The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area Engine Shop I need to be Framed

I am brand new to this forum so please go easy on me.

I am working on a 65' 4x4 that has a bent frame from a frontal collision. I am not sure if there is any hope for getting it straightened.

So, I would like to know what are my options for getting another frame?

1. Does it have to be a 65' 4x4 frame?
2. What other year frames can I use (64-66) or (60-66) or (60-72)??
3. How hard would it be to convert it to a 2 wheel drive?

I am sure there are thing I am not aware of so that is why I am here, I was told this is the best place to get help.

Rick

Rick, welcome to the bolt,, I cant help you but I am sure others will come in, I am more into the pre 60 stuff but we have a lot here with rigs like you,

you might also consider moving this to the body shop in case you dont get many to reply on this one.. good luck,,,,Fred

Thanks, I do not know how to move a thread so I will just Copy it and Paste it on a new thread in that section.

Rick

If your 4x4 driveline components are complete and undamged, you should be able to sell them as I would think that they are popular item. May be you could make a deal for a rolling 2 wheel drive chassis in exchange for yours.

you might list that little propoistion that truckernix suggests on the swap meet

Yes at this point I am trying to find the best route to getting the truck back on the road.

The truck just went through a decent rebuild right before the accident. It has new floor pans in it, billet dash, new paint, new motor, 8 inches of lift, lockers in both axles and 4.56 gears all with less than 1,000 miles on it.

My friend had the truck redone for his son and it had a brake problem so he took it to a local shop where they stuck a nut and bolt on it to connect the brake pedal to the master cylinder rod. That vibrated off 36 miles after he picked it up and he ran through an intersection and t-boned a Dodge truck.

18 months later (after the lawsuit has been settled) I find it in my yard trying to figure out how to save it.

Rick

Hello Rick hope you're finding some useful info on here.

I am in the pre-restoration ("pre" meaning its gonna get the resto but looking at all the angles before diving in) stages also on a 1965 4x4 if its possible I would love to see a couple pics of your truck if nothing else just get some ideas of what direction to take with mine. Heck I don't even mind if its post accident pics. If not its cool too. Thanks

How do I email you pictures? It says you email is blocked and I do not know how to post pictures on this site (if you can).

Rick

I'm building my '63 3/4 ton 4x4 now. I got a new body from a 2wd truck and was noticing the frame difference when I dismantled them. The 2wd has a more curvy frame designed to work with front independent suspension and rear coil springs. The 4x4 has a straight frame to accomodate the front and rear leaf spring suspension. I too looked at a frame swap since mine was rusted in a couple of spots, but there was no way I could make a 2wd 1/2 ton frame work with my drivetrain parts. If you stripped your frame down to nothing, I would think a good body shop could straighten it for you. You may want to look into a mid 70's frame as a possible donor too. Good luck saving it,
Scott

Not sure why my email is blocked... tried fixing the settings but its cool don't worry about the pics... just thought I'd compare ideas.

Does your truck have a lift? and is it a 1/2 or 3/4?

Whatever you did worked. I sent you a before and after picture.

The truck is a 1/2 ton with an 8 inch lift

Rick

Scott,

So are you saying a mid 70's truck frame is interchangeable? How about the 67-72 4x4 frames, will they work?

Rick

All I know is my 63 has a 77 front diff under it and it fits well. As long as the wheel base is the same, I think it will work with some minor mods. You'll have to take the body mount brackets from your old frame and fit them to another, etc.
Good luck trying to save her,
Scott

Hey Rick I did get the pic of your truck... ouch.

You have that truck set up pretty close to what I have in mind for mine... what size tires and rims do you have? and what brand did you go with?

Truck still looks good though good luck in gettin goin again.

Hopefully I can find someone who can get the frame back straight.

Those are 15x10 rims, and the tires are Super Swamper SSR radials 37x12.5.

Rick