Hello all I am looking to purchase a 49 Chevy fleetline complete rolling chassis frame with engine and trans with a 115.5 wheelbase, I'd like to know if a 53 chevy 3100 1/2 ton body would work with this frame I checked the wheelbase and its 116 What's your guys input on that thanks
My first inclination is to automatically say NO! But I know a 49 chevy frame is pretty much a straight rail frame. Problem is the passenger car frame is a top-hat style while the pickup is a c-channel style and for good reason. The pickup frame is designed to haul weight....the car frame is designed to be cheap to make and it's a lot lighter. If you ever hauled anything in your truck with the car frame? Welp, I wouldn't. The tape measure is your friend.
The Chevy frame alone has a lot of flex in it. I would leave it to be used on a car. While it's very hated on this board even an S10 frame would be a better choice for your truck, as the frame is at least intended to be a truck frame.
Since you don't say what you are trying to do I have to guess some things. From what you say it seems you have a 53 Chev half ton body you want to put to use. The full size Chev pickup frame would be good except I believe the later models have much wider track meaning the wheels would stick out past the fenders (not good). So the narrower S10 or similar would be a better fit. Might be an idea to hit the Pic A Part or local wrecking yard with a tape measure and clip board and measure some pickup frames. Don't overlook the SUVs there are lots of them, they have a similar chassis frame and usually have an easier life than pickup trucks. All this assumes the stock frame is long gone (you don't say if you have it). But if you still have it, use it and build it. The stock frame fits better than anything you can hodge podge.
Just find a complete 3100 frame or parts truck. It may be a road trip but it will be worth it in the end. They are available. Plenty do the ill advised S10 swap. You may even find one that has a good running gear. Plenty of folks have drank the S10 Koolaid.
Nothing wrong with an S10 frame other than not being traditional for the hardcore guys. I prefer a stock frame but suspension mods cost about $2500 or better. Standard longbed is 118" and works well using a Code 504 bracket kit. About $1250. I've done several of these on $300 S10 frames making my own brackets but the kit makes it easy. I'm not affiliated in any way with the company. Just happy somebody did the engineering. My last 3100 on an S10 is pictured below.
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