Register now to get rid of these ads!

Technical Are 51 and 53 Bel Air hardtop chassis interchangeable?

Discussion in 'The Hokey Ass Message Board' started by 0NE BAD 51 MERC, Jan 9, 2021.

  1. 0NE BAD 51 MERC
    Joined: Nov 12, 2010
    Posts: 1,809

    0NE BAD 51 MERC
    Member

    Was nosing around my project shed and was looking at my 51 chevy hardtop that had a s10 sub frame grafted to it. It is a restorable future custom project but I really don't like the sub swap the way it was done. In another corner is a 53 hardtop, it is in ruff shape and does not have a title. I know the suspension is the same and since plans call for using 56 chevy bumpers I am not concerned about the bumper bracket mounts. My main question is the body to frame mounts? Larry
     
  2. The way to get an answer to this, would be to get your hands on the shop service manuals for each of the two years, and compare the measurements. Another possibility, would be if you could get access to a Hollander Interchange book.
    Have a look at this site:
    http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1949_53/index.htm
    Bob
     
  3. According to this page of the 53 manual, there are more similarities than there are differences. I would bet that you could make the 53 frame work. There are differences, but if you used the measurements from the early frame as the reference, this is probably quite doable.
    http://chevy.oldcarmanualproject.com/shop/1949_53/02frame/2_3.HTM

    Bob
     
    0NE BAD 51 MERC likes this.
  4. fastcar1953
    Joined: Oct 23, 2009
    Posts: 4,083

    fastcar1953
    Member

    the brakes are different. may be other changes but the 53 frame is better. length wheelbase and width should be the same. body mounts should be the same. 54 had better steering boxes and uprights lower the front about 3/4 inch.
     
  5. Mr48chev
    Joined: Dec 28, 2007
    Posts: 35,662

    Mr48chev
    ALLIANCE MEMBER

    If you go to the GM Heritage Center - Home site.
    Then click on Archive and then slide down to vehicle information kit and click on that a second page shows up saying Vehicle information kits Click on the Chevy car one.
    That brings up a list of years of Chevys and first click on the one for 51 and scroll down. They look pretty close to the same and are a few frog hairs different in total length.

    pages (gmheritagecenter.com)

    pages (gmheritagecenter.com)
     
  6. Dave Downs
    Joined: Oct 25, 2005
    Posts: 946

    Dave Downs
    Member
    from S.E. Penna

    Pretty sure ‘51 and ‘53 brakes are the same, change from ‘Huck’ (sp?) to Bendix happened in ‘51.

    If I’m wrong it’s any easy swap
     
  7. 302GMC
    Joined: Dec 15, 2005
    Posts: 8,411

    302GMC
    Member
    from Idaho

    ^^^^
    Only difference is the master ... 1'' on the '51, 7/8'' on '53
     

Share This Page

Register now to get rid of these ads!

Archive

Copyright © 1995-2021 The Jalopy Journal: Steal our stuff, we'll kick your teeth in. Terms of Service. Privacy Policy.

Atomic Industry
Forum software by XenForo™ ©2010-2014 XenForo Ltd.