anyone else make custom frames

[1LoC10]

Does anybody else make a custom frame for our trucks besides these guys
http://www.jimmeyerracing.com/pu2.html
I figured by the time I spent money on having a back half built, either z'ing the front or buying a dropmember, converting all four corners to disc, it really wouldn't be that much less than buying one of these, plus if I did that work from the cab backwall forward would still be 40 year old frame..... just curious if anyone else out there makes any custom bent frames.. or know a good place to ask

[jimmydean]

I thought the article in Classic Trucks said that was the only mass produced frame for 67-72. I'm sure you could pay someone to do it. I would like to build one myself at some point, only I would use round 4130 tubes for pure pimp factor. I would also like to powdercoat it clear over the raw welded steel (showing the color changes and stuff), but I'm funny like that.

[67Fleet]

??? It's 9 grand!!!!! Even if you deducted 3 grand (thinking big) for taking off the coilovers and some other items you won't need, that's still hella expensive. It's a nice piece, but it's much more cost-effective to build off of an existing frame.

[1LoC10]

well the drop member is about $3500, then you need to add the cost of a back half, four link, disc brake conversion front and rear, then the labor of someone building it... like I said, not much more money and your at $9000

[67Fleet]

Well, if you're wanting to do all that, then wait till you find out the cost to actually "finish" the truck.....

[1LoC10]

Originally Posted by 67Fleet

Well, if you're wanting to do all that, then wait till you find out the cost to actually "finish" the truck.....

I don't understand what your saying... I was just wondering if anyone else offered a rolling frame for any cheaper than the one posted, I already priced everything, just dont recal all the exact numbers, but it was in the $7000 range.. so figured another two grand for a bumper to bumper mandrel bent frame wasnt that bad a deal... but would be nice to spend less

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by 1LoC10

well the drop member is about $3500, then you need to add the cost of a back half, four link, disc brake conversion front and rear, then the labor of someone building it... like I said, not much more money and your at $9000

I build custom frames... but they are 'custom frames'... not a custom PRODUCTION frame! I always smile when I see those two words next to eachother. They are a bit more spendy than Jim Meyer. If you want to have $60K plus in your truck I would recommend a new frame, but if it isn't going to be that level of a truck, save the money and modify your existing frame.

Here's some updated pricing on the Dropmember. The complete kit runs just under $2800 without spindles and brakes, and before shipping costs. These are board member prices only (They will be increasing a little bit in the near future).

Dropmember 'Basic Kit' $1290, includes the following:

-Main cross-member
-Inner frame plates
-Upper control arm/ bag mounts
-Motor mounts (SBC 350)
-Trans crossmember
-Rack and pinion mounting bushings
-Tie-rod ends and tie rod adjuster/adapter sleeves
-All hardware to install Dropmember

Additional options and pricing (these items will be needed to complete installation… you may already have some of these items).

-Steering linkage (shaft, joints, and idler) $243
-Rack and pinion $225 (power), $207 (manual)
-Power steering lines $90
-Air Ride Tech. 'Strong Arms' $674.10 (tubular control arms are not necessary, but recommended. The Dropmember was designed to be used with Air Ride Technologies' Strong Arms. Stock arms can be used with slight trimming on lower control arm).
-Air Bags (Slam Specialties RE7) $150
-Shocks (Monroe) $105.05
-60-72 6-lug rotor kit (rotors, calipers, lines, bearings, pads, seals, dust caps) $365.31
-60-72 5-lug rotor kit (rotors, calipers, lines, bearings, pads, seals, dust caps) $348.98
-2.5" Drop Spindles (63-70) $304.08
-2.5" Drop Spindles (71-72… must use 'heavy duty' rotors) $304.08
-2" Drop Spindles (73-87) $295.66

[jimmydean]

The dropmember is one of the greatest things ever created for our trucks. The price is well worth it and I look forward to running one in the future (not too distant I hope). The quality and design are serious top-shelf quality and I look forward to the 4 link soon too.

The frame posted above isn't bad if that's what you want. I would be happy building (or having someone build) a one-off frame that fits my needs.

[Musclerodz]

Art morrison can build a frame. Not sure on the price.

Mike

[bagged69c10]

http://www.killerridez.com/C-10%20FRAMES.htm
IM not for sure if they make them for our trucks but Squarebodys are very similar so im sure they could but they are not mandrel bent. They are pretty much just to lay body without all the hassel of bodydropping.

[1LoC10]

Originally Posted by porterbuilt

I build custom frames... but they are 'custom frames'... not a custom PRODUCTION frame! I always smile when I see those two words next to eachother. They are a bit more spendy than Jim Meyer. If you want to have $60K plus in your truck I would recommend a new frame, but if it isn't going to be that level of a truck, save the money and modify your existing frame.

Here's some updated pricing on the Dropmember. The complete kit runs just under $2800 without spindles and brakes, and before shipping costs. These are board member prices only (They will be increasing a little bit in the near future).

Dropmember 'Basic Kit' $1290, includes the following:

-Main cross-member
-Inner frame plates
-Upper control arm/ bag mounts
-Motor mounts (SBC 350)
-Trans crossmember
-Rack and pinion mounting bushings
-Tie-rod ends and tie rod adjuster/adapter sleeves
-All hardware to install Dropmember

Additional options and pricing (these items will be needed to complete installation… you may already have some of these items).

-Steering linkage (shaft, joints, and idler) $243
-Rack and pinion $225 (power), $207 (manual)
-Power steering lines $90
-Air Ride Tech. 'Strong Arms' $674.10 (tubular control arms are not necessary, but recommended. The Dropmember was designed to be used with Air Ride Technologies' Strong Arms. Stock arms can be used with slight trimming on lower control arm).
-Air Bags (Slam Specialties RE7) $150
-Shocks (Monroe) $105.05
-60-72 6-lug rotor kit (rotors, calipers, lines, bearings, pads, seals, dust caps) $365.31
-60-72 5-lug rotor kit (rotors, calipers, lines, bearings, pads, seals, dust caps) $348.98
-2.5" Drop Spindles (63-70) $304.08
-2.5" Drop Spindles (71-72… must use 'heavy duty' rotors) $304.08
-2" Drop Spindles (73-87) $295.66

Dos the complete kit for $2800 come with everything that you have listed below as the options? besides the spindles and brakes of course

[jimmydean]

I think the "complete" kit is everything in the basic kit plus the steering kit and tubular arms.

You would need to add bags, shocks, brakes, and spindles (if my math is correct).

[el curioso]

I think that any one can pay to have a frame bulit with all the amenyties(sp?) but it's some one elses frame. The dropmember still gives you pride of saying" I built my frame with these parts ".

[Bob Moore]

Not to dis Porterbuilt in any way as I can't even solder wires but the JimMeyer frame is BEAUTIFUL. I am sure the frames built by Porter are also. If you attend the bigger swap meets in the Northwest you can see the JimMeyer frames.

I have seen the JimMeyer frames in person and they are outstanding. The pictures of the dropmembers are also beautiful.

Art Morrison also goes to the swap meets and puts out a quality product.

I would go with whoever meets your specs and can deliver the product.

I don't think you could go wrong with any of these.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by Bob Moore

Not to dis Porterbuilt in any way as I can't even solder wires but the JimMeyer frame is BEAUTIFUL. I am sure the frames built by Porter are also. If you attend the bigger swap meets in the Northwest you can see the JimMeyer frames.

I have seen the JimMeyer frames in person and they are outstanding. The pictures of the dropmembers are also beautiful.

Art Morrison also goes to the swap meets and puts out a quality product.

I would go with whoever meets your specs and can deliver the product.

I don't think you could go wrong with any of these.

Hope I didn't sound negative towards Jim Meyer's frames... that was not the intent. I was trying to emphasize that the investment in a tube-chassis has an exponential effect on budget. Once you step into the realm of a full tube or full custom chassis there's no turning back. Everything else has to be to the same level. It makes the budget go out the window.

Art Morrison does very nice work... we have one of their Max-G muscle car chassis under a 69 Camaro we are building... makes we want to save up for a mandrel bender with tooling (and capability) to bend 2X4 tubing... like they do.

[PBFAB.COM]

Originally Posted by 1LoC10

Dos the complete kit for $2800 come with everything that you have listed below as the options? besides the spindles and brakes of course

That's what I get when I add up the options (trust me... it's a smoking deal). It, of course, does not include any shipping or taxes where applicable. These prices are going to be available to 'Supporting Board Members' only as of Feb. 1. For now, if your a member you get that price. I expect the prices to increase slightly within the next couple of months, although it won't be much.

[grnddwn]

I'm lookin at building one for a crewcab shorty square body but I can't see us mass producing one. We did do a nice model A chassis recently. Depending on what you want it's still easier to deal with the frame you have. In my opinion what ever thats worth.