Buildings, businesses, governments, and custom classic trucks all have one thing in common: a solid, sturdy, quality foundation. In the classic truck world, the foundation comes in the form of a stout chassis. Even though stock chassis work, in today's high society of comfort, control, horsepower, and looks, more enthusiasts are starting from the ground up and building their truck around a new aftermarket chassis. With the purchase of a new chassis, one is automatically equipped with disc brakes, IFS, power steering, enhanced geometry, and a multitude of other items found in today's aftermarket.
Being winter, this is the perfect time to tear down your truck and build it from the ground up. To aid you in your quest for the best your ride can be, we've gathered up a handful of aftermarket chassis guys who manufacture direct replacement chassis. Think of it this way, we're here to get you framed! How many times are you gonna hear that in a positive connotation? Exactly, so put your noses to the book and let the studying begin.
1.No Limit Engineering
No Limit Engineering (888/297- 6032, www.nolimit.net) started as a chassis shop in 1984 in Norco, California. Now located in San Bernardino, California, they occupy over 17,000 square feet. With 20-plus years of experience, their chassis are built to be strong, complete units with superb handling.
Frame Info: Depending on the vehicle, chassis are 2x4 or 2x6 main 'rails. All 'rails, crossmembers, and supports are 3/16-inch-thick material. Most chassis feature round-tube substructures for additional bracing and strength. All their chassis include body, bed, core support, motor and transmission, and bumper mounts to make the buildup process as easy as possible. All base chassis include No Limit's Wide Ride IFS.
Applications: '47-54 Chevy, '55-59 Chevy, '48-52 F-1 Ford, '53-56 F-100, and '67-72 Chevy pickups.
Options: Fatbar four-bar IRS High Kick rear rails are available at no extra charge, air-ride, big brakes, air control, fuel tanks, plumbing packages, and custom powdercoating in over 50 colors.
2. Speedway Motors
Speedway Motors (800/979- 0122, www.speedwaymotors.com) has been in business since 1952, and is recognized as one of America's oldest speed shops. Centrally located in Lincoln, Nebraska, Speedway operates from a massive 520,000-square-foot warehouse and manufacturing facility employing stateof- the-art equipment. Their vintage truck frames are regarded for their great value, strength, and long list of standard features.
Frame Info: Speedway's 1935-40 Ford frame assembly features fabricated, fully boxed framerails laser-cut from 11-gauge plate and welded on a jig. The Mustang II front crossmember is TIGwelded for optimum strength and appearance, as is the tubular center crossmember assembly, which incorporates a transmission mount and brake pedal mount and arm. Body mounting nuts are welded in the frame for clean, easy assembly. The frame is set up to accept Mustang II-style independent front suspension components and can accommodate various rear suspension styles.
Applications: '35-40 Ford trucks, '28-31 Ford Model A, '32 Ford, '33-34 Ford, as well as an extended '34 Ford frame assembly to fit Speedway's fiberglass '34 Club Cab pickup body.
Options: Speedway Motors offers everything you need to turn your frame into a rolling chassis, including Mustang II IFS parts, rear suspension kits, rear axles, engine mounts, and brake components.