S10 Frame lengthening or shortening

[merlemay1949]

Hi:

Started a project on an S10 frame and not quite there yet. Working on the cab and saving all the wiring i can for now. Putting a 1929 Plymouth body on the S10 frame and not sure yet about lengthening or shortening the frame to get wheels in place. However looking at it at the front I am sure the motor has to go back to allow the front grill and rad to sit between the fenders like the car was originally. The motor mounts have to be fabricated because they have to be back I am assuming really fast about 6 inches. Starting out on a shoe string budget and had the S10 4 cylinder 5 speed an want to put it in to get me mobile enough to be able to move it around because at my brothers garage and about 40 miles from here. Anyone figure out the motor mounts if can be off the shelf or do I have to fabricate something. Expecting the latter on this one. The S10 is a regular S10 but long box (wheelbase about 108") works now but to go ahead wheels line up but the rad etc will not line up. Steering box also a dilemma and assuming can reposition it (manual) or get a rack and pinion steering and weld it in. Have to get this thing semi done now before the snow flies as will have to leave it over winter but if it is mobile enough can get it into the garage off and on. Winter comes early in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada so trying to get this thing figured out soon. Saw an article on cutting the frame and will have a better look in next day or two once everything is off the S10 frame and then will put the frame and body side by side and get at it for real. Pictures greatly appreciated if anyone has done it or can email me.

Thanks and this is a truly great site.

 

[Gastrick]

Welcome to RRR merlemay1949.

You may want to post your chassis question in the chassis/suspension section so that folks will know you have a question. Here's a link to that section..http://www.ratrodsrule.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=23

It appears that you have realized the perils of using an S-10 chassis in a 20's/30's era car. The chassis design from the firewall forward just does not lend itself well for this swap. In the long run, it's probably a lot easier to just fabricate a new front frame section for all of the reasons that you have already stated. The physical lengthening or shortening of the frame is simple enough, it's just the geometry of the entire front section that that is wrong and has to be reconfigured. That can be difficult and in many cases, the result is unsightly.

Again, welcome and good luck with your project.

 

[Ratcrazy]

Welcome merlemay1949 to RRR. Be sure to post pictures of your build to let the world see how it is progressing.

Great bunch of folks in this forum and always willing to help with info. Share your knowledge also.

Good luck.

 

[fuzz]

Welcome Merlemay1949....post your frame question in the section Gastrick told u about and we'll try to help you. I built my rod on an s10 frame and will post some pictures for you.

 

[sixtall]

Welcome to the club, Merlemay. I grew up an hour and a half west of the Nickle City. Hope to see some pix of that Plymouth.

 

[buckeyedon]

Welcome to RRR. Sounds like a nice project. Any pics?

 

[Grumpyoldman]

Hey merlemay,

Is your 29 a 4dr, sedan'd? If so I have the same car. I've been trying to figure our how to put a slant six under my hood. But there ain't a whole hell of alotta room under there.

What I have now is 29" across the frame rails, 29" from radiator to firewall & 32" from hood to steering linkage.

I'm just going to box the frame rails.

Good Luck on your "29".

 

[Bonehead]

Welcome to the site. As far as your questions go, You can do anything. The front end may take a lot of work. Adjusting the frame is pretty easy. Just make sure the frame is welded back correctly, and fish plated.