80 C10 frame

[5150]

Anybody have some info on putting a 47-54 on a later model C10 frame? I know the S10 frame is obviously popular, but have an opportunity to buy a C10 pretty cheap.

[junkman1jmc]

i heard the c10 frames are to wide

[OrrieG]

The rear frame width should be the same, front kicks in. I think the big issue is the shear size and weight of the frame for a 2WD street truck. I think the track width is much more too and front cannot be easily narrowed.

[5150]

There's a guy on the TN Classic Truck Club board that put his 54 on it but he didn't do the work, so he doesn't know how it was done.

[junkman1jmc]

let me know if it will work because i already have a 88 fullsize frame stripped and ready.

[OrrieG]

I am assuming that the 88 frame is longer and your truck is a standard bed? If so you will need to shorten the frame, drive line, etc. I would get out a tape and start measuring or just test drop the cab, front clip and bed onto the frame. You will be able to tell real fast what the challenges are going to be. I have a friend that is shortening those year dually 4wd trucks to put under 55-59 cabs, but clearance is not an issue because the cab needs to sit up high. My recollection, from seeing his one time, is that even with the cab channeled over the frame it will still sit at least as high or higher than a stock 55-59. I am guessing that the stock 88 suspension pieces are mounted so that it sits higher that an S10 too. I'll be curioius to see how hard it is.

[63 & 64 Bowties]

Hey Bryan, what ever happened about that truck on a Tempest frame? Did you ever look at it? Just curious.

[5150]

Bill,

I looked at it on Saturday and it was kind of rough. They used the entire Lemans frame except right behind the rear coil springs they welded the remainder of the truck frame on it. It was a little strange and the killer was the "Back off" Yosemite Sam etched on the driver's side vent window

[blackdiesel]

88 frame is wider than an an 80. That was the year of the body style changed, and to get the fuel tank on the in side of the frame rails it had to be wider.

[eventytoo]

Been down the roads before Doing an s 10 swap on my 54.

Bought a 1995 c10 2/4 basicly for the motor. The measurements at the time that I took told me that the c10 frame would work great till i took the measurement of the width of the front. Its Just to wide. Eather widen the front fenders or shorten the a arms some how on the c 10.

As for the years 88-98 same. 73-87 other.

[56hotrodred]

I am using this frame under my 56.

As said it will be too wide up front for the AD body but look in the 73-87 build forum for information on the front drop-member. It will narrow the front wheel stance I think 2 or 3 inches and lay it on the ground if you want. Will also let you put rack and pinion steering.

I was thinking of going this route but decided not to as I can narrow the front wheels all I need - if needed - with offset rims. Also the front end geometry on the 80 is pretty good and I am not interested in laying it on the ground. I was after the power steering/brakes and A-frames plus I bought the frame for cheap all stripped down.

56hotrodred

[BlueBowtie]

I used a 75 Chevy 2wd frame for my truck. Although, mine was built to look 4wd, so I wasn't worried about the track width. The frame that I started with was a longbed frame, so I shortened it to the trucks original wheel base. My cab sits high enough off the frame to just clear the tranny, but the way the frame curves up from the front of the cab to the rear, it only leaves the rear of the cab about an inch off of the frame. You could build a hump to clear the tranny, but you would have to cut up the rear of the cab to sit it down, for the street look. As far as the track width goes up front, if you run a narrower wheel a nd tire, I think you would be fine.

Also, back in the 80s, my dad used a '75 4wd frame for his 55, but once again track width or body height wasn't an issue, since he was running 44" tires. I never got to see it in person but he has showed me pics. He still has it, but it has been sitting since the late 80s, because he had other priorities.

If anyone wants some pics of either trucks, let me know and I will see what I can do.

[mobileortho]

I opted to use just the front IFS from a '79. It's much easier than swapping the entire frame. The entire process is quite simple because the subspension from the 73-87 trucks are bolt on. I took mine to a shop and had them to remove about an inche and a half from the middle of the crossmember and the center linkage. By doing this the cross member fits flush against the frame. Otherwise, you would have to use spacers on both sides of the frame. This also pulls in the tires in the fender well. I also installed a set of 3" drop spindles and cut off a coil & a half to bring it down in the front. I tried a set of drop coils but that made it way too low. By going this route you will not be able to use the stock engine mounts without some modifications because it will sit too low in the engine bay. I had a set custom built but you can also use a set of blocks to raise it up or the tube type universal mount. I attached some photos below.

[mr48chev]

That's pretty slick Robert, what did you use for a rear end?

Now if a guy could figure out what rack and pinion would work with that setup, Maybe T bird or Lincoln he would have an inexpensive and solid front end under his truck that drove good and kept the stock frame.

[mobileortho]

Thanks. The rear is out of a Chevy II.

[Greaser50]

Im getting ready to start on a 1950 GMC. Im using a 1963 C-10 swb. I want the coil srping rear, maunual drum brakes all the way around 6-lug and manual steer. The front end is 3.1 inches too wide so Im going to narrow the control arms and steering rods. The frame is PERFECT dimensions to put the cab on. And wheel base is 115"

[slydogg76]

Check out my build. I'm using a '77 frame for my '52.

[T-P Auto]

hello;

I have a swb 78 chevy .5 ton.
Just did some measurements on the front.
The 78 looks to be about 4" shorter across the wheels.
Stock 6" wheels.
With the front wheel openings more round, looks like enought clesrence for turning.
Do not have a cab n fender to test fix.
Looking for another 48 - 52 chevy pu set up.
Used the front measurements from the 50 chevt I built on a S10 frame.

T-P Auto
Tim

[Fat49]

I'm trying to do a dually what abought using a 67 c30 dually frame ?
Put my 49 3600 on it ?

[mongocanfly]

in my opinion its to wide for the body..
can it be done ..sure..has it been done..yep..does it look right...nope

[Matt_50]

Mongocanfly is right that it is too wide. If you are wanting a classic look, you'll have to shorten crossmember or get some special wheels. Check out slydogg76s build, his tires fit in pretty good. I just installed the front crossmember and rear axle from a 84. I'm ok with the look, but I think I can get the tires a tad more in and that's enough for me. I don't want to lower mine anymore so I like the look. Here's a pic of mine, brown. And here's another guys truck, both have unshortened front crossmembers and standard c10 wheels.