I have a real decent 62 Chevy PU but its a longbox. I am considering converting to a short box by using a newer frame. I know I will be doing some fab work if I decide to go this route and wondered if anyone has been down this path before. What year works best if any? Am I nuts! I just don't want a longbox and it appears no one else does either lol.
60-62 will be a bolt in, 63-66 next best, then 67-72. 71-72 came with disk brakes, starting in 68(?) they used "modern" power steering so you can bolt on a newer truck power box and it's pretty easy, older ones had a different bolt pattern on the frame. Expect to have to screw around with cab mounts, front bumper mounts, etc. The 63-66 frame is a different width up front, so it's not quite a bolt in. 60-62 is torsion bar front suspension, 63-up is coil spring.
In case anyone else is interested Enjenjo gave me this info at the RRT. "73 to 87 will fit, and is the right wheelbase. The tread width is a bit wider, but will still work. The front cab mounts are in the right location, but not far enough apart, match the width on the cab mounts and it will bolt right up. Rear cab mounts are also too narrow, and 2" too low. You can make up a 2" by3" crossmember to fit the rear cab mounts, and weld it to the frame. The front core support mounts are in the right location, but too low, make up some kind of spacer. Engine and trans will fit as is, linkage is easy. A van column is an easy fit, and can be adapter to the later steering with a GM intermediate shaft. The box bolts right on no problem. Now, you might be able to lower the front cab mounts 2" and eliminate the spacers, but check fo floor clearance on the frame first. 88 to 95 frame had a narrower tread width, about the same as the 60s models.Wheelbase is a bit longer, but you could redrill the center bolt hole to change it. Beyond that, I am no help."
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