 1/2 ton, or are they completely different in size and length? Any help here is greatly appreciated.


Thanks

Welcome to the Bolt, Triple R.

Size and length of 53' frames.

http://chevy.tocmp.com/chevyresto/53129.htm

Triple R, I think, but don't know for sure, the 3/4 ton frames are completely different from the back of the cab back. I believe the 3/4 ton frames are parallel side to side where the half ton's aren't. You could easily check this with a tape measure.

triple they are different. A couple a years ago my brother inlaw had the same problem. he purchased a 3/4 ton parts truck for the dash and other parts some had cut the top of the cab of the 3/4 ton. i told him since the 3/4 ton frame was already paid for why spend money on a 1/2 frame so i shortened it and put the 1/2 front axle with a disc brake kit and a disc brake rear end. the rear sill under the tail gate the bolt holes are closer. 3/4 frames are nice for tubed wheels they are more narrow.

You should be able to get the frame you have fixed. I had mine fixed for a 100.00 by a local
hot rod shop, Call around your area to body shops and frame repair shops. A fix is easier
than a swap. Paul

Unless the frame is absolutely mangled it should be an easy fix. The rear part of a '53 frame is not very strudy to begin with and will bend quite easily. Take your time and use a little heat where required and you should be able to do it yourself. If not a competent body shop with a frame machine will have little trouble putting it back where it belongs.