The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Panels 'N Burbs donor frame for '53 suburban

finally starting my (wife's) project. 53 burban body on modern frame/drivetrain. I've heard people use s-10 frames, wife wants something bigger, 3/4 ton 4wd. feasable? I've seen 1/2 ton frames and I think they're to wide, so I can't imagine a 3/4 ton working. I've got one of those wives that knows what she wants as long as she can have it now and for cheap.(no disrespect to any ladies on the forum) Anyway, she wants to tow a car trailer with it. ||Ideas greatly appreciated. Yes, I searched "frames" and I won't live long enough to search through every result that came up.

I like the look of a wide 4wd,I think the s-10 frames make them sit too low.

longshot you may want to look at early 70-80 Chevy Blazers. That gives you the 4X4 and towing capability. You would probably have to lengthen the wheelbase and also check the width. Just a thought.

a Blazer frame maybe short. a shortbed is about 1" longer than original suburban wheelbase.

getting it done "quick"? you maybe way off with her estimate of time. I'm just hoping I get to drive mine again, someday. Be ready to do a lot of fab work and it's really going to take much longer time than she thinks.

take a look at my "Progress" click it.

Thanks for the suggestions so far. Dogs51Burb, your pix look like you are coming along, how long have you been working on yours? I picked "longshot" for a screen name cuz that's the odds of this project ever getting finished!! When you say a shortbed is an 1" longer, what shortbed are you referring to specifically? Seems like 1" could be dealt with without to much headache.

longshot,

70-80s Chevy k10 1/2ton Shortbed wheelbase = 117.5" ..K5 Blazer = 106.5
1947-1954 Suburban wheelbase = 116.00"

We thought the rear spring mounts could be re-located if needed. Our height will be lower with shorter leaf springs.

You may want to pick up the 1947-1954 Truck Factory Assembly Manual, the Frame dimensions are on Sec2, sheet 2.00. good reference information.

Be flexible. Time in on a project is only what your willing to put in on it. My Son, My Brother and I have pushed our 51' along in our spare time. Just the cross member for the motor mounting is taking months of headscratching. Many things will come along to interrupt a project, like I didn't plan on fracturing both my wrists at the same time.

http://www.e-zchassisswaps.com/ - has the answer imho

Maybe something like an International pickup or heavy Jeep frame would fit? I know they had track widths that were closer to the old AD pickups than the GM trucks of the day.