1984 Chevy truck frame on a 1957

[BobTheTrucker]

Will a 1984 Chevy truck frame work on a 1957 short bed 3100? A body shop guy told me today it would just bolt right on, when he found out I was looking for a Camaro clip. " Why go through all that work?" He told me. "Just get a 1984 short bed chevy truck and in no time you will be driving it with power steering, brakes the works."

[skools out]

not sure about an 84 frame but my 54 Chevy short bed fit right on a 74 Chevy short bed frame, the wheel base was 1" longer on the 1974 which i used between the cab and bed to keep the bed from rubbing the cab. the frame gave me front disk brakes and a independent front end and narrower rear frame to tub out easier.

[55dude]

it's no bolt on but it will work. check the tech archives seems to have been done alot.

[Houston54]

[QUOTE=BobTheTrucker;2098416]Will a 1984 Chevy truck frame work on a 1957 short bed 3100?QUOTE]

It might work "under" it but not "on" it.

[buds56]

i think it works ok especially if your on a tight budget. my 56 is on a 79 short frame. i have some pics on the link below from the start. it will never be a showpiece but i'm hoping for a fun driver. its about half done but it will move on its own and looks like a truck again. bud http://www.picturetrail.com/gallery/...69&uid=5978428

[Jebb1978]

I know that Norselander has one too!

[Jebb1978]

Holey 55 Chevy Batman! Nice collection you got there Bud!

[buds56]

Thanks jebb,i just wish i could finish one before i see something else that grabs my attention

[Jebb1978]

I heard that!

[Silveradobs]

I have a 56 3100 on a 74 chassis, really wish I had used a 66-72 frame because the wheelbase is 115" The 73-87 Frame is 117". I did it right, shortened the frame front and back, moved the rear spring hangers ets. so I had the front wheels centered and the rear wheels in the correct position. Not exactly a bolt on, you need to fab-front radiator support, cab mounts front and rear, bed mounting etc. I have lowered leaf springs in rear plus shackles, front is 1.5 lowered springs, 2.5 spindles. Remember, in all this, the bed steps must align with the cab etc. I've talked to people and all agree its 40 to 50 hours to do it right. Would I do it again? I just bought a stock frame in Sacramento for $100, have a big window cab etc. Corvette front suspension is the way to go, 9" ford rear etc. I have a 406 sb, built 700R4 etc. If you have any questions, email me and I'll call you back. Tom

[Silveradobs]

I don't know what one of these replies is talking about-the frame width of a 73-87 chev frame is 34" (same as 55-59) except that it narrows in the front to 28". Also-You will see why "Porterbuilt" makes the front crossmember for these C-10 frames, My lower A arms are about 4" off the ground. Thanks Tom

[Silveradobs]

Acouple of other small items: You will have to offset the wheels the maxium if you plan to run a nicer wheel. I have 15x6 chrome corvette rally rims that are offset 4.25 inches, inorder to keep them inside the fender. Inback=15x8 with 265-70-15 and they do hit the bed, you will have to mini tub with any sort of wide wheel. All these people who tell you its a bolt on don't bother to tell you the 73-87 suspension is much wider. Also you will have to deal with the steering, I run a shortened van tilt column, its not hard, but you still have to figure it out. Believe me, I've been through all of this and it just takes time- Ofcourse, it all depents on what you want it to look like, mine is white, lowered,way to much power to get to the ground, but it puts a smile on my face whenever I drive it.

[Gsanche3]

Hey how's it going? So I have a 56 shortbed but I want to throw it on my 1975 chevy frame.what mounts did you use for your swap or did you have to make them? My other question is where can I find the 4" space for the front of the cab? After I do the swap would I have to run the break booster in front of the firewall or can I still use the one that goes under that cab?thanks!!
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[dirtracer81_2]

Originally Posted by Gsanche3

Hey how's it going? So I have a 56 shortbed but I want to throw it on my 1975 chevy frame.what mounts did you use for your swap or did you have to make them? My other question is where can I find the 4" space for the front of the cab? After I do the swap would I have to run the break booster in front of the firewall or can I still use the one that goes under that cab?thanks!!
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Hey sent me a private message with you number if you can do picture text. Ill send ya some pictures.