C20-C30 frame swap???
 

I've tried to search and really couldn't find the answer I was looking for. Can I swap a C30 frame in for my rotted out C20 frame? The C20 is not a SWB, but it seems that some of the info out there has the C30's at an even longer wheelbase than a LWB C20. Is that correct? Any other differences in the frames between C20 and C30?

Re: C20-C30 frame swap???
 

There were a lot of different size C/30 frames, some short some long, and some really long, but there is one that will fit a C/20 LWB truck....

Re: C20-C30 frame swap???
 

The normal short C30 frame is the same length as a C20 Longhorn frame. That is why the bed is 8.5' instead of 8'. C10/C20 Long wheel base = 127" C30= 133" and 157"
If I call my 72 C30 with a 133" wheel base can I call it a short wheel base and sell it for thousands more??

Re: C20-C30 frame swap???
 

There were no short wheelbase C20s 67-72.
The standard C20 frame is a 127" wheelbase (54"CA).
The standard C30 frame is a 133" wheelbase (60"CA).
Many C20s have coil rear springs.
All C30s have leaf springs.
Both the C20 and C30 Longhorns were built on a C30 frame and sprung accordingly with leaf springs.



C20 127 6.11" height 2.46" flange width 0.194" thick 3.71 section modulus

C20/30 133 (Longhorns) 7.20" height 2.77" flange width 0.194" thick 5.05 section modulus

C30 157 8.18" height 2.97" flange width 0.224" thick 7.29 section modulus

Re: C20-C30 frame swap???
 

Thanks for the info, guys. I'll tell the yard with the 1 ton frame I'm not interested. Would have been cool to get a 127 inch 1 ton frame, but alas, it's just not to be.

SS Tim, I've seen you post that frame size information before, but never paid attention to the wheelbases shown. I was apparently just geeked out by the section modulus info, etc. :sumo: Good stuff. Really clears up the questions about whether or not the C20 frames (and C30) are built heavier than the C10's. I was more asking about wheelbase info, body mount locations, etc., to see if my C20 suspension would bolt up correctly, etc. It apparently doesn't matter, though, as I can't get the C30 frame in my 127" wheelbase.

Da Burb, I think you'll get the extra thousands because of the ochre paint rather than the SWB C30...

Thanks again, all. The search continues...

Re: C20-C30 frame swap???
 

You could always find a Loghorn box. How complete is the chassis?

Re: C20-C30 frame swap???
 

I could try that. I kind of like that idea. My box is sort of shot, too. Hmmmmm. Longhorn box might be a little tricky to come by around here. Hard to find a topper for, too??? I would think a Longhorn might be more stable for towing trailers. That's going to be the primary job for Old Mustard when it's back together. Decisions, decisions, decisions....