The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop frame swap 51 GMC on 88 silverado shortbox frame

Hi everyone
I have a 1951 GMC 1/2 ton and I am trying to mount the body on a 1988 Chev full size short box frame.I am having trouble mounting the rad support,if any one has tried this swap any info would be greatly appreciated. Just to let everyone know the original frame was rotten and the complete 88 pickup was within my budget (CHEAP)!
thanks gmc_shane

howdy gmc_shane. i just got got a 1989 chevy full size short frame for about the same price you paid for yours ! we'll get it home this weekend. i haven't seen anyone try to use these frames for an advance design truck,,most frame swaps use the s10 frame or some other front clip. i am not sure what i will do with it yet,, but i was wondering how the cab of your 51 fit on the 88 frame. can you please tell us some more details about your project ? i don't have any ideas about your radiator support. later, garyg.

If I'm not mistaken the 88 frame is basically the same as 73 to 87. My truck is on a 73 Suburban frame.

I welded a mounting tab to the front of the cross piece near the front of the frame.

The '88 frame is completely different from the '87, with virtually no parts interchange. There's going to be a few issues using the GMT400 ('88-'98) chassis, as it is somewhat of an oddity. One issue will eb the frame width, as it is actually wider under the cab and forward bedmount area, then tapers back to the rear end. This was one of the reasons that you don't see factory Chassis/cab version of that body truck until the '92s, aftermarket bodies would not fit the frame.
I won't say it "cant be done", but only that you will need to get your measurements from both the frame and the body and plan out how you're going to make it all fit. You may have to make some concessions and alterations so it will work.

cut, grind and weld, Fabricate what you have to, make it fit.
"mounting tabs to the front of the cross piece" Same here I used a 90 degree L.

Hi garyg,
gmc_shane here just wanted to let you know that we are likely the only 2 guys trying to do this swap I do have some photos and when I can figure how to get them on the site I will (not computer savy).anyway I started by taking the rear cab mounts and spreading them to the outside of the frame then at the drivers side remove the 2 studs for the gas tank mount,and use a piece of U channel on the outside of the frame, to get the approximate height of the cab I used 2x4's on top of the frame to get the right stance. then drilled and bolted. After I squared everything from that point and now I am trying to figure the rad support to get the front end aligned and looking right.

I too, am contemplating a chassis swap. I have a 1966 on a '63 Chassis and would like to have the comfortable ride, lower ride height and still keep it 4 wheel drive. Since there is no collector value in my truck I figure it's a good candidate for such a swap.I'll be watching for some pics.

My uncle did a 1948 1/2 ton on a 73 Blazer K5 chassis. It required a frame stretch and significant extensions to the body mounts, IE the body was raised WAY OFF the frame. It was a 4x4 conversion with 33" mudder tires (which rubbed sometimes). The frame had the stock suspension on it. I seem to remember the bed was lifted off the frame about 8-10 inches and something similar for the cab at all mounting points. It required a significant amount of fabricating experience, but looked/drove very well after completion. I believe he cut out the lower section of the radiator core support and welded in a U shaped piece of heavy metal which which allowed a custom adjustment.

I know this is an old post but how did the swap work out and do you have any pictures? I am considering the same sort of swap. 1953 on a 1996 Tahoe 4WD frame.

Thanks!

Old post I know, but do you have pictures and how did the swap work out?

Thanks!

u can send to my e-mail if that is easier.

[email protected]

just 2 cents.. I am doing a frame swap but using an s-10. I purchased a AE frame kit. The kit just lifts the cab and all bodyparts up off the frame (since s-10 frame is narrower)and gives you a mounting surface that is wider.the truck sets much higher.Swap is not as easy as they made it out to be with the kit I don't have the skills to even attempt it without the kit.Front clip will be the next time !!

Well if anyone else is doing a swwap the folks at e-z chassiswaps have done a lot of trial and error tests and can help you with anything you need. I called with just a few questions and they were happy to help. Good luck

http://www.e-zchassisswaps.com/

hi shane_gmc i have biult one i can send you some pics of mine. i use the factory rsd in my truck.

I did a 54GMC on a 93 Silverado Chassis. Took along time but drives very nice. It does not look like a 4x4 either

docrock, you dont happen to have pics of your project. I am planning to put a 52 2ton on a 4wd Tahoe frame, any info and pics are greatly appreciated.