Thread: 1950 Chevy Truck to s10 frame

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Hey guys,
I am working on a 1950 Chevy 3600 (3/4 ton) long bed. What i am hoping to do is put an s10 frame under it. I have read up on many guys doing this for the 3100's (1/2 ton) but never the 3/4 ton like mine.

I plan to use an extended cab s10 frame (122" WB) and extend it another 3" to match my 3600's WB. What i am hesitant about is where to cut the frame and extend it. any suggestions? Also with extending the frame i am wondering about how the bed will sit up next to the cab. More specifically, the s10 frame has a large hump where the rear axle is. When i mount the bed it will have to be level with the tallest part of the rear frame. Because of this large hump in the frame, there will be a gap from the bottom of the bed down to the frame. Usually with the 3100 guys their splash aprons and running boards cover this up pretty well. By extending the frame do you guys think that i will have a problem with that gap showing? (I'm sorry if that part was hard to understand, Its just hard to explain w/o a pic) If so, what do you think i can do to fix that?

If i initially plan to use the 4.3L v6 out of the s10, can i keep my stock 3600 radiator? A problem that i have heard with this swap is mounting the radiator bracket.Does anyone have any insight on that?

Also, I know that the stock s10 rear end is about 4 or 5 inches too narrow for my 50 Chevy, so i plan to either use a ford 8.8 or a 4wd s10 rear. What should i do about the front suspension, which is also too narrow. I know i could use wheel spacers. Is there any other alternatives?


I am looking for any information possible on this. So if you think i left something out, please tell me. This is my first hot rod build so i am learning as i go.

-Thanks Guys

I think you would be miles ahead by beefing up your existing frame, replacing your front suspension with something more modern, and swapping in a new rear axle. You're looking at a hellacious amount of work to make an S-10 frame fit.

I have to agree with Henry; I've done frame swaps and upgrades. I've come to the conclusion that using the exsisting frame and upgrading the components is a much better route to go. Upgrading is not always the cheapest way but the fit and finish problems in a frame swap can be a real headache.

I would use the 3600 frame and tack on a Camaro or Nova clip. These work out great or you can go with a Heidts or Fatman IFS. You would be much futher ahead doing this than with the S10 frame

I definaly agree with all of you that using the stock frame with a new front suspension would be the best route. My problem is i am on a pretty tight budget (seeing as i am only a college student) and i can get my hands on an s10 frame, motor, trans, and the ford 8.8 (rebuilt) for basically no cost. By buying a camaro front clip or whatever i am still missing a motor and trans and that will cost me money i don't have. So i figure i am killing a few birds with one stone with the s10 swap.

I know there is a lot of work involved with the s10 frame swap. Work I can do, i just don't have a lot of money so i am not too worried if i have to get creative in some areas.

Why not just leave it in the corner til you can afford to do it right???? There is no time limit on building hot rods.... If you want to do it now so you have something to work with, then start prepping the existing frame and doing some of the tedious work that eats up so much time on a build??? I've seen a lot of the S-10 under pickup swaps, and have yet to see one that I could actually say looks, works, and rides right... If you're only in college now, doesn't sound like you're exactly running out of time to get a project done before you're too old to do it!!! As others have said, using the existing frame and either a front suspension swap, or a MII package designed for your frame would be a much better way to go...

Got a sign in my shop, "If you don't have the time and money to do it right, when are you going to find the time and money to do it over"...... Your young, slow down and enjoy the process of the build rather then throwing something together so you can drive it.....

My 54 Panel is on a S10 Took alot of creativity and a different axle to get it to look right, I had to shave the frame top over the rear, Use drop springs in the rear, and it was a bit tricky getting a radiator to fit. but it can be done, I did not have the original chassis. If I did- the MII or a Camaro graft would have been easier