The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs Frame Swap

Hi All,

Been awhile since I've been on. I am picking up a 1973-1987 Chevy Short Wheel Base frame, with the mounts made by http://e-zchassisswaps.com/ . I have seen this setup in person and it works great, it will take a little fab'ing on the rear cab mounts, but i can work with it. I am hoping that by the end of the summer it will be rolling on a better/safer chassis. Power brakes, steering and a better suspension setup to boot! I will get some pictures as the project moves forward.

Any updates? This looks like a good plan. I have a 55 Suburban and was going to to the camaro clip, but my orginal frame looks to have been repaired.

I have been working on getting a different frame, the one that i was going to pick up was bent from a front-end crash. I have another frame lined up, just have to wait until next weekend before i can get it (crossing fingers its good).

Unclebucks06 - I was told by a number of people to just sub-frame it, but why chance it? I feel it is safer to swap the frame then to cut it up. The only thing that i have to change other than the body mounts is a 2inch axle shift to center the wheels in the wheel-wells. Plus its a half ton truck frame and not half car/truck... just my thought.

I definately believe the frame swap is what I want, now all I am worried about is the front track width being to wide if I want to lower it.

Plan on using a 86 frame and doing a ridetech air suspension. I just don't know if it will lower with the wider track width.

I do not think that there is much of a difference, I looked at the guys projects on his website and saw a truck of his last year at the Back to the 50's car show. The 2wd looks like a darn good fit, but the 4x4 had the wider front track. I also want to slam mine to the ground when i get to shows, it sounds like a really "easy" thing. I plan on starting with a Bell Tech drop kit... then same my pennies to afford the air ride. I think the guy will be at the car show this weekend, so I will talk to him again about the front wheel track.

Did you talk to him? I called and he said he was there would have to get back with me afterwards.. I put money in the mail for the kit so...........

I stood at his booth for about an hour trying to talk to him, he was BUSY!!! He had his 1958 with a 4x4 frame swap there, it looks like the normal 4x4 front end track. Glad your buying it! I am getting my 2wd frame this weekend, 350v8/turbo350 comes with it and its a clean TX frame!! i hope to have my mounts in a few months!

Hi All,

Just got back from buying my 1984 Chev SWB frame! It comes with a 305/350 combo and it is a southern frame so it just has some surface rust! WOOT! I was unable to pick it up today(thanks friend that flaked out on me), but I will have it by next Sat! I am getting closer! I'll get some pictures next weekend!

Update-

Today Saturday the 2nd of July, I picked up and transported the frame the 65miles to the Old Burban. The 1984 Chevy Shortbox 2wd frame looks great! Only has minimal surface rust from sitting out side. Brand new tires helped it roll down the highway great (to big for my taste). It has a good 305/350 combo which will be nice for cruising. We forgot to take pictures again of it, but I will be around it come Monday so I'll get some pics! Frame is nice and straight! I can't wait to rip into it! 1 step closer! WooT

guys there are a lot of builds over on Killbillet.com that show the chevy frame swap to older trucks. Majority are doing their own fab work and not buying a kit but either way works. Some of the builds are atrocious but do some searching as a couple are very good. I put a Nova clip under my 49 but next project I amy go the swap method. Good Luck 57Sub3100 and keep us up to date on your progress.

Got an 81 SWB frame with 2.5/4 drop new brakes and suspension.
I will post pics when I get the mounts onto the frame.

Sounds freaking awesome!!! I cant wait to see your pictures! Speaking of - I need to stop slacking and get some pictures....

Keep us posted!

Hi All,

Here are the new pictures of the Suburban sitting next to the frame. I hope to have the mount kit in a few months! Took her out to a local car show today... Nice day, but a white knuckle ride.

Frame & Suburban Pictures