I’m trying to get my 57 Chevy 3100 short bed back to stock and I’m stuck on the front section of the frame. The previous owner ruined the Camaro clip on it, so I’m looking to rebuild the front end of the frame. What I'm looking to find out is the difference in frame height from the cab area of the frame to the front portion where the front bumper bolts on. I’m also trying to figure out the right measurements for where to drill and mount the front bumper brackets. I’ve got the factory build manual, but it doesn’t actually specify the drop in the frame or give any measurements to work it out, so I’m kind of hitting a dead end there. If anybody has an original frame they can measure off of for a 55-57 Chevy short-bed, or even pictures with a tape on it, that would be a huge help. Appreciate any info you can share.
If you have the 6 cylinder radiator support bracket, the top of it needs to be 1/4" above the top of the under cab area of the frame rail Here are a couple lousy tape measure pictures of where the shackle hole is relative to the top of the frame rail. This is a 59, which has a different length frame, it extends forward past the shackle a couple inches more than the earlier ones. I can try for better measurement if you think it will help.
If its not too much to ask, whenever you get the chance, to get a measurement from the top of the frame to the ground at the frame under the cab and the frame where the front bumper mounts. Just nominal measurements will be useful. That would be greatly appreciated my friend.
That's what I imagined, thanks for confirming my suspicions! I mostly just need the frame height difference before I get to that point in the build.
Thanks man, that's very helpful! I was planning I'd give it a 1.75" drop and use shims to level it out if it came down to it.
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