Does anyone know of a good frame to use on my 53 Buick I need modern running gear under the car. I rather do a frame swap then mess with the old worn out suspe on the car I need something that will match up to the Buicks front and rear track and maybe the wheelbase.
Hi soda. Most guys...including me...are gonna tell you that you're way better off to keep the original frame, and upgrade as needed. A chassis swap sounds like a savings in time and money and effort...but it's not, and you're never going to find a frame that fits the body better than the one that was designed for it. The front suspension of a '53 Buick is really pretty decent. I know you said you don't want to have to rebuild it, but you're going to be way ahead in the long-run if you do.
It depends on what model you have, but the Special and some models of the Super and Roadmaster had a 121 1/2" wheelbase, which is just 1/2" longer than the 68 and 69 Buick Sportwagon(same as the Vista Cruiser). The tread is the same at 59" front and rear. I always thought it would be a good chassis swap. Some of the Sportwagons came with 400's, posi's, and disc brakes.
I think the 53 chassis is a bit beefier than most of the late model stuff and would rather see you do something like a Jag front suspension and an updated rear end, way less work than a chassis swap...
How is a frame swap easier than messing with "worn out" stock stuff and what is worn anyway? Replacing 53 shit is just easy or hard as replacing 1977 or 2010 shit. Repair or replace only what is needed. As I recall a 77 caprice does not ride or handle any better than a 53 buick if it does its only because of tires, shocks, alignment, or sway bars. You can mix and match any of these parts to suite your needs for the 53 for alot less hassle. I wouldn't trade a buick straight eight for anything. The real question is do you want a 77 caprice that looks like a 53 buick or do you want a 53 buick?
after putting a s-10 clip under my 53 ford i can same with no dought..the up grade is worth the work... things to think about parts,getting rebuild parts for a late model is cheaper and far easier to find. brakes,lets face it disc ARE better,, power steering!!!! in heavy traffic and the speeds on the highways id much rather have the upgraded frontend under my car....
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