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| | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 401 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 401 | I am doing a 1956 Chevy 4500 short school bus and want to put a later chassis under it. My bus chassis is 154" wheelbase. It has been suggested that I use a Chevy P30 chassis. I have looked some for more info and specs on them, but have not found much. Any suggestions on where to look and what kinds of vehicles I would typically find on them? Also I read the P32 chassis was an updated version of the P30 with disc brakes front and rear. Is this true? Any other differences between the two? Any and all info regarding them would be appreciated. I am new to the vintage truck arena. Thanks all.
Fred Claridge
Tenino, WA | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | I've borrowed a number of parts from P30 chassis, or if not P30, then similar GM chassis. (wouldn't call them a big chassis though)
Whatever they call it, you most likely want the one with 10 lug rear and 5 lug front wheels, like your truck has now right?
I prefer the ones with the straight I-beam front axle, not the independent front suspension.
Either way, with that bolt pattern they will have disc brakes front and rear.
The chassis is very straight and simple, resembles your original, but I don't know how close the actual measurements come. Check the track width to see how well the tires will fit under the fenders.
Best bet is to take a tape measure with you and check out the local delivery trucks with that axle combination, if measurements look good then start looking to buy one.
Grigg | | | | | Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 65 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Aug 2003 Posts: 65 | The 42 chassis was the commercial chassis, while the 32 chassis was the motor home version. There were some differences in wheelbase and componentry, but the type body mounted on it would tell you what you're working with.
51 Chevrolet Canopy Express
02 K25 Duramax Crew Cab
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 401 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Dec 2008 Posts: 401 | So, would there be any other suggestions on which chassis I should look at? I find that the Chevy or GMC Extended cab longbed dually after 1988 has a wheelbase within 1" of what I need. Mine is 154 and the late model is 155. Would this be a viable option if I use a 1 ton truck? I just want the bus to ride nice and stop well.
Or would it be better to just switch out the suspension with newer stuff on the original frame? | | |
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