The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Big Bolt frame swap with 94 Chevy 1/2 ton 4x4 ?

I have a great running 1994 Chevrolet 1500 series 1/2 4x4 that I want to put my 57 GMC 2 Ton Cab and fenders on.

I have a shop and I restore/modify old cars & trucks quite a bit (about 2 or 3 a year)...which is why I'm putting this question out there - I (kind of) know what I'm in for, but I would like to know if anyone has tried it.

I know the frame rails on the 94 are quite a bit wider than the 57...and that may be my biggest challenge.

My 94 has a 13' wheelbase so that should work great..

The steering column & steering rod will be pretty easy to modify on the 94 to fit into the 57 cab…

Looks like there will be plenty of room on the 57 firewall to mount the brake MC and Booster….and I’ll have to swap over the brake pedal and bracket…that should not be a problem either.

The 57 has plenty of room in the engine bay to house the (350 ci engine) and the 4l60e transmission will also fit without problems.

My biggest concern is the wider frame rails – has anyone tackled this yet and if so…how did you do it ? I may just have to make my own cab mounts and go with it....
Is there anything else I’m overlooking ?

Thanks in advance for any feedback.

Mike

Sounds like a cool project...cant wait to see pics. In my past experiance, its metal, can be cut, welded and shaped to just about any shape you can come up with. Go for it!

Update: I finally got the truck and started taking measurements today.

57 GMC (2 TON) outside front tire measurements 73.5" (original skinny front tires)

94 1/2 Chevrolet 4x4 outside tire measurements 74" (factory 4x4 tires)

Front frame rails on (both) trucks approx 35" (outside measurements)

--> The cab will sit perfectly over the 350 engine with plenty of room and the front wheels will fit perfectly into the front wheel wells.

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looking forward to the pics. on this project, keep us posted

Hi.I am building a 53 4400 truck mounted on an 86 dually frame running a '74 caddy 500 and turbo 400 trans
The biggest problem is that the cab at the firewall is about 16" narrower than the late model. The steering shaft may clear the side of your small block(definately not on my big caddy) I will be using a chain drive unit by steer clear to line it all up.The frame has an angled kick under the seat location that I reshaped the floor pan to cover (my cab had no floor anyway) and because I am running the truck low the engine sits too high for the Hydroboost and master on the firewall.I am getting a 90 degree mount from Kugel that will fit it under the dash. My other issue is that I have to widden the front fenders by 2" to clear the front wheels because I am running low. Yours should be easier as it is 4x4 .good luck

Hey,
I'm doing the same project: 1955 - 59 cab & front end on an '89 chev truck chassis (same chassis as yours except mine isn't a 4x4). e-zchassisswaps.com has a new kit being developed right now for this chassis, so I might take the easy way out and just order it. None the less, it should be easy to fab up my own mounts, so we shal see when the time comes. Check out their website and let us know your thoughts,
Gregger