55-59 Chevrolet s10 swap

Hey everyone,
I was hoping to get some information regarding an S10 frame swap.
I want to install a 55 Chev body on a 2000 S10 chassis.
Has anyone done this? If so what kind of things should I be prepared for?
I see it is pretty common with the 47-54 series but not much info on the 55-59 years.
Thanks for your time.
SK

 

the track is to narrow up front for the 55-59's

 

An AD truck on an S-10 frame is a much easier fit. You would be better off using a Dakota truck frame. The track width is more of a match. I have seen people drop 55-59 Chevies onto S-10 frames but then they usually run super off set rims. My advice is would be to find a different wider donor vehicle or do a front clip off a Camaro or something if you want IFS.

 

That is what I was looking for. I could not get an accurate spec on the track width for these trucks. All I have is the cab right now.
I suppose a full size chev is too wide. Something around an 1990-97.

 

60s midsize cars are about right....70s- and newer fulls size trucks are too wide

 

OK, Looks like I need to find a frame and a clip!

 

I'd use an original frame if possible, it will fit better than anything else. Although those trucks have a really straight frame, so you could maybe make something pretty easy

 

My buddy did his 57 truck with a 70's camaro , fit pretty well and hammered the truck without modifieing the camaro suspension .
The full size you speak of is actually 73-77 A body then 77-91 B body . slight changes through years . That should also be a pretty close match up and WAY better and stronger than the garbage s10 chassis . Don't forget the G body's , plentyful cars as well

 

the frame from cars like the A body and B body are not strong enough to use under a truck. But the front clip might be ok to use.

 

if you were closer id sell ya a swb 64chevy truck rolling frame

 

I wouldn't do a whole frame, why go to extra effort of makeing body mounts and such if you dont have too, rear is leaf spring so it's easy to bolt in any axle you want.

 

The input you guys are providing is great!

Hey Pugs, pm me some pics. I have friends around there and it is alsways nice to take a road trip.

Back to the clip. Do you bolt it up to the bottom of the original frame (1) or is it grafted as an extension from where the original is cut off?

 

grafted on as an extension of the frame. And you have to put some thought into it...as well as do some test fitting. The front/back position of the front wheels should be decided based on how the wheels look in the wheelwells at the final ride height, because the wheel openings on these trucks have a non-symmetrical shape. The lower it is, the further back the wheels "look". This is more of an issue with the 58-59 fenders than with the 55-57 fenders

 

This is a very thorough thread on the subject of Camaro clips on those years (late '55-'59) Chevy p'up's...

http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=148978&highlight=camaro+frame+clip

...also, I'd put in my vote for using the stock frame. Why do all that fab just to end up where the factory started out 50+ years ago?

 

Hey, That is a great thread! Very informative.

 

SK, sent ya a pm