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#31399 05/12/2003 10:16 PM | Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 25 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 25 | I recently purchased a 1986 Chev 1/2 ton for a donor for my '61 Chev apache. My fram eon the '60 is in rough shape and I am swapping out the front suspension for sure.. Have any of you guys ever shortened an 80's frame to sit under the 60 body??? I have two options either work with the 86 frame entirely or clip the 60 frame with the 80's front suspension and rear axle. Any suggestions would be great I couldn't pass up the '86 the body is shot but it has a tilt column power brakes a running 305 and a good rear end all for $250 | | |
#31400 05/13/2003 1:13 AM | Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 23 Member | | Member Joined: Dec 2002 Posts: 23 | take it. i have recently gone the other way with my 61 3/4 ton and am now a bit regretful. all the stock pieces i had to source out locally because it is a 3/4, and at quite a cost. the front x-member will bolt in with few modifications (ie elongating bolt holes...big deal) and you get the benefits of pwr steering/brakes, a dual circuit master cylinder in case of emergencies, and a small block will fit right in with motor mounts, as it doesn't sound like you're restoring. you can also rebuild all the bushings etc from the donor for a fraction of the cost. The only problem i had was finding rear control arms as they are very xpensive and i built my own.where abouts are you in canada?
1961 Chev 3/4
1977 Chev Nova
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#31401 05/13/2003 4:00 AM | Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 181 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Mar 2003 Posts: 181 | Sounds like you are living my dreams. Its not hard to shorten a frame. Just make sure you measure twice, cut once. The best way is to cut it half way down, then lenght wise, then the rest of the way down making a sort of lazy "Z". That way when you reweld it you make it stronger than a straight cut. If you plan to do all the swapping I'd go with the 86 frame and graft on the 60's body. That way you have the modern goodies underneath. | | |
#31402 05/23/2003 2:23 AM | Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 25 Junior Member | | Junior Member Joined: Apr 2003 Posts: 25 | Thanks alot guys.. I have recently stripped the 85 truck.. there is a bit of rot in the frame but its right behind the cab right where I have to shorten it so its not that bad.. I have to make the wheelbase 115" to fit the 60 body.. the frame on the 85 is nice a striaght behind the cab should be pretty straight foward,, any more advice would be greatly appreciated ..
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