Anybody put a Willys body on a Chevy frame?

claybobcustoms

Bigger Hammer
Apr 26, 2010
49
Paragould, AR
Willys Model
Willys Year:
My original plans were to use the willys frame but let's face it, it's kinda flimsy for a radical trail rig like what I've got in mind. I've sourced a 70 something chevy 1 ton that's all there, the ton axles I need t-case, TH400 tranny, and a 350. What do I have to look forward to when it comes to putting my body on this frame? One bonus is the fact that I don't intend to use the Willys bed, so just the cab and front clip. The rear will get some sort of tube/flat bed contraption.
 
Clay,I used a frame from a 77 chevy 1/2 ton pu,had to cut the frame under the cab and take a piece of straight frame farther back to make it flat under the Willys cab and build a "z" behind the cab(as the Willys Floor is flat unlike the chevy cab).The track width is a little wider but looks good,had to slide the engine back a couple inches,over all not a bad job,any questions give me a shout,I'll help what I can,one ton running gear should work out super,keep us informed on how your build goes,.......Jim
 
Going this afternoon to get the chevy. Gonna hafta have a chainsaw and lot's of wasp spray, and hopefully there's no snakes residing inside it. Wish me luck!
 
dozerjim said:
Clay,I used a frame from a 77 chevy 1/2 ton pu,had to cut the frame under the cab and take a piece of straight frame farther back to make it flat under the Willys cab and build a "z" behind the cab(as the Willys Floor is flat unlike the chevy cab).The track width is a little wider but looks good,had to slide the engine back a couple inches,over all not a bad job,any questions give me a shout,I'll help what I can,one ton running gear should work out super,keep us informed on how your build goes,.......Jim

Jim, any chance of seeing any pics???
 
Clay,If I knew how to do all that tech stuff like sending pictures I would help you out,it takes me forever to just type a note,best I can do is mail(don't laugh) pictures or sketches,something about teaching an old dog new tricks......Jim
 
Jim you sound like me, lol. I got my truck home today, the bed is already off of it and it doesnt look like it'll be a real big deal to do this. The only thing that i'm really concerned with now is the wheelbase difference. Kinda lookin like I may hafta bob the the frame and move my back wheels forward some to keep from being way too long.
 
Clay,your right, you do have to shorten the wheel base,can't remember how much.You will need to cut the frame under the cab and use a piece of straight frame that will come from the shortening process to make the frame straight under the cab,next the cab needs to be mocked into the right position on the frame(need lots of blocking),now youcan figure out where to position the "z"behind the cab to get frame on the back end to line up.I chose not to use the original pu box as it would set to high because of the thickness of the chevy frame,I made a wood stake body..Apparently there weren't any snakes,uh?......Jim
 
Surprisingly there werent any snakes or wasps at all. Just about a million ants and I did get a few chigger bites on my ankles, but it was definately worth it to get a free truck!
 
Hello Clay. I am currently working on a 1957 Willys Pickup/Chevy Chassis Conversion Project. I did some research on the Net and found that a Chevy Short Bed, Regular Cab 4X4 has the same wheel base as the Willys Pickup. I also found that an 87 Chevy was the last year for a straight front axle and the first year for a fuel injected 350. Check out my build at: http://www.cardomain.com/ride/3805815/1 ... lys-pickup My project is going pretty smooth with no major problems. Good luck with your build. John
 
I am currently working on a 47 willys to a 4x4 chevy frame. I am wondering if anyone out there has done something like this. Dont have a big garage so doing alot of man power. I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions for me. I just started. Currently have the body sitting on the frame. Looking for advice on steering colum placement and hook up. And if anyone needed to do any frame adjustments? Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance
 
My original plans were to use the willys frame but let's face it, it's kinda flimsy for a radical trail rig like what I've got in mind. I've sourced a 70 something chevy 1 ton that's all there, the ton axles I need t-case, TH400 tranny, and a 350. What do I have to look forward to when it comes to putting my body on this frame? One bonus is the fact that I don't intend to use the Willys bed, so just the cab and front clip. The rear will get some sort of tube/flat bed contraption.
Hi there, I used a 1979 K5 Blazer frame. Still got a ways to go. Using the 1979 350 driveline as well but I have a new LSx on standby if all goes well.
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Looking at the pictures, it seems the bed fenders are going to be relocated. Am I correct?
 
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