hello all i have a 55 coupe deville and have been contemplating swapping the chasis with a newer one ive been looking at late 90s chevy pickup/suburban the chevy wheelbase is only 2 in longer than the cadillac ive been considering it for a number of reasons one- i will have a modern suspension two- vortec engine three- less cost local yard will charge me about 300-400 for a whole vehicle compared to the cost of mustang duece setup has any one ever attemped any thing like this and if so can u post some advantages and headaches that go along with a swap like this any help would be appreciated
The chassis under your Caddy now, if not seriously rusted is the best chassis for the car. The suspension, if in good shape or rebuit with new bushings ands such will do anything you could possibly want to do with a '55 Caddy and with a WHOLE LOT LESS work than trying to fit a later model TRUCK frame to it. I assume you will want the Cad to set fairly low........well, it won't on a truck frame, unless you seriously lower the truck frame and then there goes your ride and more money plus labor. On the other hand, you can retrofit the Cad with disc brakes and a new power steering gear and a brake booster and get virtually everything a later frame has to offer without the mind bending work necessary to switch frames. It's just not a good idea. Ray
I wouldnt do it for a few reasons. The Caddy supsension is not all that bad of a setup, dont get me wrong you wont be taking corners at 100mph but its a smooth riding suspension. The car weighs around 4400 lbs so no matter what suspension you put under it, its not going to be a sports car. Also the Caddy trackwidth is a lot more narrow than a 90's pickup/suburban and it'll look strange and you'll probably have issues with wheel clearance. As for the motor, in my opinion, anything other than a caddy mill is a sin. i think you'd be a lot better working with the stock chassis.
If you want your Caddy to ride like a Caddy keep the original frame, or if you want your Caddy to ride like a truck.......you get my drift.
My question is why do you feel you need to swap chassis on this car? And why get away from a Cadillac engine? If you don't have a frame, the stock frame is severely damaged, butchered or rusted out I'd suggest a 77 through 80 something Deville chassis. Get a 77/79 with a 425 and you have the makings of a good running and good driving road burner that will ride like a Cadillac.
thanks fellas im not sure what condition the frame is in yet i know some of the body mounts to the frame are pretty bad right now the car is stripped and i just finished repairing the trunk and am waiting to finish the floor boards (ran out of welding wire 10 mins ago) before i remove the body from frame i guess i was just looking for an easier cheaper way to get her on the road sooner
Read this... http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=329070&highlight=the+best+55+caddy+build R-
4X4 isnt cool on a Caddy. But if thats what you want... Seriuosly though, half the fun is bringing the original back to life. The parts arent hard to find. You can say 'But Honey, I need all these new tools." You can find out how long it takes to heal knuckles. Those cars "float" Its one of the most awesome rides. You have less chance of burn out just fixing it. .02
Had a feeling a newbie was asking this. I'd rather do it right than do it fast. But if you can put the two together.....
I am half way thru with the frame swap on my 56 Studebaker truck. Alot of people told me not to and that It would be dangerous and all sorts of bad stuff. So far it has gone pretty well. I have put the body on and taken it off several times. It seems to be coming along well. It's not really your car if you are afraid to do what you want or pay someone else to do your work for you.
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