IFS or front clip for 1953 C-cab pick up

[jnewkirk77]

Mike,

Having owned a number of Volares, Aspens and their later descendants (Diplomat/Fifth Avenue, etc.), I'd steer clear of that route, but that's just me. Now that the newest of those is well past the 20-year-old mark, the inherent weaknesses in the K-frames (crossmembers), which were weak to begin with, would only be magnified now. That is, of course, unless you can get really lucky and find an '88-89 police package Diplomat or Gran Fury to use as a donor (look for the AHB code on the underhood tag). Those have a beefed-up K-frame which is much, much stronger. Had I known that part was in existence in 1996, I might still have my '78 Diplomat sedan, which was a decent car except for the fact that it simply couldn't hold an alignment, thanks to a flimsy K-frame.

The Dakota is an interesting idea, and a good one, as parts are fairly plentiful and they do seem to be pretty sturdy.

Just my 2 cents!

[kmac530]

A Dakota is a great Idea and a good option to the common Chevy S10 chassis swap. The Dakota came with an optional V8 for a number of years and with a 5 speed behind it. That could be cool. They had the 318 and the 360 {5.9} and later I believe the 4.7 aluminum motor which all could be really nice under a Stude. Specially for those who hate Chevys.

[snowy_buffalo]

There was a 56 Transtar for sale on Roseburg Oregon Craigslist not long ago that had been done on a 1996 I believe Dakota chassis. He kept the V6 and tranny also and just put the Stude metal over it. Said it was done by someone in the Seattle area some years before. Looked very well done and the present owner claimed you could drive it all day long at 100MPH??

[studegary]

The last two Studebaker pickups that I owned had front clip exchanges. They were both GM (Camaro and Trans Am). This gives you coil springs, disc brakes, etc. One was a 400 V8 and the other was a 350 V8. The rear ends were also changed to match. The pickups were like driving a long wheelbase Camaro.

I would not consider a Volare type front clip.

[TDITS]

I have a 72 nova front clip under my 51 c cab. It was done about 15 years ago when there not many other options. If I was to do it today I would look hard and long at one of the mustang ll kits that have been engineered for the stude frame. I've seen a couple of s-10 frame swaps, and to my eyes they are too narrow. That can be altered with a different rear end and different back spacing on the front rims. If you want to go with a whole frame swap the Dakota would be where I would look.

[Dan White]

Mike I think their reputation speaks for itself. They have been at this a long time and their products are well regarded. If you are asking is the handling and ride better, not sure about the ride but handling yes. We are comparing Corvette parts to a Dakota and S10 pickup among others, nuff said.

[jimmijim8]

s 10's were made into 2003. I've got an 01. If you could put a Stude truck on a semi newer 95 up s 10 you would think you were riding very comfortably. do the whole frame swap or rebuild what ya got and let it go. cheers jimmijim

Mike

Why stop at a front clip. I was at a car show yesterday with with a fellow that dropped a 52 on an S-10 frame and you'll not see a nicer conversion. However, he said that right after he started the conversion, a friend of his told him that a late model Dodge Dakota frame was made for the swap and gives you a nice suspension and R&P steering. He looked into the swap and said he wished he had gone with the Dodge. That way you have completely come into the 2000's. Just a thought.

Bob

[mike super]

Dan.....I own a Corvette....so you do not have to sell me on the handling. But they started handling far better with the introduction of the C-5 with trans axle. Note.....with trans axle. I only run 400HP not the 600HP one....but for my money is the best sports car for the money. And you clarifying the comparison to To a complete frame replacement of Dakota or S10.....is most understandable and with out knowing myself would think that would be the case. BUT.....If you compare to the other IFS and Rear independent stuff out there .......the stuff they sell is dated......before the C-5 I believe. I am just commenting not berating here.