[willkamrath]

[IMG]29[/IMG] hi everyone my name is will. i have a 29 chevy coach which i just picked up. i am attempting to figure out what to do for a frame under this thing as the frame and body are original. i was hoping to use the original frame it is in pretty decent shape for being 80 years old. after doing a little research i am coming to find that most people suggest s10 frames or custom fab stuff. does anyone know if i can box in this old frame and make it strong enough for a 327? this is really my first major project and i am hoping to get this thing on the road before i worry too much about the body and stuff. also i will be happy to post all the pics you guys want if someone can tell me how to post them on this thing. i am 20 and better with cars than computers. i get as far as the script prompt and dont know where to go from there. thanks any help would be great.

[MARTINSR]

Of course you can use the stock frame. There is NO REASON WHAT SO EVER to swap that frame out! ZERO, they are very strong to begin with.

Any frame swap is simply a "money swap", "time swap" or "work swap". They don't save you money, time or work, they only SWAP money, time or work for different money time or work, PERIOD.

My brother used one of those 28ish Chevy frames under his 22 Buick highboy and it worked like a champ, It has 401 Buick nailhead and runs like a scalded dog.

Boxing, is hardly even needed with a 327 if you aren't going to really pump it up or run slicks or something. That 28 Chevy frame isn't like a 28 Ford frame, it is actually pretty strong.

Brian

[willkamrath]

thanks a ton for your knowledge Brian, i really do wanna use the original stuff as much as i can. i don't plan on running slicks or putting a blower or anything on this car at this time. the top rail of the frame does have some pitting in about a 1 ft section, i am assuming i should just brace that with more steel? would anyone suggest welding in a few more cross members for support or am i just way too worried about this thing? also i have been reading some other threads and guys r saying that a 29 frame build for 100 hp is going to bend up like a pretsel if i put a 300 horse motor in her, any thoughts?

[Cape Cod Bob]

I have a 350 in my 31 framed chevy. I also had a section that was pitted pretty bad. I cut that out, it was on the top rail and made a piece to fit in and it was bent to conform to the side rail of the frame so welded in was strong. I did not box it. The freame is very strong. If they couldn't break them back in the 39's with the roads then I don't think I could today.