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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: Aug 2005 Posts: 4 New Guy | | New Guy Joined: Aug 2005 Posts: 4 | Does anyone know if someone has replaced an original 1949 3800 panel truck frame with an S10 frame? The wheel bases are not the same but extending a frame is in my skill set. I would just like to know if this might be an option. Thanks | | | | | Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 Master Gabster | | Master Gabster Joined: Oct 2004 Posts: 1,780 | youtube 1/2 ton from the builder: This is a quick video I threw together sort of showing how I did the frame swap on my 55 Chevy. It's not very detailed, but it's all I had time to make. The swap wasn't as bad as I was expecting, but I expected it to really suck. Either way, I never want to do this again- it's all Mustang II from here on out. Feel free to post comments and ask questions or even give me advice. I've never built a hot rod before so to be quite honest- I have no idea what I'm doing. Experience has been a brutal but effective teacher. Please check out www.cardomain.com/id/enragedhawk for other pictures. | | | | | Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 328 'Bolter | | 'Bolter Joined: Jul 2007 Posts: 328 | In my opinion, an S10 frame (esp. one that is cut and extended will be
unsuitable (or unsafe) for the weight of a 3800.. Too narrow and in need of serious crossmember fabrications.
I would also consider Mustang ll not suitable for this application.
You can really beef up the rear suspension along with a rear end swap without
changing frames and all the attendant fabrications and compromises that entails.
As for the front end ... perhaps consider a well thought out front clip job using a
later model Chevy truck (late 70's/early 80's) that is up to the weight and rolling mass of a 3800. Boxing plates are readily available or easily tabbed up for the stock frame, but unless you plan on 400 or 500 HP twisting up the rear suspension
You'll have a plenty stable platform without all the hassle and uncertainty of frame swapping ... again, just my opinion.
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