The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area General Truck Talk 1955-57 Frame Dimension Needed please

I am working on a 1959 Chevrolet 3100 frame, using it for my 1955 project truck. I am installing a Monte Carlo front clip and have come to the point where I need to verify where to place my front radiator support brackets. Before I cut the 1959 frame, I made a jig that bolted to factory holes in the frame, including the radiator support brackets that are rivited on top of the frame rails. (rivets 6" apart oc) I figured that once I cut the 1959 frame and installed the Monte Carlo front clip, I would then re-install the jig to establish where the exact location of the radiator support needs to go.

I had measured from the centerline of the front axle reference holes in the 1959 frame to the centerline of the radiator support brackets (with cage nuts) and came up with exactly 18-1/2". I have verified that the 1959 frame was a factory V-8 truck. I have verified that 1955-1957 and 1958-1959 frames are different in length, about 2" longer in the very front of the 1958-59 trucks for a splash pan between the front bumper and grille area. Did Chevrolet change the location of the radiator mounting brackets in '58-59? I have heard different opinions on this, depending on not only the year, but rather or not the truck was a V-8 or not. My factory assembly manual has the 3100 frame shown from 1955 in it, and my calculations say that the radiator support needs to be 17-1/2" from the 1/2" front axle reference holes. So I have a discrepancy of 1" difference. I plan on installing my 1955 Chevrolet TF cab and front end sheet metal on the 1959 frame, but don't want to weld anything final until I get a few verifications on weather or not to weld the frame rails at 18-1/2" or 17-1/2". I suspect that it really should be 17-1/2" but am a little leary on the dimension for some reason. I initially didn't think there was any difference aside from the 2" longer front frame rails on the 1959 frame.

I got the truck as someone elses unfinished 1955 project, and the front end was never assembled. I picked up a 1959 frame to work on for the chassis clip upgrade without having to completely dismantle the original 1955. This is when I was told that all frames are exactly the same other than the length at the front. Obviously I am new to these trucks, and didn't know better at the time.

I really would like someone with a 1955-1957 frame that is easily accessible to check the dimension from the centerline of the radiator support brackets to the centerline of the 1/2" reference holes located above the front axle. It should be 17-1/2" if my calculations are correct going from the frame drawing in the 1955-1959 Assembly manual. Anyone that could help would be greatly appreciated

Old Blue
Now I'm all blue, darn it's cold outside! Grabbed a flashlite,
and went out and measured on my '55. Yes, it's 17-1/2".
Good Luck!

Old Blue
Whoops....my truck came with a "6", not a V-8...NOT sure if they're the same or not! Sorry.

You might want to just "tack" the support mounts, and trial fit everything first before welding.

oleblue55,
welcome to stovebolt.

when it get light outside i will pull my cover off and check the dimensions on my 57. its a running truck, so not sure if i can get an accurate measurement, but i will try.

also, i looked at your pics ans looks like you got one heck of a ahop. and you do very nice fabrication work.

is this what you do for a living ?

leonard

Marc,

Thanks for checking! I am just a little confused on what the difference is with the 1" deal. Its good to know what other frames measurements are so I can verify before I weld. Thanks again! It was -2 degrees in Kansas City this morning!

Leonard

Thanks for the comments. Your truck is awesome! Someday maybe I can get there, but for now, I am trying to get this crazy chassis figured out!

I am lucky in that the shop I am able to work in is at a shop a good friend is letting me use. I wish it was mine! I actually am a teacher at a high school, and have always loved tinkering with old cars and trucks.

I had someone earlier verify that their truck was at 17-1/2", so I am curious if yours is the same. Thanks again for your help.
Ed

ed,
i just took the cover off the front of my truck and measured.
its confirmed, mine is also 17-1/2".

and for a guy who does not do chassis work for a living, you sure look like you know what your doing. looks like you have been doing it for all your life. very good, clean work.

if there is ever anything else you need info on, fell free to ask me, and i will help anyway i can.

take care, and please keep posting updated pics of your truck.

leonard

Leonard,

Thanks for the dimension. I will make it 17-1/2" and go with that. I feel alot more comfortable going ahead with that dimension now that a couple of you guys came up with the same dimension. It is great having guys like you help me out on this project. I really appreciate all the tips and information and pictures that everyone has. This is my first truck project, and can honestly say that there hasn't been a better group of guys and gals that are willing to help out any way they can. Thanks again, and we'll keep in touch.
Ed

no problem ed, glad i could help.

yea, this site is amazing. the best i have found, thats for sure.
like you said, everyone here is so helpful and knowledgeable. so many different guys here have helped me out a ton over the past year, i owe it back.

good luck, and please keep the updated pics comeing.
we all like seeing pics here on this site. LOL.

leonard