First C10 Project

[RamboHern]

I am new to this forum and I am new to complete restorations. I recently bought a 1948 Chevy 3600. I was thinking about keeping it the long bed and the body the same. I also bought a 1985 C10 long bed that I was going to use the engine, rearend and other components from. I wanted to use the frame but I see nobody has posted how to or their experience on using a c10 frame. I've seen that people have done it but it's not as popular as the s10. The width would work if I used offset rims and I can make the length work by moving the reared. I would just like y'alls input on how to do this and ways to make it easier.

I had hoped to pretty much just use all the components of the c10 frame, from the frame to the brakes and all the steering. I know that I would have to change some things and fabricate some parts to get the cab on but I wanted it to be reliable and a daily driver.

[OrrieG]

I thought someone else would have answered, here is my take. My recollection is that the newer frame will be too wide and kicks up in the front and back. That means for the AD parts to fit they will need to sectioned in the step, cab and firewall area or they will sit high relatively to the frame. Also AD trucks are notoriously difficult to get the radiator/hood/cab/fenders aligned on a stock frame, s10 guys fight that too. You have already thought about the wider track width and wheelbase issues.

If you are going to use the 85 running gear, etc. then just pull the body and test fit the AD clip, cab and bed to see how what issues you will have. You did not say if you were going for stock height, a little lower or slammed, each will affect the amount of work you have to do.

[RamboHern]

Okay, what does AD mean? Also, what needs to be sectioned? The body or the frame? Do you think it would be easier to get a hold of an s10 frame or just cut the c10 frame to make it fit right? I was trying to keep it as low budget as possible.

Thanks for the reply! I need advice as to where to start off.

[Highsider]

"AD means Advance Design, the strange bolts on these trucks are called clutch head, a standard cab lwb s-10 frame is the one you want, a ZR-2 S-10 rear is the widest one, most of us think full-size Chevy truck frames are too wide."
-from another site

[RamboHern]

Thanks for the info now if anybody would like to share their experience with a C10 please do! I just want reassurance its possible and worth it or not. Also if someone has then just some things they did.

[Advanced Design]

Welcome Rambohern!

I believe the C10 chassis would be difficult to use and make fit correctly....that's why you don't see many. Enough time, skills and equipment you can make about anything fit. But is it worth it? That is why many projects get abandoned....folks run out of time, energy, skills, money.

Any build has many variables and choices to make. Good place to start is the end...what does one want with their project? You mentioned daily driver and tight budget.....would rebuilding the stock front suspension and steering work for you? My first AD hot rod truck had stock front suspension. Many still do. Though believe if a V8 goes in the steering column may have to be moved to the left....

Good luck.

[crossfire84]

The C10 front end is way too wide as it sits. use the stock frame too many people are drawn into the S10 swap. the use of offset wheels would look odd. look at my thread i used an 85 C10 front saddle, you could narrow it the proper amount and still have IFS this way no cab mounting problems and i still have ample room for a BBC.