I'm in the process of putting a 1986 S-10 frame under my
1951 Panel. The S-10 frame is the same gage as the old
frame and it is boxed-in about half-way back making it
stronger than the original. I plan on boxing-in the rest of it
and adding some cross bracing which I think will make the
whole frame even stronger. The original weight of my panel
is 4800 lbs, and I don't foresee any problems. I also plan on
beefing up the front suspension and using a Camaro rear-end.
It isn't as easy as you have heard and it is a lot more work.
You will have to remove the old S-10 body mounts and make
your own to fit your truck. Unless you are going with a 6 cylinder
you will also need to change the rear-end. The gas tank is another
issue that I have to deal with and would assume that you would too.
I still have a long way to go as I don't have the time or the money at
this time to work on it as much as I would like. It's a real learning
experience and if you don't have the time, money and patients I
suggest going some other way. I really didn't have another choice as
the original frame had been butchered and was worthless. I also
wanted the IFS, and disk breaks and the option to run a V-8 and
automatic transmission. Hope this helps you decide which way you
want to go.
Joel Carey
jcarey54@attbi.com
Arlington, Texas
1951 Panel
-----Original Message-----
From: Jon [SMTP:stkcode@yahoo.com]
Sent: Tuesday, February 12, 2002 9:57 PM
To: oletrucks@autox.team.net
Subject: Re: [oletrucks] Re: S-10 frame swap
Just curious to ask but unless your not going to use
this truck for hauling or very little hauling..why
would you want put a frame under that handles less
weight? To the best of my knowledge, S10 frames can't
even handle a half of a ton. If your just going to
cruze this thing like a car then more power to ya.
For hauling any decend loads this would seem like more
of a disadvantage then an advantage.
Also, if you do try this watch out for the early to
mid 90's S10 frames. My dads 94 S10 gets knocked out
alignment everytime he hits the brake and turns the
front wheels. He also had a 90 that had the same
problem.
=====
Jon
1953 3100 Deluxe Cab (Project)
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