The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs Frame swap

There is a fair amount of information regarding frame swaps for AD subs and panels on S-10 frames. Has anyone ever done a swap using a late model full size suburban or pick up? I'm pretty sure the wheelbases and width will be different, but I did find a '53 panel that has an'80 pickup frame. It was listed on Craigslist so I have not seen the truck up close, but it appears to sit normally. I've seen the S-10 swaps on both panels and pickups, and they look good. I find myself in possesion of a '95 Sub with the required goodies and a semi damaged body but it runs, and the price was right.

What do you guys think? does anyone have experience with this particular swap, or should I stick to my S-10 plan?

Most likely the frame is both too long and too wide for an easy swap. You want a wheelbase about 116 or 117 inches long, and track width of about 62 inches in the rear and a little less in the front. You need to measure that Suburban to compare to the early truck.

Second problem is that the later Suburban frames are not simply flat between the axles like the early ones are. You may find you need to either mount the body real high, or modify either the frame or the body.

My suggestion would be to try to sell the Suburban and pick up an S-10 instead.

Go look at the one from Craigslist. And take pictures of how it was done. I'd love to know.

Check this site.
http://www.hemmings.com/classifieds/carsforsale/chevrolet/suburban/404126.html

pretty proud of it! the track width of later trucks are fine for a TF, i have seen a 57' with a 95' chassis and it seemed to fit ok. s-10 would be a better choice.

1950 GMC 1/2 ton Panel Truck.....1990 GMC complete drivetrain with 4 wheel drive, automatic, fuel inj & cruise control, etc.
Fit great, but don't let anybody tell you that a changeover like this is a cakewalk. Not only is alignment & fit critical, but you want the vehicle to be crashworthy as well. Will try to attach a pic. Have recently installed new tires that provide an even better fit. Daily driver.
Steve

Steve email me some pictures of that conversion and I'll host them where people can see them. I'd like to see them myself.

I assume the '90 GMC was a 1/2-ton short box?

You can see a picture of the 1950 GMC 1/2 ton Panel Truck on a 1990 GMC complete drivetrain with 4 wheel drive at

http://www.oldsub.com/images/2007/12/4x4_GMC/

If Steve sends me more pictures I'll park them in the same place.

Steve, it looks great!! Do you have any pictures of the swap that you can send me? I have a 50 Suburban that I Bought a 1980 frame for. I don't know if i will just use the front suspension or the whole frame. Any info would greatly appreciated. Thanks, P.J.

I will try to dig up some more pics...I shot a few but nothing really documenting the process.
I've read of a way to put the front susp and steering, crossmember, etc from the 80 frame to your 50, and was sorta considering that before I decided to go with 4X4.
Steve

Thanks for the insight on the newer Sub swap to my '49, I think I'll stick to the S-10, got a lead on one with the right stuff cheap; but also have a line on an Astro van. Is this the same frame? Has anyone swapped this into an AD Sub? I'm stockpiling infor for summer when I can start on my truck. Minnesota, too cold, too much show, no heat in the garage!

Inuke
'49 Sub
'49 Fleetline

The Astro van is completely different from the S-10 and probably not a good candidate for this kind of project. I'm not sure they even have a frame, though I don't actually know. The larger series Chevy vans became unibody back in the 70's.

The astro doesn't have a full frame like the S-10.But it does have a front subframe that might be a good candidate to graft onto a stock stovebolt frame.Anyone ever researched this? Hmmm....I have an 86 Astro carcass laying around.I might have to research this myself.

There is a photo build at this site that might give you some ideas. I bought some parts from Brad a few years ago and was pleased.
Dan

Astro is a little wide compared to an AD truck. It might work on something later.