Thread: suspension question

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I am currently doing up a 54 chevy bel air (4dr) and am wanting to switch out the frame. I was told to use a 79 elcamino frame but am seeing all this stuff about s-10 frames. My question is will it fit my car, as I have never seen it done? Is there a specific year s-10 that I would need and is there some kit that I would need? Is there a bunch of cutting and welding/manufacturing I would need to do to make it fit or is it almost bolt right on? And lastly what other frames could I us (maybe easier)?

Just curious why you want to change frames. It's a heck of a lot of work. There are suspension kits available for '54. Motor mounts are available for just about any engine you want. However, if it's the expense, you're getting yourself in for a lot of work and modification to make it fit. I've never seen a frame swap that was a bolt on.

Look for a any "G" body frame. Monte Carlo, Buick Regal, Cutlass, etc., 1981 - 88. These are a "car" chassis and you won't have to deal with the "truck" kick-up behind the cab. I would suggest buying a complete, running vehicle. That way your swap is a relatively straight forward body swap and you know what you are dealing with for replacement parts. It's also less likely to nickle and dime you to death like trying to piece something together...
There is also a growing aftermarket for these cars so suspension, engine and driveline upgrades are getting easier.
Mark

The majority of the frame swaps I've seen end up looking like some kind of hack job.... As Jack said, most anything you would ever want is available aftermarket for the factory frame. If it's because the initial cost is less, just keep saving up your $$$$$ to get the good stuff. The end result usually ends up worth the effort...... Got to remember, when you find a donor car and go through all the work of getting things to fit right, you're still driving around with a bunch of worn parts that have been through who knows what kind of pounding and misuse in their previous life!!!!

To each his own I quess... All I was doing was answering the question at hand... A running driving car would get him on the road (after a fashion) and he could replace, rebuild and upgrade the "worn out" stuff as money and time allowed without having to break the bank to replace the original suspensions (which he may not have the tools and skills to do...). Do you?
You need to do some research, figure out what you have to spend and how much work you want to do. Buying the "right" donor car can get you a lot of previously rebuilt or redone stuff so don't buy the very first car you look at. Buy it right and you can get a good deal and save yourself some cash...
Mark

It is a combination of many things why I was looking at switching frames. $$ being a big part, I was told from another guy it was fairly simple with a 79 el camino frame. As for the skill I have very little when it comes to the mechanical, I am more the body type. It takes me longer to throw a sander then a wrench! Big reason to is this is going to be a daily driver and will be setting it up with air bags all around, thought it would be easier with a newer frame.
I am open to all comments that is why I posted. Thanks for all your help and suggestions.