Early Chevy Truck Frames

[TnBlkC230WZ]

I'm considering a 47 - 66 Chevy truck for my next project. If I did it, I would probably want to do an aftermarket frame or at least a decent suspension setup (no MII). What is out there today for aftermarket frames in the pro-touring theme for these trucks. I really like the 47 - 54 and 63 - 66 trucks.

[tymbom]

I'm working on a 49 Chevy right now. What I can figure out is there are three ways to go. Modify the stock chassis if it is good enough. An aftermarket chassis. Or a frame swap like an S-10. The stock frame is nice because you don't have to relocate cab mounts or running board mounts. You can weld all the new stuff right on. An aftermarket chassis would be slick if you afford it, but most lean more towards a street rod style build. I'm using a longbed S-10 chassis in my truck. It works good for me because it was really cheap. The front suspension is the same as a G Body Monte Carlo. I'm changing the rear suspension to a set of truck arms, but you can do whatever you want in the back. Really there is no wrong way to build your truck. Just figure out the balance between labor and money. I have to support my wife and daughter so I plan on doing all the labor. If I won the lottery I would send a deposit to a shop and wait on the beach for updates:twothumbs

[TnBlkC230WZ]

The S-10 idea has a lot of upsides. Even if I won the lottery, I'd do most of the work my self, I would buy more expensive parts like a twin turbo LSX. I'm still researching. There seem to be a lot of options for modifying the old frame that don't cost much. I'm looking for a pro-touring build (I'm an autocrosser) so if G body parts work on an S-10, that may be the way to go. I saw a company that sells the bolt on body mounts for an S-10 frame.

[tymbom]

I saw the companies that are building the mounts also, I just went ahead and built my own though. Its really not that hard. The later body style that you mentioned would be cool to work on because the 2wd front crossmember is the same until the late 80's. There is a huge aftermarket support for those trucks.

[vp23271]

The 63-66 truck frame is a pretty good setup as is. If you notch the back for axle clearance and then box the frame, you should be good to go. That should get you down to a more aggressive stance. The long truck arms are still being used today, check out the underside of NASCAR's.

If you want to bag it, check out Air Ride. They have a complete set up.

I went with CPP and happy with my set up. I was not trying to turn the truck into a G Machine. I just wanted a better lower ride to cruise around town in and it fit the bill for me.

[muthstryker]

Or you can have the guys at art morrison build you a frame for it. Ive talked to them befor about the idea.0

[b-man]

The later Chevy truck front crossmembers are a bolt-in on the '66 and earlier frames (not sure exactly what earlier year would be the cutoff).

I was surprised to find out that the later front crossmembers ('67 -'87) are a bolt-in on the earlier trucks, just knock out the rivets and swap.

At least if you're on a budget the later Chevy truck front suspension and brakes along with whatever aftermarket parts fit them can be used.

[TnBlkC230WZ]

The later Chevy truck front crossmembers are a bolt-in on the '66 and earlier frames (not sure exactly what earlier year would be the cutoff).

I was surprised to find out that the later front crossmembers ('67 -'87) are a bolt-in on the earlier trucks, just knock out the rivets and swap.

At least if you're on a budget the later Chevy truck front suspension and brakes along with whatever aftermarket parts fit them can be used.

That's good information. I didnt' realize it was that easy. I'm really looking at the smaller 47 - 54 trucks, though I wouldn't rule out a 63 - 72. I'm thinking if I can get a roller chassis for around 7K or less, I could swing it. I don't plan on getting too flashy with the drive train, but would have to have heat and AC.

[Throttle]

64-66 Chevy trucks frames ar a good frame, I have one to do my next project(66 Custom Cab).. 60-63 have torrision bars and are not as easy to work with..

[Chad-1stGen]

As everyone else has said 64-66 frames are a good foundation especially if you are not going hog wild on the project.

[vp23271]

Actually the torsion bar set up was for 60-62 and the coil and shock set up for the front end was 63-66.

The 60-63 cab had the "wrap around" windshield with the knee knocker doors. The 64-66 had the modern "flatter" style front windshield.

For the rear suspension, stick with a C10. If you get a C20 or C30, they would be considered "heavy duty" trucks and I am pretty sure you would get leaf springs instead of the preferred trailing arms.

IMO, the truck to have out of the years above is the 63 for sure! It was the last year of the wrap around windshield and the first year of the better suspension/frame. If you could find one with a large back window ... :twothumbs

[Throttle]

I had a 65 C20 that had trailing arms.. I think if it is a 4x4 it is leafs all the way around..

[TnBlkC230WZ]

Are the C10 and C20 frames the same?

[ScotI]

Are the C10 and C20 frames the same?
1-tons & 4x4's had different frames.

[TnBlkC230WZ]

That's cool, so I can expand my search. I'm still in the looking stage.