1957 pickup on a late model 4x4 frame?

[NBBAZ]

Has anyone on here ever put a 1957 pickup body on a newer late model 4x4 chassis?

I was thinking about doing this project for a few reasons, but don't know if it could be made to fit, easily at least.

-Good solid Napco trucks are hard to find and sometimes quite spendy.
-Easy to find a donor body '55 to '57, possibly '58 & '59.
-Easy to find a donor chassis 2000 to 2012 4x4 chassis. They're literally everywhere.
-Later model trucks drive like a dream compared to their older ancestors. Late models can have great performance and decent fuel economy as well.
-Want a 4x4 for snowy weather and some off road adventures.

I know a lot of guys have used the late '70s to early 80s chevy trucks and blazers chassis, but I was thinking a nice later model chassis would be sweet!

If anyone has any knowledge on this the info would be much appreciated!

[low67chevy]

well it really comes down to how much custom fab work you would like to do.

What kind of experience do you have modifying frames and body mounting locations, especially on new style frames. Def do-able though if your willing to put in the time and effort or $$$ to pay a fab shop to do it for you.

I would either find a napco truck or do a 67-72 frame or 73-91 frame as lots of guys have done swaps on those frames for years.

Also what kind of suspension do you want? coil? leafs? ifs? solid axle?

[NBBAZ]

Originally Posted by low67chevy

well it really comes down to how much custom fab work you would like to do.

What kind of experience do you have modifying frames and body mounting locations, especially on new style frames. Def do-able though if your willing to put in the time and effort or $$$ to pay a fab shop to do it for you.

I would either find a napco truck or do a 67-72 frame or 73-91 frame as lots of guys have done swaps on those frames for years.

Also what kind of suspension do you want? coil? leafs? ifs? solid axle?

I do have some fab experience, but I would not call myself a master. I was thinking the later model chassis to keep the IFS suspension for ride quality and availability of newer parts and aftermarket suspension systems. One thing I'm not sure of though, is the later model years a considerably different width than the older '55 to '59?

[low67chevy]

i believe the frame widths are different by a far margin but i would have to check frame schematics in order to be for sure maybe check with your local chevy dealer and see if they can dig up some info or google away im sure theres someone out there with some pictures ad info for you bud

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by low67chevy

i believe the frame widths are different by a far margin but i would have to check frame schematics in order to be for sure maybe check with your local chevy dealer and see if they can dig up some info or google away im sure theres someone out there with some pictures ad info for you bud

don't trust the drawings they can be off. masure for yourself.

[OrrieG]

This has been discussed before, from memory the big issues are 1) track width on newer frame is wider, tires will extend out from the body, potential maintenance damage issues (also aesthic issue but that is your choice); 2) frames are wider and will require an extreme body lift OR modifications to the door sill step areas, back of cab, etc.; 3) frame at the bed kicks up, bed floor will need to be raised; 4) cab, rad support, and bed mounting fabrication; 5) wiring interface between old and new; 6) cannot remember if wheel base is an issue, if so than frame will need shortened which affects drive line, brake lines, etc.

Do a deep search and the previous discussion threads will show up. Might also check in the 4x4 section on this board. I stayed with my original frame to keep the variables to a minimum.

[buggy5872]

Listen to OrrieG, he about summed it up for you. A late model chassis is not worth the trouble. Use the original frame and transfer NAPCO stuff if you can find it or 70s/80's chevy 4x4. NAPCO stuff is out there and sometimes can be picked up cheap. I paid $200 for a complete rolling chassis with all the NAPCO stuff including the shifter for the t-case last fall. Guy was building a rat rod and put it on an s-10 frame.

[G&R's57GMC]

If I ever get back to this chassis project and transfer this body to it I'll have a rolling '57 GMC Napco chassis available.

[NBBAZ]

Originally Posted by OrrieG

This has been discussed before, from memory the big issues are 1) track width on newer frame is wider, tires will extend out from the body, potential maintenance damage issues (also aesthic issue but that is your choice); 2) frames are wider and will require an extreme body lift OR modifications to the door sill step areas, back of cab, etc.; 3) frame at the bed kicks up, bed floor will need to be raised; 4) cab, rad support, and bed mounting fabrication; 5) wiring interface between old and new; 6) cannot remember if wheel base is an issue, if so than frame will need shortened which affects drive line, brake lines, etc.

Do a deep search and the previous discussion threads will show up. Might also check in the 4x4 section on this board. I stayed with my original frame to keep the variables to a minimum.

Thanks for all the info. That gives me a lot to think about.

[NBBAZ]

Originally Posted by G&R's57GMC

If I ever get back to this chassis project and transfer this body to it I'll have a rolling '57 GMC Napco chassis available.

So, by "available", do you mean for sale??? Details...

[waybad]

subscribing

[mknittle]

Originally Posted by buggy5872

Listen to OrrieG, he about summed it up for you. A late model chassis is not worth the trouble. Use the original frame and transfer NAPCO stuff if you can find it or 70s/80's chevy 4x4. NAPCO stuff is out there and sometimes can be picked up cheap. I paid $200 for a complete rolling chassis with all the NAPCO stuff including the shifter for the t-case last fall. Guy was building a rat rod and put it on an s-10 frame.

Napco parts are hard to find If you can afford them here