The Stovebolt Site Forums The Parking Lot Big Bolts Frame and chassis starting point (COE Project)

Hey gang. I'm casually working my way towards a COE rebuild- no body yet. I have many questions of ignorance on this process!!

So I'll number my questions if you can answer them as needed.
1) S10 Chassis: I see lots of posts with rebuilds using and S10. Why? Is it the narrow frame?

2) Related: Why not a larger frame?

In my mind, I have about 10 ideas for what I want to do with a COE- I suppose based on the body I end up getting. I KNOW I want to lower the body and have a "modern" drive train.

So, my thoughts are to find the right body, do enough body work to get it paintable, then look for the "right" chassis (and finalize my project goal) (camper, motorcycle hauler, tow vehicle, who the heck knows?).

I see great ideas on a FWD motorhome chassis, moving the engine behind the body, and so on.

I've searched posts and in some searches I'm getting so many returns that I don't know where to start.

Thoughts?

I think the larger frames will be too wide and the front tires will stick out to far .

I am not sure what year you ar looking for but the older trucks tend to be a lot narrower than new trucks. I used a GMC4500 ( same as isuzu npr) for my truck. Here is my build pictures. I use it for a tow pig for our camper.
http://rides.webshots.com/album/580587250vqfuun

I've chosen to update the original frame with newer axles and brakes, and swap in a Diesel engine.
https://www.stovebolt.com/ubbthreads/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=725027#Post725027

I want a very stock appearance; imagine how they would have done it back in 48 if the Detroit 4-53T and disc brakes were available. To get what I want starting with the stock frame/truck and only modifying or changing what's necessary is the best way.

Grigg

Bugsy. WOW, that's a LOT of fab work. Nice!!!!!

Building a tow rig or a truck that will haul "who the heck knows" means that the s-10 chassis front end will be too light so immediately your left with swapping in and using something heavier. That would account for the FWD motor home chassis or perhaps getting an Eldorado chassis or similar. Personally I would build my own frame and decide what I needed for the job as to the suspension(s) and running gear.

Might as well make a complete custom as to start chopping something old up if you want a modern cruiser.
2"x5" tubing works well and crossmembers can be salvaged from a wrecking yard. Truck frames are a fairly simple and straightforward design.

So... when I do find that magical COE I can afford and wants to come home with me... I understand your points as...

1- If it's gonna be a simple "pick up" truck, I could probably use an S-10 frame. Is there a "magic" year for S-10's that is best?

2- Heavier uses, towing/hauling something heavy (car on trailer or on the truck?) I may want a heavier frame.

3- I could build my own frame... (Dave: HELP!!) Any links/suggestions on ideas? Not that I don't understand the concept, but where to start, then hanging especially the front suspension? I imagine the rear is fairly/relatively simple?

I know I don't have a truck yet, but it sure is fun to scheme!!!

Schemes lead to plans and plans can lead to action. So scheming is not a bad thing IMO. Like most however a lot of my schemes never lead to a plan of action. But I still enjoyed it.

Planning is one of the most important parts. I had been planning and thinking about big bertha for years. Once I had the truck, it took a lot more planning. When i executed my planning I was about 50% spot on and had many oh on monoments. Take your time and alot time for re-dos. if you think it is going to take an hour...plan on 4 hours. Good luck and happy planning

Pick the year/body style truck you really want to own the most. The one that really turns you on the most. Then shop the Internet for other trucks of that year & find one or two that was done the way you would want your truck to look like.
"work truck/wrecker/lowrider/hotrod/ratrod/exc,exc"
Then while you are looking for your dream truck project, you can start on a frame/suspension. But I would think that it would be best to have a cab near by for measurements before cutting & welding on a chassis???
Hard to finnish what you start if you don't like what your working on.

Is that a wrecker Oldschool? Nice rig!

Yes it was a Wrecker. I am planning on air bagging it and slamming it to the ground...

I put a set of modern disc brake axles, w/ associated Saginaw power steering, hydroboost brake setup, 4-53T, RTO-610, Brownie 6231 aux. trans. under a 2 ton, '37 GMC chassis and body, sort of like Grigg's. See '37 GMC build here under 'Builds.'

Grant Homes;
I just got the perfect frame last weekend for my 1939 Chevy COE tow truck body. I found a 1980 GMC 1 ton Van. One of those potato chip/bread Vans. It's a 20' long frame, so I will be cutting it shorter, but the frame rails are same as my original 39 frame rails. So my cab mounts will sit perfectly on it. Steering box is in exact spot as my original. The kicker is, independent suspension, with power steering & power disc brakes & the front hubs are same width as my original. So I can use original style reverse type wheels. It is all set up for a V8 or whatever I choose. The Van had a Diesel motor.
If you can find a complete early 1980s GM 1 ton Van, a driver. You should be able to set a cab of any early GM COE right on it & drive it away... ...kinda sorta...
I plan on airbagging mine, this front suspension already has the shocks mounted outside the coils which will make airbagging it easy...
PSSSS, I am looking for a better grill for my COE, 1939 or 1940 will work, parts grill will help to...

oldschoolchevy, what type of wrecker unit was that on your truck? Do you have the crane unit also, or just the service body you have pictured.

Hi Spanky;
Sorry no crane. I know you get excited over some of those units, but this bed was blank. Even the floor & & inner side wall wood had rotted away.
The only thing left that I'm not using would be side draft carb. & air cleaner, foot starter button with linkage, clutch & brake pedals with linkage. Not much more that I can think of.
I sure wish someone could come up with a better grill for me...