Thread: Frame for 57 Chevy Stepside

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Hey! I've got a 57 Chevy stepside that I want to rebuild, starting (of course) with the frame.

But what's the best approach? Go get a brand new frame from FatMan, or RBs or something? Or would it be better to try to modify the existing frame?

Before I bought it, some guy did a pretty bad job of putting in a Camaro clip so I may (read: definately) need to replace the front suspension.

So - what's the best way? New or Refurb?

Thanks!
~HR~

Refurb. Been working off and on helping a friend do a '59 which is basically the same. Very nice IFS, will have a 9" with coilovers and a triangulated 4 bar.. Everybody is probably tired of seeing pics of it, but I'll post one for you anyway...

HotRodr, Please take a look at my project I am working on at http://www.meyerbrosrods.com\photos/...k/default.aspx. My brother Don Meyer and I graphed a Gen 2 Camaro and I put in all of the reforcement in by boxing to the first cross member and putting in 2 k members.

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Refurb. Been working off and on helping a friend do a '59 which is basically the same. Very nice IFS, will have a 9" with coilovers and a triangulated 4 bar.. Everybody is probably tired of seeing pics of it, but I'll post one for you anyway...

Tom - Thanks for the link. This looks fantastic!
I was a little afraid that everyone would suggest a new frame, but that doesn't seem to be the case. There's just something cool about keeping the orig metal.

The graft looks pretty clean - WAY better than the job they did on my truck. I plan on stripping down (much like you have) later on this year - can';t wait to get started!

Did you have the frame powder-coated? or is it painted?

Thanks
~HR~

Originally Posted by Dave Severson

Refurb. Been working off and on helping a friend do a '59 which is basically the same. Very nice IFS, will have a 9" with coilovers and a triangulated 4 bar.. Everybody is probably tired of seeing pics of it, but I'll post one for you anyway...

Dave - also awesome. Thanks for the pic! I certainly am not tired of seeing them (new here).

What kind of IFS is that? Why did you choose to go aftermarket as opposed to a gen2 camaro like some others. I am just curious and trying to decide which way to go (if I stay with the orig frame, that is).

Thanks again

~HR~

Here's mine...used a "No Limit Engineering" "Wide Ride" IFS. Easy install, rides great...had it for 2 years now and am really happy with it.

hotrodr, Thanks for the feedback. I put Rust Bullet on the frame. I really like that stuff. I power wire wheeled the frame with my small grider first. The real question is will it last. I have done my research on all options and this one seemed to be the best one. I did the same on my 67 Camaro sub frame two years ago.

On your clip, I would recommend that you check to measurements front to back and diagonal. If they are within 1/8 inch your good to go.

Originally Posted by tmeyer

hotrodr, Thanks for the feedback. I put Rust Bullet on the frame. I really like that stuff. I power wire wheeled the frame with my small grider first. The real question is will it last. I have done my research on all options and this one seemed to be the best one. I did the same on my 67 Camaro sub frame two years ago.

On your clip, I would recommend that you check to measurements front to back and diagonal. If they are within 1/8 inch your good to go.

Thanks Tom, I'll check the measurements once I pull the sheetmetal. Also, I'll be looking into Rust Bullet.

Originally Posted by resin addict

Here's mine...used a "No Limit Engineering" "Wide Ride" IFS. Easy install, rides great...had it for 2 years now and am really happy with it.

Hey resin addict,
That looks awesone. Is this the original frame with the new IFS, or is the frame new, too?

LOL - was the NLE IFS very spendy?

Original frame, after installing, I sandblasted the entire frame and then had it powdercoated...
Here's a couple more pictures (from nearly 3 years ago )

btw, my recollection was that all the parts including the PS rack and the power disk brake setup (incl. master cylinder and booster and all necessary brackets) cost me somewhere around $2300.

ok, resin addict - your frame looks very nice, and is quite inspiring. I get all caught up in the catalogs when I see brand new stuff, but I am seriously leaning towards keeping the orig frame now. THANK YOU!

I believe that is the original frame, Just the IFS has been added to it....