If I were to buy a 1959 f100 what all would be involved in putting the body on a 1986 f150 frame? The reason I ask is because I really love the 1959 body but I want the benefits of a modern frame (stronger suspension/ lift options) Also if it would work what would you title it as a 1959 or a 1986?

 

The80-97 frames are wider so you will have to fab all new body mounts and probably change the wheelbase which may or may not require frame cutting.

If your looking to swap in 4x4 and lift it swap in a pair of 79 or earlier axles, same 34" frame width just attach the spring hangers and your rolling on the original frame. If you want more rigidity you can box in the frame. Depends on how big you are going and how you are going to use it.

As for registration you will have to check with your local dmv concerning what issues you may have, if you have papers for both it might not be bad.

Scott

 

I am doing something similar right now. I am putting a 1960 F250 on an 1989 F350 4x4 chassis. I just set the cab on it last night. The biggest issue for me is going to be the firewall with having room for the engine. I actually cut out part of the 89 firewall that will most likely weld into the 60, but only time will tell. Going to be running a stroked 460. I will be posting this project on there with what I have done so far, and future progress. Unfortunately heading out of town soon and will be gone for a few weeks. It will be hard not working on it.

 

I know this thread is old but I am really sizing up this project now. So all I would have to do is swap out the 70's axle hangers and bolt them on the 59 frame and then bolt up the axles? Also how hard would it be to put the axles and/or pretty much the whole suspension from a 1995 F350 under the 59 frame? I just want a lifted 59 with more modern heavy duty suspension.

 

The suspension of a 95 F350 is not really much more modern than that of a 59 F100. Just leaf springs and shocks. The big upgrade would be the axles from the F350. The spring mounts on the axles could always be cut off and new ones to match the location and spring size of the F100 frame welded on. You could have a spring shop build up a set of springs as heavy as you want and with as much arch as you want that would fit the frame mounted hangers. And you could rig up stabilizer bars for the front and rear, or just buy something from someone like Hellwig.

But keep in mind that the frame is your limiting factor. A 1 ton suspension under a half ton frame still results in a half ton truck.

 

I was actually doing something similar, with a 1989 F350 chassis, which is almost identical to your 1995. The newer frame is much stronger. The only reason I changed was I did not like how much rust the 88 chassis I had on it, and was about the same as any others I had found. So I just recently picked up a 2001 SuperDuty F350 chassis that I am putting under it. In fact, I just shortened it this past weekend. It would be easiest to put the newer axles under the older frame, but it would not really be better. But, depending on what box you are looking to run, mine is long bed, then you will also need to add some metal to the frame on the back end, because of the distance from rear axle to the back bumper area. Then I am totally reworking the engine mount so not a big deal on my end, but the engine location is going to be tight against the firewall, especially if running a big block. The cab is much closer to the front axle on the old style trucks, and the motor is further back on the newer chassis.

So I would say if you plan on more street use of the truck, you would be find with the stock frame and installing the axles. The steering is the hardest part to make sure it is strong and safe. If you are planning off road type use, then the newer frame would be better.

 

I have a wrecked 63 ford f100 with a small block 302 swap and swapped torino subframe. Any ideas of what I would need to do to mount the '63 body to '60 frame. I know I'll have to swap the sub frame to hold the 302 again. I just need helpful ideas or opinions. I found a 1960 f100 shorted frame for 200 that's why I'm curious