1957 Olds 98 chassis swap - any suggestions?

[blood sweat and oil]

I want to put my '57 98 4 door body on a different frame that is more modern.Has anybody here done this and what did you use as a donor car? How about a 4x4 frame?I'm open to that too.

[59-59-59]

Originally Posted by blood sweat and oil

How about a 4x4 frame?

I needed a good laugh today and that was it.. Anyway why do you want to convert to a more modern frame anyway? Is it to use disc brakes in the front? Somebody already sells the kit. Do you want to convert to a more modern engine? Or does your frame look like swiss cheese from the rust and rot on it?

[joe_padavano]

I would have to agree. Getting a later model chassis to fit your body will be much more work than adding disk brakes to your current frame.

[Oldsguy]

Or just using the front clip from a later A body car, people have done that and get the whole package, suspension, engine w/mount, steering, etc. There is a 1947 Olds Model 76 Slantback with a front clip from a Cutlass or maybe a Buick, it has a 455 transplanted with all the suspension goodies. If you want to see it go on over to the H.A.M.B. Very sweet car. I think I'll try to find a picture to add here. Ow, sorry, the picture is too big, but here is the link.

[citcapp]

Originally Posted by 59-59-59

I needed a good laugh today and that was it.. Anyway why do you want to convert to a more modern frame anyway? Is it to use disc brakes in the front? Somebody already sells the kit. Do you want to convert to a more modern engine? Or does your frame look like swiss cheese from the rust and rot on it?

I agree with all of the after market parts available today you can do anything you want with the existing frame. I am just about finished with installing a 455 and turbo 400 in my 57 super 88

[blood sweat and oil]

Im not here to amuse you, I asked a straight forward question directed towards those who had done this swap or were considering it.My Olds isn't worth shit other than having good sheet metal,needs everything.If it was a well kept j2car with lots of potential I would feel obligated to restore it as a matter of principal, but it's not.I'm not into the trailer queen scene, more of a rat guy.Sooo... now I'm gonna put it on a put it on a Dodge 4x4 frame with a ford motor, paint it pink,put a plow on the front and drive it all winter in Minnesota just to piss you off Mr. 595959!LOL

[blood sweat and oil]

Thanks, good links and info.I've got a 455/400 ready if I need it but I was checking wheelbase measurements of other cars and it looks like a Cadillac Eldorado 71-79 also has a 126 in wheelbase.(and it's gm with a giganto motor)There must be more to consider such as width,etc. I buy a hundred cars a year,thats how I make money. For me it would be cheaper and make more sense to put my 98 on something else and it's done.

[citcapp]

Originally Posted by blood sweat and oil

I want to put my '57 98 4 door body on a different frame that is more modern.Has anybody here done this and what did you use as a donor car? How about a 4x4 frame?I'm open to that too.

There is another thread in this forum were a guy installed his 57 on a 70's model olds frame. It required lengthing the frame and changing the body mounts. Look and you will find it. The eldo's are front wheel drive and won't work for you.

[Kaline]

I would look at a 1978-96 GM B-Body chassis. I am not sure how close it is to the '57 Olds body, but I have heard of a guy who put a this chassis under a '56 Chevy. Just an idea. I would look for a '94-'96 Caprice 9C1 (police package), as this has the LT1, reinforced frame, 4-wheel disc brakes with ABS, and other goodies. Best of luck.

[Oldsguy]

Now that is a good idea.