Hi All,
Looking for info on an updated frame that will fit a 59. I'm considering a 90's caprice. Have not done the numbers yet. Just thought I'd ask the question to anyone who has done something similiar.
Thanks

Hey there,

I own a 60 and have been thinking about the same issue - I even bought the 93 Caprice Police car to make the swap. Here's what I can tell you -

The Elky has the old "X" style frame, which allows a lot of flex and the torque robbing split drive shaft. The Caprice has a more modern ladder type frame which is not even remotely close to fitting under your Elky. It is about four inches shorter than the 59 and has side rails where the 59 has none. It would be easier in my opinion to change over the floor from the Caprice with the frame - but then you still have to lenghten the Caprice frame. The alternative would be to channel the rocker area of the 59 to bury the frame rails of the Caprice frame into - it's a 50/50 shot, and both are way labor intensive.

I am going to cut off the suspension and all mounts from the Caprice, including the steering box and modify the 60 frame to accept the more modern components. Aftermarket parts are readily available for the SS Impala which is the same car as the Caprice Police. I will also rework the X-brace to accept the single drive shaft, but that will take some major modifications to the 60 frame.

None of the solutions here are easy or quick. If you come up with an alternative, let me know.

Dan

Hi Dan
After research all weekend I came to the same conclusion as you. Not only is the X frame an odd ball, it's a tough match by the wheel base length. I pulled out an old Issue of Super Cars and found a 59 biscayne build that did the same thing your planning. I decided I'm going to keep the X frame and modify to except new components.
Thanks for the reply.

Just an FYI - if you are going to look for Caprice suspension parts - look for a Police car, or an SS Impala (but I think you will pay through the nose for SS parts). They suspension is beefier, sway bars are bigger and the brake discs are huge (13" in front) - and some have 4 wheel discs.

You can find whole cars for little at police auction. I went partners with a guy and we picked up a running police car for $100. He took the nose and drive train, I took the frame and suspension - not a bad deal.

Good luck with it.

Dan

I have a 59 and have been stalling what to do with mine. have either one of you jumed on this swap yet?

I have a 59 and have been stalling what to do with mine. have either one of you jumed on this swap yet?