Im looking to do a chassis swap on a 1948-1950 model truck. Does anyone have a link to measurements of the f1 to f8 body (or track width) on the models? Or did Ford use the same cab/hood/fenders for all their weight classes? Im trying to figure out what kind of track width I should be looking for on the replacement chassis. Thanks for any advice/opinions

 

Why a chassis change, the original chassis can be updated easily. We get a LOT of guys come here looking to do frame swaps, some turn out pretty good, but you must first answer a few questions.
1 Do you have a fully equipped shop?
2 Do you have extensive welding and fabrication skills and experience?
3 Do you have an unlimited bank account?
Of all the folks that attempt frame swaps on these old trucks, less than 5% are ever completed, unless you can answer Yes to at least 2 of the above, reconsider your ideas.
Show us pictures of the truck you have and tell us WHY a frame swap is necessary.

 

I am about to start putting a '49 on a GMC Canyon frame ,the track width is very close and I can easily deal with the length .

 

Well I'm not positive a frame swap is totally necessary but at this point in doing research it seems like the best route. If I can find a suitable chassis with an appropriate front track width. A buddy and I are starting a food truck and initially intended on building it on the back of my 1950 Chevrolet 6500. We would build an enclosure on the 16ft flatbed and mount the kitchen equipment inside. But after doing an inventory of the requirements to make this work its starting to make more sense to do a chassis swap. The list of necessary upgrades looks like this

1. Engine (Purchased a rebuilt 8.1 vortec with ECM, wire harness, etc)
2. Transmission (Purchased Allison 1000 with TCM/torque converter)
3. Brakes- Probably need to upgrade to large discs all around (so far have been unable to find conversion kit for 1950 Chevrolet 6500)
4. Wheels tires- 10 Lug split rims on rear, 5 lug on front. Rear has some tire rot
5. Electrical- need to upgrade from 6volt to 12 volt

Other than these problems I assume were going to need to do some suspension work and possibly the swap the rear end gears to something lower to allow for better highway driving (truck tops out at 51 as is). All this and we need a payload capacity of around 7000 lbs (including enclosure).

SO. A suitable, affordable and abundant chassis donor I found was a 2005-2015 Chevrolet Express Cutaway 3500 (Think used Penske truck). They have a 12300lb GVWR, 14 inch disc brakes all around, ABS, a 6.0 vortec with a 6L90 6speed trans, 3.73 rear gears and replacement parts are 10x easier to find than 1950 6500 parts. And they're pretty affordable. Only problem is the Express front track width is about 6 inches too wide for my 6500. So I'm investigating different (wider) classic truck bodies to use. Or late model vehicle with more narrow chassis. Hence the post asking about f series measurements.

So to answer your question I have zero of the 3 things you mentioned. But we do have a fair budget to spend on either upgrades to a Classic or on a frame swap. Based on what you've read which do you think is a better option?

 

That'll be sweet. Love this that body style.

 

Based upon what you are planning Joe's caution seems entirely appropriate. The frames on these old trucks are very well built with rivets that do an excellent job of holding dimensional integrity after many, many years of use and sometimes abuse. The term "they don't build 'em like that anymore" is entirely appropriate. You will be trading a very strong frame that fits all your body components for one of lesser quality that will require major structural changes, some of which may not improve the strength.

There are so many great aftermarket parts available out there that can really improve your truck. And a search of this forum will reveal many build threads that guys have even installed independent front and rear suspensions on these frames. There are even kits available that are engineered to fit and improve the ride and handling.

And as for powertrains the flathead V8 was built in such large quantities and has been used in so many hot rods for so long that improving it's performance is not difficult. And adapter kits are readily available so you can mate it to very modern transmissions, manual and automatics.

It all depends upon your budget, skills and vision as Joe said. But your chances of completing your truck project is much higher modifying what you have.

 

I'm confused, you seem to already have an old chevy that you want to do, so why come to a site for help?

 

The F7-F8 "big Job" trucks had a wider track and wider fenders...as did the COE's. Not sure how much wider.

I used an '89 chev 3500 chassis under my '51 COE, only because I had no OE frame. It is not a task for the faint of heart. Nothing fits as it should. Everything had to be modified.....cab mounts, steering, pedals, etc, etc.
I have considerable fab skills and a fully equipped shop and still it took 3+ years of fairly steady work to finish.

Much simpler to buy a food truck already done IMO...

 

I have a 1946 Ford Pick up With bad frame, I have a 1999 s-10 with good frame also a 1951 plymouth suburban frame excellent was going to sell body seperate. will either of these frame work on the 46 ford with out to many modifications. researching first. will one of these fit

 

What is wrong with the original frame? They are pretty sturdy and easy to fix, with or without welding.

 

No, there is no frame better than the original one (or a replacement used one, they are out there).
You can also purchase a new frame with the required modifications already made, ... big dollars. Google is your friend.
You are posting to a three year old thread, you will get more attention by posting a new thread.