chevy frame

[galen220022000]

I have recently purchased a 64 chevy shortbed and after rebuilding the engine I have come to find out that the frame was cut in half and rewelded but don't know why. Maybe was a longbed and the start? who knows. My question is, will I ever be able to sell this truck in the future with this done to the frame or do I need to just scrap it and have someone build me a tubular frame? Any comments please!!

[maxwedge]

Welcome to AF, very general question without seeing the work, this could have been sectioned and repaired for collision reasons or shortened for customizing, this always devalues a vehicle. The quality of the work of course may be the deciding factor.

[bobss396]

It all depends on what your plans are for the truck. It was customary to "piece" together rusted or crash damaged frames years back, I've done more than a few myself.

If the truck is a daily driver and it still tracks straight and looks like a pro job, you're good to go. If you want better than that, choices range from getting another salvage chassis up to a professionally built "hot rod" type chassis.

As for resale, it may have some impact if you're trying to build a really nice clean restored truck. Can you attach pictures of where it was pieced and give us an idea what it looks like?

Bob

[randy78]

if they cut the rails in a Z shaped cut then it will be fine

if they are straight cut then it may not be strong enough to be reliably safe for long

nothing wrong with cutting and welding to shorten a frame so long as it is done properly

building a tube frame will be lots of $$

hope you have a large wallet

you can find a stock short wheelbase frame for cheap

any 64-87 one will work although the wheelbase increased in length by 4.5" in 73 so youll have to shorten anyways




swap body frame mounting brackets from the 64

use the 64 engine mount frame brackets and clutch z bar brackets and so on


i would leave well enough alone if the welding is strong and looks good

there are billlions of longbeds shortened to short bed length out there running around

very common

is done everyday to many trucks

nothing new, has been going on for years and years

[galen220022000]

Thanks so much for all the great advice on my frame. I will try and take some pictures this weekend and post them. Thanks again.

[Blue Bowtie]

If the work was done properly, there should be no concern over integrity. This frame was spliced under the cab to provide swingarm suspension (eliminate the drop axle and front leaf springs), disc brakes, power steering, and a modern engine/trans mounting. It included a 14" overlap and stitch welding only at the holes to prevent annealing: