'54 panel frame replacement
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 243
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From: Guadalajara, Mexico
'54 panel frame replacement
Hey group!
I just joined the forum after stumbbling upon it while doin' some fishing for information on my '54 Panel (Julie).
Back in the 50's the police used them down here in Mexico and they were called "Julias" on the street, that's where her name comes from.
I recently realized that the frame might have been swaped, not sure, but goog chance. There's some stretches welded at the front that stick out as wha would be bumper mounts but are not alligned to the original frame, they're more like just "stuck to it".
I'm thinking of doing a frame up restomod, probably into something like an old ambulance, but one of the first concerns I'm bumping into is precisely that "slight" frame issue and I'm thinking of replacing the whole thing.
Any suggestions or dimensions of a newer model thaty maybe I can use?
I'm practically open to anything, even thought of mounting the body on a newer bottom and just keep the looks.
Thanks!
Ed.
I just joined the forum after stumbbling upon it while doin' some fishing for information on my '54 Panel (Julie).
Back in the 50's the police used them down here in Mexico and they were called "Julias" on the street, that's where her name comes from.
I recently realized that the frame might have been swaped, not sure, but goog chance. There's some stretches welded at the front that stick out as wha would be bumper mounts but are not alligned to the original frame, they're more like just "stuck to it".
I'm thinking of doing a frame up restomod, probably into something like an old ambulance, but one of the first concerns I'm bumping into is precisely that "slight" frame issue and I'm thinking of replacing the whole thing.
Any suggestions or dimensions of a newer model thaty maybe I can use?
I'm practically open to anything, even thought of mounting the body on a newer bottom and just keep the looks.
Thanks!
Ed.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,571
Likes: 22
From: Oxford, Indiana
Welcome to the party, Ed! Body swaps are generally frowned on here because of their complexity and extensive level of fab work. It's not a minor job in the least. I don't recall anyone ever asking about doing one on a panel, but I would think that it would be twice as difficult on a panel truck. With a standard pickup, you can finess the cab and bed onto a donor chassis independently and it is almost always necessary to do it that way as nearly all later model frames have considerably more "kick up" over the rear axle that the originals. The vintage frames were almost flat save for a little hump over the axle. The bed floor usually must be raised considerably to accomodate the new frame. That would be tough to do with a panel and would look really odd with the back doors open. I'd look for a replacement original frame. I'm not positive, but I think the panel truck frame is the same as a standard F-100 frame. If it is, then finding a replacement should be relatively easy. They pop up all the time. How about some pictures of your frame and the questionable areas? The group can probably give you a better idea what has been done and how to proceed after seeing it.
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Guadalajara, Mexico
Pics of frame in question
These are some pics I took from the frame and the strange attachment that was made to it. Looks to me like it was cut and then this was added to put the bumper back on. Thinking about not putting a front bumper in and filling up the notches in the body, but that feels risky if I want to take her out on the street. Any ideas are greatly welcome.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 1,011
Likes: 6
From: Dupont, Indiana
Yes someone has added a "clip" from what looks like a late model twin I beam ford truck.
If it were mine, and it's not, I would be looking for an original frame to replace it with. They are the same as 53-56 f-100 short bed pickups. The rear springs are longer on the 55-56 but it won't make a difference in the fit function of the frame. The wheel base is the same. There are also two frame extenders on the rear of the panel frame you will need to retain for the replacement frame.
Good luck and keep posting pictures in your albums, some very good detail shots in there so far.
brian...
If it were mine, and it's not, I would be looking for an original frame to replace it with. They are the same as 53-56 f-100 short bed pickups. The rear springs are longer on the 55-56 but it won't make a difference in the fit function of the frame. The wheel base is the same. There are also two frame extenders on the rear of the panel frame you will need to retain for the replacement frame.
Good luck and keep posting pictures in your albums, some very good detail shots in there so far.
brian...
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As others have said, you should be able to find an original type frame. If you want to update to modern power steering, disk brakes, etc, you could always clip it with a front end from an appropriate sized donor vehicle. There are a series of articles on suspension options for these cars, just look into the old article list if you havent found it already. If you want to go all new, mustang II manufacturers (I think fatman does one) can sell you a front clip that includes the mustang II crossmember as well as the front frame rails that were cut off your truck. There is also this guy who makes a clip for gm components:
http://www.kimbridgeent.com/194856ford.htm
I have no affiliation in either company, I just have been looking into this myself lately. If you don't have welding/fabrication skills, you need to find someone that does if you want to take this kind of approach; I have seen some scary looking welds at shows and I wonder how people made it there safely. Good luck and post pix of your progress.
http://www.kimbridgeent.com/194856ford.htm
I have no affiliation in either company, I just have been looking into this myself lately. If you don't have welding/fabrication skills, you need to find someone that does if you want to take this kind of approach; I have seen some scary looking welds at shows and I wonder how people made it there safely. Good luck and post pix of your progress.
Last edited by sprdave4264; Dec 27, 2010 at 03:26 PM. Reason: couldnt send PM
Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Guadalajara, Mexico
Thanks for the tips and comments. Taking another look at the pics I started asking myself why people do such things, as sprdave mentioned, why make such an ugly "mod" on such a classic?
I'll have to look around outside the sate to see what I can find, as old effies are real hard to find in the area. The next option will probably be saving some big bucks to bring a frame from the US. We'll see what happens there.
BTW, could you shed a little light on what years a Mustang II corresponds to?
thanks,
Ed
I'll have to look around outside the sate to see what I can find, as old effies are real hard to find in the area. The next option will probably be saving some big bucks to bring a frame from the US. We'll see what happens there.
BTW, could you shed a little light on what years a Mustang II corresponds to?
thanks,
Ed
Lead Driver
Joined: Dec 2000
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74-78 in the US
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Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,159
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From: manitoba
any pictures you can post of the rest of the frame? especially behind the engine, near the cab mount, just wondering if someone installed a clip or if they installed a complete frame off a donor vehicle. if its only the frame horns that are butchered it can easily be fixed.
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Thread Starter
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Senior User
Joined: Nov 2010
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From: Guadalajara, Mexico
I'm currently doing some construction work around the truck, will need to move it to continue and I'm also leaving town for a few days. But I'll get some frame pictures taken next week.
Thanks,
Ed
Thanks,
Ed
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