59 Apache Frame - The 1947 - Present Chevrolet & GMC Truck Message Board Network

Fat Mike · 12-01-2009, 02:40 PM

Can someone give me the dimensions of the front part of the frame from the front body mounts to the front bumper brackets. I have two frames that are missing this portion and what to know if i can cut this section out of the other frame so i can have one good frame. The frame where it si cut off is 2"x6". I want to continue the frame all the way forward having it 6" to the bumper mounts. Is this possible using a mustang II frontend crossmember or would the frame be too wide.

dwcsr · 12-01-2009, 06:38 PM

it depends on the year. cab to axle are all the same but axle to bumper are different 55-7 and 58-9

Fat Mike · 12-01-2009, 08:17 PM

The frame is a 59 shortbed frame 1/2 ton. When I look on the different threads it look like it is 6" at the mustang II crossmember but tapers down to like 4 or something? So can I use 6" all the way to the front bumper.

bensimmons_05 · 12-01-2009, 09:16 PM

man I have just been dying to use this picture since I found it. HERE GOES...

OrrieG · 12-01-2009, 10:49 PM

dup

OrrieG · 12-01-2009, 10:50 PM

My 59 measures 60" from the front cab bolt hole center line to end of the frame. The factory assy manual shows 57" for a 55-57. For what its worth it is 13.75" from the cab bolt cl to face of firewall. The assembly manual has diagrams of all the frame series with critical measurements.

Fat Mike · 12-02-2009, 03:14 PM

Attachment 519613

Attachment 519614

Here's the original frame minus the front portion.

hotrodrookie · 12-02-2009, 06:53 PM

If I were you I would look into a camaro clip. From the looks of it Im assuming that frame was cut in order to fit a camaro clip? That looks to be the same cut I made when I clipped mine.

Fat Mike · 12-02-2009, 07:20 PM

It had a camaro clip but I did not like the work that was done. I guess after looking at this website I realized there are too many other talented people and you all have great advise. With the help of everyone I am going to do the next one myself. I guess I am trying to be a perfectionist and hope that my subframe comes out looking like it was made that way.

jjjmm56 · 12-02-2009, 07:59 PM

I would use that frame and weld a complete camaro sub to it including the trans support. Cut the 59 frame 1" in front of your front body mount. Your frame will sit right on top. Clamp it into place and work your wheelbase length and cross measurments.Make a filler peice for the gap between the 59 and the upsweep on the sub. I did mine in a weekend.Also don't worry about your bumper mount,you can set it after you set your front fenders. I just saw someones build on here last week that did it this way, look for it!

hotrodrookie · 12-02-2009, 08:05 PM

I did the pancake method of welding the entire camaro clip undernieth my frame and it worked out well. It was fairly easy and even though your frame might not be long enough to have the curved cut section to butt up to the camaro clip at the proper wheelbase, you can tack the clip under your frame at the correct wheelbase (I believe its 114.5") and then go back and fill the gap and box the rails and youll be good to go. You can worry about the bumper mounts later..

jjjmm56 · 12-02-2009, 08:05 PM

I don't know how to link it but the build is My 57 build by napaaaron

12-01-2009, 02:40 PM	#1
Fat Mike Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 540	59 Apache Frame Can someone give me the dimensions of the front part of the frame from the front body mounts to the front bumper brackets. I have two frames that are missing this portion and what to know if i can cut this section out of the other frame so i can have one good frame. The frame where it si cut off is 2"x6". I want to continue the frame all the way forward having it 6" to the bumper mounts. Is this possible using a mustang II frontend crossmember or would the frame be too wide.

12-01-2009, 06:38 PM	#2
dwcsr Hollister Road Co. Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Houston Posts: 6,131	Re: 59 Apache Frame it depends on the year. cab to axle are all the same but axle to bumper are different 55-7 and 58-9

12-01-2009, 08:17 PM	#3
Fat Mike Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 540	Re: 59 Apache Frame The frame is a 59 shortbed frame 1/2 ton. When I look on the different threads it look like it is 6" at the mustang II crossmember but tapers down to like 4 or something? So can I use 6" all the way to the front bumper.

12-01-2009, 09:16 PM	#4
bensimmons_05 Registered User Join Date: Dec 2007 Location: Jacksonville, AL Posts: 479	Re: 59 Apache Frame man I have just been dying to use this picture since I found it. HERE GOES... Attached Images __________________ ---Ben Jammin's 1955 Chevy/GMC Project --- ---The shop's live video feed--- <<< See what I'm up to!

12-01-2009, 10:49 PM	#5
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: 59 Apache Frame dup __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project Last edited by OrrieG; 12-01-2009 at 10:50 PM.

12-01-2009, 10:50 PM	#6
OrrieG Registered User Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Idaho Posts: 8,800	Re: 59 Apache Frame My 59 measures 60" from the front cab bolt hole center line to end of the frame. The factory assy manual shows 57" for a 55-57. For what its worth it is 13.75" from the cab bolt cl to face of firewall. The assembly manual has diagrams of all the frame series with critical measurements. __________________ 1959 Chevy Short Fleetside w/ 74 4WD drive train (current project) OrrieG Build Thread 1964 Chevelle Malibu w/ 355-350TH (daily driver) Helpful AD and TF Manual Site Old Car Manual Project Last edited by OrrieG; 12-02-2009 at 01:36 PM.

12-02-2009, 03:14 PM	#7
Fat Mike Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 540	Re: 59 Apache Frame Attachment 519613 Attachment 519614 Here's the original frame minus the front portion. Last edited by Fat Mike; 04-22-2010 at 08:47 PM.

12-02-2009, 06:53 PM	#8
hotrodrookie Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sacramento Posts: 425	Re: 59 Apache Frame If I were you I would look into a camaro clip. From the looks of it Im assuming that frame was cut in order to fit a camaro clip? That looks to be the same cut I made when I clipped mine.

12-02-2009, 07:20 PM	#9
Fat Mike Registered User Join Date: Sep 2009 Location: Albuquerque, NM Posts: 540	Re: 59 Apache Frame It had a camaro clip but I did not like the work that was done. I guess after looking at this website I realized there are too many other talented people and you all have great advise. With the help of everyone I am going to do the next one myself. I guess I am trying to be a perfectionist and hope that my subframe comes out looking like it was made that way.

12-02-2009, 07:59 PM	#10
jjjmm56 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: kissimmee Florida Posts: 494	Re: 59 Apache Frame I would use that frame and weld a complete camaro sub to it including the trans support. Cut the 59 frame 1" in front of your front body mount. Your frame will sit right on top. Clamp it into place and work your wheelbase length and cross measurments.Make a filler peice for the gap between the 59 and the upsweep on the sub. I did mine in a weekend.Also don't worry about your bumper mount,you can set it after you set your front fenders. I just saw someones build on here last week that did it this way, look for it!

12-02-2009, 08:05 PM	#11
hotrodrookie Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Sacramento Posts: 425	Re: 59 Apache Frame I did the pancake method of welding the entire camaro clip undernieth my frame and it worked out well. It was fairly easy and even though your frame might not be long enough to have the curved cut section to butt up to the camaro clip at the proper wheelbase, you can tack the clip under your frame at the correct wheelbase (I believe its 114.5") and then go back and fill the gap and box the rails and youll be good to go. You can worry about the bumper mounts later..

12-02-2009, 08:05 PM	#12
jjjmm56 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: kissimmee Florida Posts: 494	Re: 59 Apache Frame I don't know how to link it but the build is My 57 build by napaaaron



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