we are going to fit my wifes 54 chevy 2-10 4 dr onto an s-10 ch***is and I was just wanting to hear from anyone who has done this before so it will be as painless as possible, we are going for a four link rear and bags.
Of course this begs the question of why the 4-link can't just go on the '54 Chevy frame? RacerRick channeled a '49 Chevy onto an S10 frame a while back with a pretty good result, you might do a search for his old posts on it. As I recall it needed all new body mounts and even to put it on without channeling it down over needs some clearance work because the shape's not quite the same. Not to mention you need to grind the welds and slide it together some to correct the wheelbase - no S10 came with a 115" wheelbase, and it's easier to shorten a long-bed or extended cab frame, than to add length to a short-box or blazer frame.
There are a lot of options open to you regarding the suspension on your car. Gambino Customs sells a great four-link and notch for your car. I fabricated my entire suspension on my '53. The degree of difficulty increases exponentially the lower you go. If you are not interested in the frame actually touching the ground, modifying your existing suspension might be easier than you think...I would think easier than a frame swap anyway. Just a thought. Feel free to PM me if you would like more info. There are also quite a few threads on here for lowering the '49-'54 chevy.
Unless your frame and floors are rotten, just use the stock frame. MII it and run the four link and notch in the back and you can drop it on the rockers. If you don't channel it, the S10 frame does fit pretty good under the 49-54 chevy's, but its a lot of work. If you have a good frame - I would keep the stock frame and do the suspension work to that. Its far less work. Here is a pic of my old 49' Chevy that was running stock S10 suspension, but a pretty deep channel (I had a 5" step above the door jamb to give you a hint o how far it was channelled). I shortened the stock S10 long bed std cab frame 3" and ran a 4x4 rear end.
I agree, unless your frame is thrashed...keep it original....The MII kits are so easy to install and Gambino Kustoms can hooked you up with the rear set-up. You will be glad you did when you start bolting things back to your original frame and they actually bolt right up! A frame swap is one modification after another....Trust me, I learned he hard way!....just my opinion... good luck...
i had planned to put an S10 frame under a 50 Chevy one time. we were gonna just use the front of the frame and build the rest from 2x3 or 2x4 tube with a link and bags. i'm gonna try to talk the guy into leavin the stock frame now. i think it will be less work in the long run... it't not a "bad" idea but i would think it through COMPLETELY both ways before you make a decision. get under it and REALY think about what it will take to do both.
I started doing this with a 48 Sedan Delivery. I'm going back to a stock frame but keeping the S10 rear end (4x4) for the width and 5 lug.
keep the stock frame if possible , i did this with a 37 chevy 1/2 ton and its been a pain in the *** from the get go , of course with a car body you will not have the same problems like fenders , headers and running boards .. best of luck in whichever you decide..
If you are just swapping the frame because its cheap and easy, its not a boad swap on a 49-54 chevy. You only have to do a little light t******* under the rear floorboards of the body to get it fit, but you end up at the original stock ride height or higher. You would need to make all new body mounts on the frame, cut 3" out of the wheelbase, chop the front of the frame off just in front of the steering box, adapt the rad cradle, figure out a new steering column, make new bumper mounts, etc. Then you could do a 4/6 drop on the s10 ch***is. This is the cheapest and easiest way to swap the S10 frame. It will not cost that much but it is a ton of work and will not get you real low. The only way to get real low with an S10 frame under it would be to channel the body. You can get it lower with the stock frame.
on a related subject. i am still very happy with how my 48 Chevy truck is coming along with the S10 frame under it. helped a friend do one too and it turned out real well. the major hurdle there is the damn steering box interferes with the radiator... it's things like that you have to anticipate and find a solution for. then you have to ask yourself if it is worth the extra work AND will it not only work right but will it LOOK right when it is done. ....my 2 cents version 2.0
the ****** crossmember on the original frame will have to be modified or it will hit the ground well before anything else
I was thinking of doing the same thing, but I found an orig frame and cleaned it up , set up a rear four link and bags and Mustang II front end...so far its been pretty easy. Here is a link to my project. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=264018 good luck. and lets see some photos
cool man! I planned to be that far by now but cash flow said no, had to throw 2 bolts in each fender becouse it saves garage space. but I hear money coming so more pics to come, then as soon as we get that 327 out of yellow we will set it in there with a 350 auto , (my wife already bought herself a 32" lokar shifter for it) she has done her share of the work on this car and wants to be buried in it.
As far as the crossmember goes for the transmission, try www.waltonfabrication.com They have a really nice piece and I have heard good things on the HAMB about them. That is, if you don't want to try and make your own. Good luck.
Sell the S-10 frame to cover the costs of modifying your stock ch***is. If you really want the power disc front brakes, power steering, etc., then run a No Limit front end, or something similar. It will get it down in the weeds while riding smooth. Camaro, S-10, or similar width rear end keeps the same bolt pattern and nearly the same width as stock. Notch it, Link it, Drive it.
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