As you may have heard, I'm doing s Frame swap of my Studebaker body on to an S-10 frame and a chevy 350 motor. so I got my Studebaker frame back to the house today and did some better measuring. I was way off on my initial measurements. The S-10 is a full 12 inches narrower and 22 inches longer in the wheels. I may be able to use a C-10 for the frame and drive train. I have a good mentor, but at the end of the day its all up to me. Did anyone have the same problem? As you can probably see, I have more frames than bodies. I got rid of the S-10 body before I realized the problem and I have a 1970 C-10 in the driveway. Any good advice?
Wrong forum for this sort of question. S10 frames are not what is considered traditional here. Not being an ****, but you might get more response at the OlSkoolrodz forum.
well i love those 67-72 trucks so my first impression would be not to cut it up haha but if thats what you got to work with and it seems as if it fits then go for it. or you could go buy some tubing and build your own frame? good luck with whatever you do
There are a lot of these type projects that never saw the light of day because of the amount of work required to do this frame swap. If your original frame is in good condition, use it. You can make motor mounts, Mustang II, late rear for a lot less trouble. I see these unfinished projects for sale quite often because the "builder" can't comlete it.
Guys have made the Stude work on the S10 before. Too narrow is much less of a problem than too wide. You can shorten the S10 frame under the cowl easily enough, it's welded there and just a matter of grinding the welds off and sliding it in (22 inches may mean pulling it apart and t******* some out of it). 22 inches seems like a lot, though, what matters is the wheelbase, not the overall length. There is an extensive S10 frame swap thread right on this forum, use the search feature (top right of the board) to bring it up "Definitive S10 frame swap list" -
Theres a Thread on s10 Swaps.. that may help you.. My Henry J sits on a S10.. my other will be Traditional..
where in friendswood are ya, maybe we can stop by and have a look at it for ya, might be able to talk you into using the stude frame and modifying it.
I shorten mine the 10 inches to match the Studebaker wheelbase, changed the rear to an s-10 4X4 rear (wider).. I drive mine every day of the week with no problems. PM me for my phone # and we can talk.
^^^that truck looks nice, I can see the difference in the front end, but honestly, if I wasnt looking directly to see, it would not have jumped out at me. Looks great.
Sounds like you're in trouble before you're even started, I'm wondering why you would swap frames anyway? New rear axle, and new front axle w/brakes from any supplier would have your truck a roller in a weekend. Don't cut up the Stude, you'll never get it back together...
I want to thank you for your honesty and posting. Hopefully, a lot of others that think a frame swap is quick and easy will think about it and measure first. Bump back up so this one satys near the top. It sounds like you have solid offers for help, so I hope this one does turn out okay....
We had a student here at the school recently who did a Camaro stub swap on a Stude. Worked out great. Maybe look into that option...
How are you measuring? Track width or frame rail width? 12 inches seems like a lot. My 56IHC is only about 2 inches too wide on an s10 frame, and I can't imagine your Stude is much different size wise from my IHC. Not to be a **** or anything but if you can't handle altering the wheelbase on one of these frames you really aren't up to doing a frame swap. if the s10 won't work you can try the full size p/u or take a tape measure to a Dakota. That might work because it is in between a full size and an s10.
I want to thank those of you who give me encouragement. "I shall be not afraid!" I'm not worried about the work, and I'm a pretty tenacious *******. When I decide I'm going to do something, I do it. The cold hard fact is that I want to be able to drive my truck at highway speeds. The C-10 is just not an attractive truck. I payed 1800 for to get the engine and trans. It will actually work out a lot better. I intend to use the Studebaker frame for a future project. IT WILL NOT SEE THE JUNK YARD!!! I'm thinking I will built a custom body on it. I just can't get rid for that beautiful solid front axle. For those of you who would like to stop by and see, Please PM me and be ready to teach a new guy. There is no such thing as can't.
Here's a link that might help you. I put a '51 Chevy on an S-10 ch***is and it was maybe 4 inches narrower. I bought 2 inch wheel spacers from a guy named Jeremy at 866-349-6801 (Can't remember the name of his place, Just Suspensions or something like that, I think) Anyhow, very helpful guy and his stuff is priced right, too. You just gotta know what your bolt-spacing is and he'll get ya fixed up. http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=274702 BTW, I like your at***ude...There really is no such thing as can't! Good luck and don't forget some progress reports along the way.
I'm not really worried about the fraame width. the s-10 frame was much wider that the Studebaker. The problem is the Track space on the front and rear are 12 inches too marrow on the S-10. the c-10 axle is about two inches longer than the Studebaker. As we say in the Coast Guard "close enough for government work!" It should be alot better fit. I know alot of people are saying not to cut up the C-10 but it is really not that attractive of a truck. Now the Studebaker is just plain ***y! Anybody want the body of the C-10? I'll let it go fairly cheap.
did u say it was a 1970 c10? your gonna ruin a 70 c10 for a stude? there has to be a better swap that doesnt destroy a very soughtafter pick up
What's wrong with the Stude ch***is? Couldn't you update it with a newer rearend and maybe a MII kit in the front? I have to be honest with you, when it comes time to sell (and let's face it, how many keep their rides forever?) a lot of buyers will run the other way upon seeing some X brand ch***is cobbled together under your Stude. Unless you possess the fabrication skills of one of the really sharp guys on the Hamb, I'd skip the frame swap.
And this is why I think every last S-10 should be shreaded to pieces. Use the Studebaker frame and make changes as necessary.
I disagree with you. theres tons and tons of talk about this swap in this forum. Well maybe more for the S10 shoebox swap but what he's asking is fair.
why do people want to use **** -10 frames for ? ..they **** to put a small block in you cant chop off the back cuase of the leafs ..use a g-body frame ...regal cutl*** granprix 4 link rear small block or bb goes in plenty of room full headers fit wider better ride ..???
i think the c-10 is a better route for you, this is what i'm doing, was going to an s-10 but decided against it, the c-10 route seemed like a better route. as for all the guys *****ing, let the man do as he pleases, maybe his frame is junk, this is the case on my truck (the dumb*** previous owner turned it into a 4X4, and hacked the frame up) sometimes it is better to just start over.
Thank you! The C-10 is a good fit for the body and the Chevy 350 is already in it. Again, If someone wants the C-10 body they are welcome to it. I will also trade for a comparable frame. The body is fairly straight. I just think it would make alot better driving truck. I just figured with this being a Hot Roder site, a lot more people would be supportive! I thought I would get alot more encouragement.
there are alot of very talented and helpful people on this board, but if you are doing anything off the wall or uncommon, it is best to just go Ahead With your plan, and mention it after they tell you how cool it is after you are finished. sounds like you have it under control, i'm sure the truck will turnout good.
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