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pissonNOS · 03-13-2003, 01:29 AM

couple questions I can get my hands on either a 1/2 ton or a 3/4 ton just wondering which would be better to make a streetrod they are both 54's and have been thru a flash flood motors dont run but I have acces to a 455 rocket and tranny so no problem there just wondering what u guys thought? appreciate any and all input

dubie · 03-13-2003, 01:54 PM

I would go with the 1/2 ton personally. They have a smaller, more sleek look to them. I am looking at a 56 short stepside 1/2 ton for the wife right now that is sitting on a 1980 frame. But that's my input buds.

good luck

ironwood · 03-15-2003, 11:24 PM

I think either one would work fine. But I think the 3/4 tons had wider frame rails can somebody say different? So if they did you would be looking at a heavier truck.
Never seen a 3/4 ton street rod that would be very nice.
I didn't think the bodies were that different.
Dave

solidaxel · 03-16-2003, 10:57 PM

Use the one that has the least rust and is most complete if there are both short beds. If you are going to rod it what difference does it make!!!

*Randy70C-10* · 04-07-2003, 10:13 AM

Not sure what the differences are, but the 1/2 ton might be easier to find aftermarket parts for (suspension) if you decide to do a subframe on it.

Blue Beard · 04-07-2003, 01:19 PM

definately the 1/2 ton, unless you intent to haul or tow.............

Phatt 47 · 04-10-2003, 07:46 AM

I have a 1/2 ton that I just installed my steering col(Flaming River)and my seat(Rod Doors)in and although there is room for my old fat ass etc I think I am going to be wishing for some more room on a long trip. If I had it to do over I would have added 3-6 inches to the cab.Not an extended cab,they look too long.Just a subtle extension that most people would never notice.I would put this at the top of my list. Too late for me my cab is already painted. A strip thru the middle of the doors and roof would be best,those wider doors would make geting in a lot easier at east for an older person. Go to some shows and ask to sit in one and see what I mean. Why didnt I do it -I just plain didnt think of it till it was too late.Learn from my mistake.

solidaxel · 04-10-2003, 11:55 AM

Are you saying that the chassis is different on the 1/2 vs. the 3/4T I was under the impression that the only changes were suspension and axles.

I didn't know they made 3/4T short beds !!

Fred T · 04-14-2003, 10:40 AM

3/4 ton has a longer wheelbase and bed. The frame has a thicker web, I don't remember if the channel size is larger. There are some who will take a 3/4 ton frame and chop it to the 1/2 ton length, then put in a 1/2 ton IFS and rear end, but it's a lot of work.I'd use the 1/2 ton frame, put in an IFS and a 9" Ford differential. Use whichever cab is in better shape, rust repair takes a lot of work and time.

03-13-2003, 01:29 AM	#1
pissonNOS senior member Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: fort macleod alberta Posts: 2,770	?????'s couple questions I can get my hands on either a 1/2 ton or a 3/4 ton just wondering which would be better to make a streetrod they are both 54's and have been thru a flash flood motors dont run but I have acces to a 455 rocket and tranny so no problem there just wondering what u guys thought? appreciate any and all input __________________ 69 GMC bagged

03-13-2003, 01:54 PM	#2
dubie Registered User Join Date: May 2000 Location: Flin Flon, Manitoba, Canada Posts: 8,853	I would go with the 1/2 ton personally. They have a smaller, more sleek look to them. I am looking at a 56 short stepside 1/2 ton for the wife right now that is sitting on a 1980 frame. But that's my input buds. good luck __________________ My name's Tim and I'm a truckaholic My 56 Chevy shop truck build http://67-72chevytrucks.com/vboard/s...d.php?t=562795

03-15-2003, 11:24 PM	#3
ironwood $640 truck// doesn't run Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Buckley,Wa Posts: 122	I think either one would work fine. But I think the 3/4 tons had wider frame rails can somebody say different? So if they did you would be looking at a heavier truck. Never seen a 3/4 ton street rod that would be very nice. I didn't think the bodies were that different. Dave __________________ 74 C-20 LWB camper special stock350/350 53 Chevy 1/2 ton- in California, where the rust is not. Ready for some LOVE!!!

03-16-2003, 10:57 PM	#4
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Use the one that has the least rust and is most complete if there are both short beds. If you are going to rod it what difference does it make!!! __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

04-07-2003, 01:19 PM	#6
Blue Beard Registered User Join Date: Jan 2003 Location: Washington State Posts: 8,831	definately the 1/2 ton, unless you intent to haul or tow............. __________________ 1970 Chev CST 2003 Harley Fatboy 1975 Chevrolet Step Van 1956 Chev Bel Air 1977 Blazer 2WD For Sale $3000.00 1978 Blazer 2WD For Sale $7000.00 1978 Silverado 2005 Monte Carlo

04-07-2003, 10:13 AM	#5
Randy70C-10 Account Suspended Join Date: Mar 2001 Location: Virginia Beach, Va. U.S.A. Posts: 15,320	Not sure what the differences are, but the 1/2 ton might be easier to find aftermarket parts for (suspension) if you decide to do a subframe on it.

04-10-2003, 07:46 AM	#7
Phatt 47 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2003 Location: Delaware Posts: 41	I have a 1/2 ton that I just installed my steering col(Flaming River)and my seat(Rod Doors)in and although there is room for my old fat ass etc I think I am going to be wishing for some more room on a long trip. If I had it to do over I would have added 3-6 inches to the cab.Not an extended cab,they look too long.Just a subtle extension that most people would never notice.I would put this at the top of my list. Too late for me my cab is already painted. A strip thru the middle of the doors and roof would be best,those wider doors would make geting in a lot easier at east for an older person. Go to some shows and ask to sit in one and see what I mean. Why didnt I do it -I just plain didnt think of it till it was too late.Learn from my mistake.

04-10-2003, 11:55 AM	#8
solidaxel Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Cactus Patch So. Az Posts: 4,749	Are you saying that the chassis is different on the 1/2 vs. the 3/4T I was under the impression that the only changes were suspension and axles. I didn't know they made 3/4T short beds !! __________________ 53 TuTone Extended Cab 350 4-Spd 3:08 (SOLD) 53 Chevy Moldy pearl green ZZ-4 4L60E 9" 3:25 55 GMC 1st Black Mll (ZZ4) ZZ6 TKO 600 5 sp 3:73 62 Solidaxle Corvette Roman Red (327 340hp 4spd 3:36) C4 & C5 suspension tube chassis LS 3 4L70E 65 Corvette Coupe 327 350hp 4spd 4:11 78 Black Silverado SWB (350/350) 5.3 & 4L60E 3:42 2000 S-Type 3.0 (wife cruiser) 2003 GMC SCSB 5.3 4L60E 3:42

04-14-2003, 10:40 AM	#9
Fred T Cantankerous Geezer Join Date: Aug 2002 Location: Bel Aire, KS Posts: 6,264	3/4 ton has a longer wheelbase and bed. The frame has a thicker web, I don't remember if the channel size is larger. There are some who will take a 3/4 ton frame and chop it to the 1/2 ton length, then put in a 1/2 ton IFS and rear end, but it's a lot of work.I'd use the 1/2 ton frame, put in an IFS and a 9" Ford differential. Use whichever cab is in better shape, rust repair takes a lot of work and time. __________________ Fred There is no such thing as too much cam...just not enough engine.

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