The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The HiPo Shop 1955 2nd Series another frame question!

In my original post about the swapping the frame for a 1973-1987 Chevy Truck frame, someone indicated I'd have more success with a pre 1973 frame. I would like to know if they make adapter kits to use one of those frames or is fabrication required on my part? I ask because of how the frames are much lower in the middle than the front and rear and I don't see how the bed or front end will sit right. In the end it will probably be cheaper to fix my 55 2nd series frame and add the 2" back into it.

I think the reference to the pre 73 frame was referring to replacing the whole front frame section from the firewall forward and removing your present front section. I' ve done that using a 1980 1/2 ton front frame clip and grafted it to my 58 gmc frame. The frame width and dimension is the same. With the steering box on the outside of the frame it's easy to build mounts for your rad core support too. If you need to add 2 inches it might be just as easy to change the front frame out. JMHO

I guess I'll be giving that some consideration as well. do you have any idea about the width of a 1980's rear axle? I know they run a 5x5 bolt pattern.

I did use the same rearend as you're asking about but can't remember the width. It was basically a bolt in. The spring perches are about 1/4 inch different in spacing but the spring bushings allow a little wiggle room. That kept it 5x5 all around.
The front track is about 2" wider but I used some different offset wheels to keep the wheels inboard.

some axle width measurements

Bill

I found a frame on Craigslist for $200. THe frame is from a 1962 or 1964. I don't remember which. It has drums all the way around. I was thinking about that one too but I don't know how easy it would be to convert. I guess I've got too many ideas.