new frames?

[blowedupmotor87]

I was wondering if there are any companies out there that manufacture brand new frames for K5's? I know Matkins Extreme for example makes FJ toyota frames, early Bronco frames, and Jeep frames. I was just wondering if anybody makes new frames for our trucks? Does GM even make replacement frames? I would think they must have back in the day, right? Thanks!

 

[blowedupmotor87]

Anybody?

Seems like GM would've made some. A friend of mine works at a dealership and occaisionally she will do a job where she is bolting everything from a frame damaged truck onto a new frame (when vehicle is reparable but the frame is too damaged). It doesn't seem like a dealership would want to mess with a used frame so, does GM make new ones? Of course, I seriously doubt GM would still make new K5 frames. (Although it would be a cool little thing to know if they used to, I've been wondering about it). But anyways, does anybody aftermarket make them? I've tried searching on Google and come up with nothing but, maybe I didn't look around enough. Thanks!

 

[uao85]

Anybody?

Seems like GM would've made some. A friend of mine works at a dealership and occaisionally she will do a job where she is bolting everything from a frame damaged truck onto a new frame (when vehicle is reparable but the frame is too damaged). It doesn't seem like a dealership would want to mess with a used frame so, does GM make new ones? Of course, I seriously doubt GM would still make new K5 frames. (Although it would be a cool little thing to know if they used to, I've been wondering about it). But anyways, does anybody aftermarket make them? I've tried searching on Google and come up with nothing but, maybe I didn't look around enough. Thanks!

well when the vehicle in question, or a vehicle of the same platform is still being manufactured, it makes it easy to go to a plant and ask for one to be pulled out. But since these older trucks and anything ressembling them are way out of production, the tooling necessary to get one of these frames made is probably non existent, atleast as an oem gm part. I would like to see this done by an aftermarket company. It will be done sooner or later though. Heck the 69 camaro repro body that a couple of companies are offering now make it possible to build an entirely new 69 camaro from the ground up, and there are already repro fiberglass bodies made for the blazer, its only a matter of time before somebody offers a frame of some configuration for a blazer.

On another note, I think it would be incredibly popular for somebody to offer a bolt up boxed frame for a blazer. It seems that people spend quite a bit of money on reinforcing the frames, or even the time and money to box it themselves, this seems much more feasable, or maybe a stock c-channel style frame that is tricked out with dimple die stamps throughout the frame and crossmembers...hmm Alot of options to consider.


Remington

 

[Desert Rat]

I thought Matkins would make a custom frame if asked. I don't know what the cost would be, but it sure would be nice.

 

[dyeager535]

Not sure if they still stock them, but the frame components are listed in the parts manuals. I *think* it was individual, frame rails, crossmembers, etc., not the complete assembly. I'd have to go back and look again though.

Likelihood of GM having any? About 0.

 

[Ten_Bucks]

The last time I was on the Matkins website, they advertised a frame for K5s. I don't know if they still make one, though.

Scott

 

[blowedupmotor87]

Thanks for the replies everybody! Yeah, I didn't figure GM would still make K5 frames but hey, ya never know unless ya ask!

A Matkins frame would be freakin sweet! Back when I had my 69 Bronco, I really wanted a Matkins frame for it. Their website doesn't list a K5 frame but, I'll give them a call after the holidays.

As to a custom frame all together, there are places that will make frame rails to spec (IDK about crossmembers, I think one would have to fab their own). The frame rails would be complete but still, I think that would be too complicated a way to go!

Seems to me that somebody needs to make a good boxed frame for K5's, seems like there would be a market for it! Maybe there's one out there?

 

[jonrpick]

Thanks for the replies everybody! Yeah, I didn't figure GM would still make K5 frames but hey, ya never know unless ya ask!

A Matkins frame would be freakin sweet! Back when I had my 69 Bronco, I really wanted a Matkins frame for it. Their website doesn't list a K5 frame but, I'll give them a call after the holidays.

As to a custom frame all together, there are places that will make frame rails to spec (IDK about crossmembers, I think one would have to fab their own). The frame rails would be complete but still, I think that would be too complicated a way to go!

Seems to me that somebody needs to make a good boxed frame for K5's, seems like there would be a market for it! Maybe there's one out there?

I've wondered the same... especially with the idea of a boxed frame.

What about a tube frame? Anybody seen it done???

 

[Chevy305]

I've seen complete frames in GM Parts direct, but the part number is discontinued...

 

[ryoken]

What about a tube frame? Anybody seen it done???

Theres a guy in here with a tube frame.. can't remember his handle.. big neon green blazer..

 

[jonrpick]

Theres a guy in here with a tube frame.. can't remember his handle.. big neon green blazer..

I'd like to see it. Seems like you'd have a lot more options. Plus you could engineer things like lift (body or otherwise) into the design with better results, less flex, etc...

 

[blowedupmotor87]

Holy old thread dredge Batman!!! Yup, bringing my old thread back from the dead for a new question-

My need to weld back some of my frame that I cut off makes me wonder- can one buy a new OEM frame for a K5???

I know somebody on here was selling one quite some time back but, by the time I saw it, it was already gone. I'd love to know if anybody knows a place that still has one!!! Seems like a rare item but, a new OEM replacemant frame would be AWESOME to find!!! I'd buy one if I could find one!!!

 

[offroadblazer764x4]

You can get a new frame for any vehicle it depends on how well of a fabricator you are and if your not a fabricator you better have deep pockets

 

[blowedupmotor87]

You can get a new frame for any vehicle it depends on how well of a fabricator you are and if your not a fabricator you better have deep pockets

True and true!!! BUT, in this case I am asking about a fully correct OEM frame rather than a fabbed one. Yes it would be possible to fab an exact replacement but, unless one had to for a concours winning full stock restoration on something that no OEM frame was to be found for, seems little point to it to me.

I would love to have my hands on a totally stock brand new frame that I knew for a fact was straight and had all the rivets in all the right places and that I knew every part that I was going to bolt to it would fit on it (also, the whole no rust thing would be nice too!). I don't want to have to fab stuff to fit a frame that I or someone else (likely someone else) has fabbed. Yeah, a fabbed frame would likely be a better (stronger, thicker material, boxed, etc) frame but, an OEM frame would be so simple and convenient!!! (Plus, I can't fab my way out of a wet paper bag yet, LOL!)