shortened frame on my 1942 Chevy 1/2 Ton

[stu]

I was hoping that someone might tell me where to find an article or maybe give some how to's on shortening my frame on my 1942 Chevy Street Rod Project. In respect to strength, how many inches come off, etc. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance, Elaine (stu)My Projects

[Dave Severson]

Hey Stu, you have some neat projects in there. What frame is your chebbie on, and where are you wanting to shorten it at???

[stu]

Hi Dave,
Thanks for writing. This is the stock frame
This has a mustang II cross member, tubular upper and lower A-arms with airbags, & ford nine inch rear with airbaged four link.
This truck is long box, my husband thinks I should leave it long for the really low look. I think it would be much better as a short box. So I'm trying to find someone that has done this before or knows of any How to's. I know that this is done frequently to 67's to 72's but I believe they have the easier task of taking off the back of the frame for these years. What is your opinion for this early truck.
Thanks for the compliment of the projects. Just picked up the 31 Ford last Fall. Its all original with only 30,000 miles.
Again, Stu:

[BlownGoat]

Stu dont have any advice on the frame but I had to tell you I love the garage, way cool look to it. Very nice projects as well

BG

[Dave Severson]

I guess I am not all that familiar with the chebbie frame. It would seem you could remove a length of rail somewhere between the rear whell kick up and the back of the cab, then put the frame back together with a fishplate on the outside and some boxing on the inside. Maybe someone who is more familiar with your particular frame will have a better answer.

[stu]

Thanks for the coments on the garage and the help with the "chebby frame". My husband won out. We will keep the box on the 42 long. At lease this time. This project means too much to me to try something that complicated right now. And I want to take it to the Back to the 50's in June. So we really need to get moving on it. I have some great ideas for the paint scheme. I took our page and made it an official site........so please check it out and tell me what you think. Spring is coming and the cruisin' is going to start soon.
StuPete's Retro Garage

[Dave Severson]

Hey, stay in touch. We always go to back to the fifties. Maybe we can meet up there. There's a few of us from here make the trip up there every year.

[riverhorse59]

Im impressed. When I grow up I would like to have a shop like that. Anyone want to buy some horses??? Think my new proposed barn might be replaced by a new shop.I like all your rides,too.

[stu]

Now I probably will become a pain with questions and interests. But thanks for making me feel welcome. And thanks for the compliments on the garage. My husband said it was to be a tiny shed!
Anyway, we always hit the Back to the 50's. It's a blast. And the cruise nights are great. Like I said, hopefully the 42 will make it. We are now getting nice weather and hitting the work hard. But not to hard not to have fun.

stu

[chevy 37]

Stu You have some great looking projects but my favorite is that nice looking 31 Ford truck. It really looks in great shape. Whats your plans for that?

[stu]

Hi, That is a great truck. We were pleased to find it. For now we thought we would leave the patina and most original but change over the chassis to a Pete & Jakes. Give it a new heart beat. Drive it and enjoy it.
Stu