Hi guys. I have always dreamed of doing a frame up restoration of a 55 Chevy, but unfortunately for me, they aren't getting any cheaper.

I do have a 57 Bel Air 4 door sedan parts car with a good frame.

I was wondering if all of the frames were the same, even if they were from a 2 door or a 4 door car.

If I could set a 55 2 dr body on my 57 4 dr frame, I would go ahead and start on the chassis section of my dream car.

If not, I'll sell it for scrap.

So, surely someone out there knows what interchanges.

Let me know.


Brian

Danchucks has most or all of the parts necessary to convert your 4 door into a 57 2 door convertible. You could probably convert it into a 2 door using some of the convert parts. If memory serves, the frame horns where the front bumper mounts are different between the 5 and 7. If you are going fiberglass body, I think I would go with a more modern frame.
http://www.danchuck.com/

Thanks for the heads up.



Brian

Go for it Brian. The '55 and '56 frame are identical other than a slight shackle change in the rear. The '57 has boxed frame horns and the '55 does not. Not sure of the spacing difference on the frame horns, but it would not be a big deal because bumper bracket spacing would be your only issue. I've also heard that the '57 frame will somehow lower the car compared to the '55/'56 but will still fit. (Maybe a leaf spring mounting change for '57?)
All cars have the same wheelbase.
I am currently building a 2nd "dream chassis" for my '55 to swap out when ready. So I have a '55 2dr sedan and a '57 2dr wagon along with a bare '55 frame in the driveway...let me know if you need any measurements. I would go for it. Bare frames are hit or miss. I paid $50 for this one but have seen them for $600 bare. Stick with a stock frame. The sky is the limit on mods...or you can pay $12k for an aftermarket frame.
Good luck,
Jim