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Apr 26th, 2026 | | AD Chevy Trucks  Over 6,000 pictures Brad Allen has an awesome collection of Chevrolet factory pictures that he has set up from film strips. Check them out!
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| | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 4 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 4 | I'd like to know what is a good year/make/model frame would be a good choice to put under my '53 GMC 5 window? | | | | | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 215 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 215 | I'll bet a '53 five window frame will fit best!
Anyone want to second me? | | | | | Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: May 2006 Posts: 8,351 | I'll bet a '53 five window frame will fit best!
Anyone want to second me? I will! 
Bill Burmeister
| | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | | | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 4 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 4 | haha Obviously but im in the process of an off frame restoration and im considering just finding a rolling chassis with engine and tranny to drop it on and use the original frame for another project i have in the works. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 4 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 4 | well thanks for the lack of help guys! | | | | | Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 . | | . Joined: May 2005 Posts: 8,878 | Sounds like you have gotten plenty of help and good advice so far.
If it's not what you wanted to hear try throwing in some more details about your plans and ask the question again. Might get the same answer though...
Grigg | | | | | Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 215 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jun 2010 Posts: 215 | Well you might want to give people a little time on this one.
If your into a serious rod type rebuild then grab the Feb 2011 issue of StreetRodder magazine, they have a big section on rolling chassis in that issue, and some real nice stuff. | | | | | Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 4 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Nov 2010 Posts: 4 | That sounds like a plan thank you i'll check it out. i guessed i just assumed somebody else might have considered switching out the frame and had a suitable donor that worked for them | | | | | Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,887 Cruising in the Passing Lane | | Cruising in the Passing Lane Joined: Jul 2001 Posts: 3,887 | no doubt a few out of the 25 thousand members here have considered most anything imaginable  some searching in the HiPo threads might give you some food for thought about major modifications Bill | | | | | Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 Extreme Gabster | | Extreme Gabster Joined: May 2001 Posts: 7,438 | haha Obviously but im in the process of an off frame restoration and im considering just finding a rolling chassis with engine and tranny to drop it on and use the original frame for another project i have in the works. A "restoration" does not use a different frame. You got good answers to your original question. Looks like you are wanting to rod the truck. You'll get answers for that in the Hipo Shop. By the way, welcome to the forums. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 | I'd like to know what is a good year/make/model frame would be a good choice to put under my '53 GMC 5 window?
You need to tell us a little about what your plans are. There are several modifications that can be made depending on what you decide you can live with.
Are you planning on restoring it? If so the original frame would be the correct one to use.
Are you planning on using a six cylinder? GMC 228/270/302 sixes are longer than the Chevrolet 216/235/261 engines
Is this going to be for freeway use?
Are you planning a low budget build?
Are you thinking about making it into a Rat Rod?
Are you planning on using it as a daily driver?
Do you plan on using it as a tow vehicle?
Do you want to keep the original suspension, torque tube driveline?
I have seen the AD body on a 1987 4x4 frame (Wheels poked out)
I have seen a 1990 Chevrolet 1/2 ton frame used. Modern suspension with power steering and disc brakes
I have seen them on a S-10 frame (kits available) air bags will work on this frame to give you that slammed look.
I have seen Volare independent suspension welded to the original frame
I have seen a AMC Pacer front suspension welded on the original frame
A fellow bolter sells an independent front end kit to attach to your original frame
Are you considering installing a flat bed? If so that opens up lot's of possibilities on other frames since you control the length of the frame and bed.
There are great after market frames that would give you a very nice start to a beautiful hot rod.
| | | | | Joined: May 2002 Posts: 144 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: May 2002 Posts: 144 | I am doing a flatbed - AD cab and fenders with a 2007 Dakota 4X4 frame and it is not easy. I would suggest an S10 frame... much easier fit. I agree with GMONIZ above
Last edited by Ter; 12/26/2010 8:45 PM.
| | | | | Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 305 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Jan 2005 Posts: 305 | hay i agree your orginal question was answered no need to get smart but thay are a few of us that mod trucks to far gone to restore a 80s or 90s s=10 frame works well with a ad engineering kit to answer your question next time give more details.
Last edited by apart hillbilly; 12/31/2010 2:27 PM.
ya I know a few rednecks.Thay all drive chevys to,
Proud member of the Old Dominion Stovebolt Society
AND A MARINE
trucks range from 1942 1/2 ton to 1965 fire engine
| | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 15 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 15 | Hi I have a 53 big truck 4400 body on a lowered 86 chev dually chassis (allot of fabricating needed) .I helped a friend a few years ago who mounted his 49 on an S10 frame that went very well and the track width looked correct without sticking past the fenders .The biggest issues were all about fabricating mounts that put the body on level, as the frame is not as straight as the original. It was very economical as there are alot of kits to put a small block in the frame,you get great ride and steering,as well as much better brakes all for less than an independent front end kit alone would cost. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 86 Shop Shark | | Shop Shark Joined: Oct 2009 Posts: 86 | hey pkap, where abouts are you located? | | | | | Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 15 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Dec 2010 Posts: 15 | Im located about half hour west of Edmonton | | |
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