1962 chevy stepside

[Ed Parson]

I would like to replace the frame with a newer vehicle frame so that i can have disk brakes as well as newer suspension. Is this possible and if so what newer vehicle can i use.
 

[John A.]

Ed, You can But it will tale a lot of work!! Your 62 frame is allready set up to the right length not needing any cutting into and welding back together,
OK your front end can be up dated with late model GM 2x4 front end spindles, if you want a 5 bolt pattern wheel . There are 6 bolt ones available to keep your truck still looking stock but have disk brakes just under the surface.
The rear end can be up dated too If you want, But it will work just fine with shoe brakes on the rear.
The trailing arms and panard bar system that the early 60s chevys had, has worked well for over 40 yrs, I would leave it if at all possible!
You didn't say what your overall direction of your truck is. So it is hard to say what you should do, or what parts to use. I was raised on a 66 Chevy SNB pickup, I prefer the total stock look. Ready to still work or run like a Bat-Out- of-H3ll! Not the truck body now sitting on a car frame that will never do any work again!
A neighbor of mine put a 66 SNB on a 86 chevy SNB 4x4 frame it works well and looks good, BUT, the frame is about 2 to 3 inches too long. It needs to be split and rewelded back to a shorter length to make the truck look right. He needs to get the distance between the bed and cab correct. That is why I do not advocate changing frames. Try to update where you can and use it if it is still good, not sprung, twisted, been wrecked, etc, etc, etc.
Hope this helps,
Later,
John A.
 

[ericlb]

i dont know why you want to change my "62 was the smoothest riding truck ive ever owned, front torsion bar suspension and rear coil springs you could run over a curb and barely feel it, it wasnt much for hauling though anything more than 500 lbs sent the bumper to the ground in a hurry as mentioned you can install front disc brakes on your existing truck chassis, you will have to change the mastercylinder also and install a poportioning valve , if your just using it for a driver, its hard to beat the factory setup
 

[aggie jon]

A late 70s/80s fullsize blazer frame will work and be very close to the proper length. However, unless you want to upgrade to 4x4, a 350 motor, or other things you cannot do with the stock frame, I"m with the other guys, leave her alone.