Frame swap on a 51 Chev 4-door

Will the frame of a long wheelbase S10 fit under a '51 Chev 4-door? I want to get rid of the enclosed driveline, weak differential, 4 corner drums, weak suspension, weak trand, frozen six.................

 

Define "fit"?

 

Wheelbase, width, rear end compatability (2WD or 4WD rear), overall length, engine fit, core support differences (mods) and ease of installation on a scale of 1-10 or any other potential obstacles to look for. Essentially, what would it take to work that frame to get it under my '51 or should I go with something listed below? I have access to a rolling LWB S-10 frame (with 4.3 engine mounts) from '87 and was wondering if it would be a suitable swap for the frame on my '51. It's a Styleline 4-Door.

Or should I look for a different frame, like a Ranger, a full or mid size Chevy/Pontiac/Buick/Olds/Caddy from the 70's to 90's?

 

S10 frame is too "Humpy" for your sedan. Too narrow, too. Better off with a Camaro clip if you really have to get rid of the original front end. I'd just rebuild it and put a disc brake setup on it.

 

Neither I or any of my friends have access to a welder, much less have the skills to graft on a Camaro clip which I know can be added on fairly easy. Lack of the dough needed is a big problem. Now as far as updating the front brakes, are there any disc spindles that will interchange with the original spindle? I can handle plumbing the lines and such.

What about the rear end from an S-10, will it work?

 

If you don't have access to a welder, pretty much any frame swap is out of the question.

 

Go check out--- CHEVYBOMBS.COM ---lot of knoledable guys there that have done swaps and have lists of what will work under these cars....

 

thanks chopper, will do!