old truck new frame

**my57210and56gmc** · 07-05-2009, 12:31 PM

hello new to this site, hey i have a 56 GMC that i would like to put on a 2003 chev frame can anyone please let me know if this has been done and if so how was it to do , i know i will have to shorten the frame but how will the bed and cab fit , i also have the 5.3 that i want to use, as of now i have a camaro sub frame that i could use but dont know what kind of problems i am going to run into getting the 5.3 to clear everything. please help

**crazyeyes** · 07-05-2009, 05:27 PM

its just going to be alot of fab work regardless... lots of cuts and welds on the frame... shouldnt be too hard just time consuming... not sure if its been done...

but whats the point for the swap??? do you just not want to mess up the stock frame or something??? being in AZ it might be possible to register it as an 03 truck if thats the frame you used...

**my57210and56gmc** · 07-05-2009, 06:59 PM

Originally Posted by crazyeyes

its just going to be alot of fab work regardless... lots of cuts and welds on the frame... shouldnt be too hard just time consuming... not sure if its been done...

but whats the point for the swap??? do you just not want to mess up the stock frame or something??? being in AZ it might be possible to register it as an 03 truck if thats the frame you used...

my point is i am trying to figure out what will work the best , taking my frame and modifying all the componets to work on my frame or work on the 03 frame to make my body work on it you know 6 of one 1/2 dozen of another, just getting info.

**GreaseDog** · 07-05-2009, 08:07 PM

first thing to do is get out a tape measure, and see if the frame is the right width.

**knappkg2** · 07-05-2009, 08:16 PM

I would think the easyest way to go is to build a box frame and go from there. Just my opinion though.

**Kick** · 07-05-2009, 11:48 PM

There is a guy on here with a 56ish on a K5 blazer frame. I don't recall his name right now, I'm sure he will chime in.

Edit: His name is "Blue Bowtie"

**my57210and56gmc** · 07-06-2009, 07:34 PM

Originally Posted by GreaseDog

first thing to do is get out a tape measure, and see if the frame is the right width.

, first off thank you i am going to measure this weekend and i may just take the front clip and build off of that.

**my57210and56gmc** · 07-06-2009, 07:36 PM

i am kinda thinking that that will be what i do , thanks for your input.

**kustomd** · 07-09-2009, 05:12 PM

The 03 frame will be to big most likely for your truck. Your best bet would be to use the camaro subframe and stub it into the 56 frame. Do you want it lowered or jacked up? If you want to bag it the camaro frame sub will be easier to do. I'd put a camaro rearend in it also or you can use a nova rear. The 03 motor and trans tho would be a good swap for it if you can get all the fuel injection wiring out of the donor truck. It would also probably run like a raped ape.

**my57210and56gmc** · 07-09-2009, 07:05 PM

Thank you for your input like i said i am going to get the tape measure out and see what i can come up with,

**kustomd** · 07-09-2009, 07:18 PM

I had a friend that had a 55 chevy pickup that was built the way I told you and it had a 350hp 327 in it with 355 gears and it would handle like it was on rails with the camaro front end. You can use the stock rear leafsprings but you will need to move the rearend I believe back 3/4" for the wheels to be centered in the wheel wells. You'll have to look on your truck when you get to building it. They could use wider leaf springs in the back to really help the suspension out. I think we used 68-72 nova rear springs in his after he drove for 2yrs with the stock 55 leaf springs.

Also if you want it low you will need to put the rearend on top of the springs in order for it to set low.

Theres two ways most people sub frame these trucks. First they cut the kickup out of the back of the camaro sub and weld it straight to the stock frame. This way sucks. If you ever want it lower its a major pita to get it low. the other way is to set the stock frame on top of the lowest part of the subframe in the rear it sets the truck really low but its easier to raise the truck up with a new set of springs for a big block camaro then if you want it low put the stock springs in or bags.

If you need anymore info msg me and I'll do what I can to help.

Theres lots of ways to skin a cat as I say so my way isn't the gospel just my opinion.