Hello Stuart!
I just thought I'd try to give you a little insight into your frame swap
idea. I've been at this stuff since about 1967, so I've got some experience
at chassis fabrication and modifications.
The idea of using an existing frame is a good one, as long as you don't
care if it's original underneath...and are willing to give up some depth in
your pick-up box and maybe cab(ie: driveshaft tunnel)."If" you keep the rear
suspension as is AND set it on the existing Camino chassis)
...See attached pic...hey I'm no artist,ok?...lol!
I've generaly just put early 80's Nova and Camaro front clips in using the
"stock" truck frame. This allows the rear cargo area to remain stock,
although "your" idea will allow your truck to sit LOW AND "still ride
nice!!!!" (if you are willing to sacrifice some of your pick-up bed)
Your El Camino should have a 57" wheel track(centre to centre on the
tires), which is just "perfect" for your truck...if it's wider, like a
Camaro(61"), you can still use it, but your tires will be at the outside
edge of your wheel wells, unless you use a negative offset rim ...like stock
early Corvette 8" rims...or buy narrowed aftermarket A-arms. (But, with you
living in Britain, I know that's not an option)
As for the wheelbase, you should take a measurement of both and see how
much,IF ANY difference there is. I'm pretty sure you can keep the Camino's
wheelbase and modify the pickups wheelbase to match.
...(Hey!Calm down everybody!...let me clarify,ok?)
I've built trucks with any number of wheelbases, and they ALL looked good!
So,if you want to "KEEP THE COSTS DOWN"...
...(hey guys!...REMEMBER, HE LIVES IN ENGLAND, NOT CALIFORNA!) by not having
to shorten the driveshaft...see how it looks "to you" with things as is.
The rear fenders can be moved "back and forth on the pick-up box" to
accomodate the wheelbase..if you can come up with "THE RIGHT LOOK" IN YOUR
EYES!
I've shortened them up to 12 inches(remember,the customer is always
right!) for that "Drag influence" and believe me, most people(OK,NOT YOU
CONNOISSEURS OUT THERE...lol!) don't really notice...unless it's extreme.
But,"if" it looks good to you, "your" the one you gotta please!
A lot of you guys out there may not go for the frame swap..but this is
2001 and this is England! I've done it too and once they have paint on them,
an early Chev truck is a thing of beauty. Regardless of the type of chassis
under it. We build old trucks to satisfy OUR OWN needs and desires...not
everyone wants a restored truck.
Now, the biggest problem will be that your rear suspension will protrude
"up into" the pickup box a lot!(Tubbed looking sheetmetal covering?) You
may be able to raise the floor in your box, "to your liking", otherwise
you'll need to raise the truck higher on the chassis. (This will mean it
will not sit so low).
In short,the best thing is to get "the look" your wanting, regarding
wheel base and ride height, then see what needs modifying. This will give
you an idea of the scope of this job. But if you set it on the chassis as
is, your floor (and firewall) will likely need to be notched for driveshaft
clearance!!! Yup, it's low.
Now, Roger said it was "a weak frame" and he was right, BUT you can
strengthen it with either an X-member tieing in the front and rear
suspension or box the existing channel rail sections, although I'd
personally replace the channel sections with 4X4 square tubing as well as an
X-member...but I'm a truckin' kind o' guy!...lol! (Remember a good
foundation gives you a good house.)
Now, if you want to lift the truck off the Camino chassis as it is , so
the cab sits higher than "in da weeds", you can raise the 4X4 tubing and tie
it all together first, then cut out all the old frame rails...this way will
make sure your frame dimensions don't change...Otherwise, if you modify your
existing frame, make sure it doesn't move around during the cutting and
welding by using "lots" of bracing tack-welded to the chassis(But still
allowing working room)...and if your not experienced, you should try to do
"one side at a time", rather than cutting it in half and wondering how to
put it all back together again.
Well, there are more options,( you could tie your existing frame into the
front Camino crossmember...for more room in the box, but a bit higher
sitting vehicle, then use just the Camino rear end "above" your old truck
springs...with notched frame rails to allow the truck to sit lower than
stock) but I hope this gives you a little help.
If you persevere, you will end up with a nice riding , nice handling
package that uses stock parts and can easily be kept roadworthy...
"without" spending BIG bucks on aftermarket parts
...And that's what it's all about, I think!
If you think I've helped you,or that I may be able to help you, please
feel free to email me anytime,as your truck progresses.
Sincerely Ron Keller
>From: "rogerg" <rogerg@maverick.facil.uconn.edu>
>Reply-To: "rogerg" <rogerg@maverick.facil.uconn.edu>
>To: oletrucks <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
>CC: Stuart <sbcltd@netcomuk.co.uk>
>Subject: Re: [oletrucks] 48 Frame Swap
>Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2001 09:50:00 +0000
>
>Check the frame length and the wheelbase. Although the elCamino frame
>is easy to shorten it is really weak unless you plan on boxing it in.
>Driveshaft is one of the longest in the business.(61 1/2")
>Roger G
>51-3100 AD Huckster
>
>
>
>
> > From: Stuart <sbcltd@netcomuk.co.uk>
> > To: oletrucks <oletrucks@autox.team.net>
> > Subject: [oletrucks] 48 Frame Swap
> > Date: Tue, 9 Jan 2001 12:42:15 -0000
> > Reply-to: Stuart <sbcltd@netcomuk.co.uk>
>
> > Has anyone on the list done a 48 1/2 Ton on 82 El Camino frame swap?
> >
> > I'm in the Uk and finding parts is a complete nightmare but I've been
>given a
> > complete El Camino and I think the frame will fit. Just wondered if you
>guys
> > had any advice/thoughts?
> >
> > Cheers
> > Stu..
> > oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
>oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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oletrucks is devoted to Chevy and GM trucks built between 1941 and 1959
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