Im going to change over the frame on my 41 Chevy special dlx and need to know what modern truck frame or car i should look for or rolling chassie If i can find one. The old frame is good i just want to swap out so more power can be added V8 style and brks to stop it
I'm wondering if that isn't more trouble than upgrading engine, suspension, etc. on the original frame, if the frame is good. The original frame already fits the floor and body! It's come up on previous threads: do a search for "frame swap".
I agree... seems alot of people here get all up in arms on the frame swap subject over some sort of moral objection (dont be suprised if you get flamed) But I just think it is not neccessary ! ANY late model frame will need extensive fabrication to make it work... I think that time/effort/money is better spent on the one you already have... But then again, your question wasnt if you SHOULD do it...
I have looked into changing over parts rear end front frame clip it all comes out more $$$$$$ for the parts than a frame swap out.
Back in the 80's it was common to swap 50's GM cars onto 70-92 Monte Carlo frames. Same wheelbase. If the floor was rotted out, you just kept the Monte floor and welded the old body to it.
watch out!! if you say how it would be smarter, cheaper and overall a better idea to switch to a modern frame , they will ban you!!!
I have done it....if the stock frame is good, and there are still floors in the car, you will be ahead keeping the stock frame.
Four door Metric Impalas 78 and up have to be pretty close. They're either 114" or 116" if I remember correctly from my racing days.
I have to say that if you have a good frame it would be easier and probably cheaper to upgrade the original. And I'm not saying that because of a bias agianst frame swaps, my own 56 IHC 1/2t is on an S10 frame. But in my case the trucks frame had been cut up and butchered by a pervious owner. I also don't have any kits to modify an International frame available to me. So I would have to make all my own engine and trans mounts, susp mods etc. In my case with having to do all the work to repair the frame damage and then more work to modify it, it was definitely easier, quicker and cheaper to go the swap route. But if you have a good frame and a popular model of vehicle that has lots of kits and adapters available for it, as well as a bunch of people (the HAMB) who have experience with building these cars you will be able to put your car together much easier with the original frame. Also remember that truck cabs tend to be easier for frame swaps than car bodies because you mount the cab and bed separately. I had to cut out the bed floor of my truck due to rot. When I put the bed back together I can put the floor at any level I need to clear any frame kickup. A car body is all one piece, so if you have a rear frame kick up you have to modify the rear floorboards to clear the frame. this can result in you not being able to mount a rear seat in your car.
I have read a lot of the messages on the tech board and have reviewed these doubledawg you have a point on the frame bends for the rear looks like I will build this beast up and not swap out. I restored enough cars for others this is my last one a hot rod for me. Any body have the specs for the layout of the motor mounts Im dropping in a 350 Thanks I will post pics of progress.
let me know , my frame has rust but not deadly just thin in places near the rear, the undercarriage is pretty rough, so I still have it sitting and waiting on me ..what to do what to do,
I don't have a thing in the world against frame swaps, I've done a couple. Its just that if you have a fram and its not toast then 9 out of 10 times a frame swap is a twenty dollar cure for a ten dollar problem. S-10 frames are pretty versatile, they are easy to shorten if they are too long and lots of go fast upgrades are available. The thing that you have to remember is that they are a narrow frame and suspension. To give you a point of reference the rear out of an '88 2Wd S truck is 54 1/4" flange to flange. Your '41 will handle about all the zot you want to throw at it, you might want to box or partially box it, maybe add a cross member or two. Pretty easy to upgrade the suspension with all the chit out there. I'd probably stay with the chebby chassis if it were me.
Screw the frame swaps! If you wanted to drive a late model you'd be on another forum. Good on you for staying with the original. You will control your costs by staying out of the catalogs and fabbing your own motor mounts and such. Mock it up and see what you need. The firewall and the ground will tell you where to put it. I talk a lot of shit about frame swaps, so let me put my mouth where my mouth is. You can PM me anytime, 24/7 and I'll help you work out your troubles. We'll get on the phone if needed. I have exstensive chassis experience, so we can figure it out.
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