First time to post. I came into possession of a 60 f100 frame with a 56 body on it. Unknown which other parts belong to which year. I believe the wheel base of both frames is the same and it looks like the combination fits well in most places. Anyone familiar with a combination like this? Any frame experts that can let me know the differences between the two frames and suspensions? The engine is a 292 but the numbers are impossible to see with the engine in the truck. I will probably soon replace the engine with a more modern engine since this one has a dead cylinder and it looks like parts are not as easy to locate as for a newer engine. Any advise would be appreciated. Thanks, Matt

 

Welcome to FTE. It would be very helpful to post pics of the truck for everyone to see what you see...

I'm sure someone will be along soon with info on frames for you.

 

This is the best pic. I have managed to lower the rear since it was taken. Want to lower front soon.

 

Biggest problem can be getting title and registration for the truck. Vehicles of this era (pre uniform VIN) are legally identified by the serial number stamped on the frame, no matter what year or model sheet metal is mounted on it. You need to have a currently transferable title that matches that number to prove ownership and register the truck, otherwise you can be in for a major paperwork hassle and even possible seizure of the truck.

 

Interesting, the front wheel is centered in the wheel well... maybe even a little forward. Whatever, it looks nice! Welcome to the forum!

 

The registration is for a '60 and checks out with the vin on the frame. It was already currently registered so at least I won't go to jail for theft. In my area there are only two types of 56. Half buried in dirt with no paperwork $4,000.00 and up or already fixed up $30,000.00 and way up. I was very happy to get this little Frankenstein. If I can get a baseline understanding of the frame differences I will be in good shape. Thanks for your insight. Matt

 

Looks like someone did a pretty good job of marrying the two. Congratulations on your purchase and welcome to the board.

 

That's the beauty of photography. They are not as centered as they look but not that bad either. I am looking for down and front springs for a 60 front suspension, I think?

 

Numberdummy or the people on the 57-60 forum may be able to give you more info, but as far as I know there was very little difference in the 53-60 frames. You could go here and compare the measurements to your frame:
http://www.clubfte.com/users/earl/Re...%20Information

 

That truck looks like Johnny Cash's Cadillac...56 cab, 53 grille with a 56 emblem, 60 bumper, 55 hood emblem, etc. The real issue with this truck, since you mentioned that you are lowering it, is the WIDE front suspension. The wheels on it have maximum positive offset and still the edge of the tire is just below the fender opening...if you drop the body then I am afraid you will be hitting the tire on the fender, especially in a turn. We have had many discussions on this forum about Crown Vic IFSs and why they will work for later F100s (as shown in your 60 chassis pic) and not so well for the early 53-56 F100s.

 

The couple of mid fifties f100 trucks I had, had the vin plate screwed to the cab in the drivers door jamb

 

Just to clarify: VIN # is a standardized 17 digit Vehicle Identification Number that follows an international standard established in 1981. Before that each manufacturer used their own unique serial # system that was stamped on the chassis somewhere that was the legal identifier for the vehicle. Sometimes an jdentification plate was added to the vehicle in a more visible location, i.e. inside glove box door, on door post, etc. for convenience. Since the body, glove box door, plate itself, etc was removable and/or easily reproduced (they sell them online and at most swap meets), it is is NOT considered a LEGAL identifier even if the serial # appears on the plate. The FEDs are pushing states to be more diligent in looking for people laundering titles so they are closely checking for the stamped chassis serial #.