What to do for a chassis?
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Freshman User
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 27
Likes: 0
What to do for a chassis?
Hello. I've Been reading a lot on here & I appreciate all the info.
I am looking to buy a panel truck, probably a '53. I am going to make it at least 500hp. I would like to use a 5.4 lighning drivetrain with a Kenny Bell supercharger, or a big block. I would like the 5.4 sc for better mileage, and I like the modular engines a lot. I will also use it as a novelty/tow vehicle for my Body Shop/Golf Cart Dealership. I will tow up to 5,000 lbs. I'm not sure of how to go about the chassis. I could buy a donor lightning, but I think the track width is too wide. I assume I could shorten it and make the wheelbase whatever I want pretty easily. I was also thinking about a Crown Vic or a Ranger Pickup also. The crown vic is only rated to tow 1500 lbs. I was also thinking of modifying the original frame. Any thoughts? Thanks.
I am looking to buy a panel truck, probably a '53. I am going to make it at least 500hp. I would like to use a 5.4 lighning drivetrain with a Kenny Bell supercharger, or a big block. I would like the 5.4 sc for better mileage, and I like the modular engines a lot. I will also use it as a novelty/tow vehicle for my Body Shop/Golf Cart Dealership. I will tow up to 5,000 lbs. I'm not sure of how to go about the chassis. I could buy a donor lightning, but I think the track width is too wide. I assume I could shorten it and make the wheelbase whatever I want pretty easily. I was also thinking about a Crown Vic or a Ranger Pickup also. The crown vic is only rated to tow 1500 lbs. I was also thinking of modifying the original frame. Any thoughts? Thanks.
Laughing Gas
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 879
Likes: 40
From: Colorado Springs /Mesa AZ
Frames
If you haven't checked out new frames, try this: 
http://www.chassisengineeringinc.com/
________________________________
46 Ford Tudor - Street Rod
48 Ford F1 - Darkside
http://www.chassisengineeringinc.com/
________________________________
46 Ford Tudor - Street Rod
48 Ford F1 - Darkside
Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 129
From: Windermere Valley,B.C. Ca
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/3...rer-frame.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...wer-frame.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...0-project.html
1948-52 Ford Truck Frame Swap
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/7...o-67-f100.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-update-2.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...ap-update.html
Cargo Master
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 3,337
Likes: 165
From: Harpswell Maine
Hello. I've Been reading a lot on here & I appreciate all the info.
I am looking to buy a panel truck, probably a '53. I am going to make it at least 500hp. I would like to use a 5.4 lighning drivetrain with a Kenny Bell supercharger, or a big block. I would like the 5.4 sc for better mileage, and I like the modular engines a lot. I will also use it as a novelty/tow vehicle for my Body Shop/Golf Cart Dealership. I will tow up to 5,000 lbs. I'm not sure of how to go about the chassis. I could buy a donor lightning, but I think the track width is too wide. I assume I could shorten it and make the wheelbase whatever I want pretty easily. I was also thinking about a Crown Vic or a Ranger Pickup also. The crown vic is only rated to tow 1500 lbs. I was also thinking of modifying the original frame. Any thoughts? Thanks.
I am looking to buy a panel truck, probably a '53. I am going to make it at least 500hp. I would like to use a 5.4 lighning drivetrain with a Kenny Bell supercharger, or a big block. I would like the 5.4 sc for better mileage, and I like the modular engines a lot. I will also use it as a novelty/tow vehicle for my Body Shop/Golf Cart Dealership. I will tow up to 5,000 lbs. I'm not sure of how to go about the chassis. I could buy a donor lightning, but I think the track width is too wide. I assume I could shorten it and make the wheelbase whatever I want pretty easily. I was also thinking about a Crown Vic or a Ranger Pickup also. The crown vic is only rated to tow 1500 lbs. I was also thinking of modifying the original frame. Any thoughts? Thanks.
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Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,173
Likes: 4,780
From: Burbank, WA
My guess it has to do with the air suspension/auto leveling system they have in the back. My 2004 Marauder has a tow rating of 1500lbs and 150lb tounge weight limit, using an equalizer hitch.
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Cargo Master
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 2,795
Likes: 129
From: Windermere Valley,B.C. Ca
If you think the hijacking was bad……….. you should see old Don out here trying to put his 53 panel body on that town car chassis,(…….good thing it was only an imaginary one!! )
Don; ALL newer frames are too wide, modify the existing one (honest).
Don; ALL newer frames are too wide, modify the existing one (honest).
Mountain Pass
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 234
Likes: 9
From: Tuttle, OK
new chassis
don7070,
I too have contemplated a new chassis (both a stock type aftermarket and a transplant), but realized it would be offset by a major outflow of work (transplant) or cash (aftermarket). My main motivation in choosing to use an aftermarket chassis was the need to overcome my fabrication shortcomings.
TCI (and others) offer a chassis patterned off of original frames, but made with 2X8 tube with K-members. They come with IFS and 4-bar,Currie 9+ rear, power R&P, and power disc brakes. The motor mounts and trans crossmember are already installed for whatever motor and trans you want...very cool (I'm doin' a Lightning 5.4 too!) The only hang-up is the price tag...$10k!!!
http://www.totalcostinvolved.com/pdf/TCI_pg17-18.pdf
If you have the chops, you can buy and install new IFS, 4-bar, new rear-end, disc brake conversion, etc., etc. on a stock frame and save $3-4K easy! Do a Jag or CV swap, and use donor parts, and your savings start snowballing!
No matter what, do what you think is cool, because you'll be the one driving it! A Lightning Panel would be a very cool shop truck!! And a write-off to boot! What could be better? Good luck and welcome to FTE!
I too have contemplated a new chassis (both a stock type aftermarket and a transplant), but realized it would be offset by a major outflow of work (transplant) or cash (aftermarket). My main motivation in choosing to use an aftermarket chassis was the need to overcome my fabrication shortcomings.
TCI (and others) offer a chassis patterned off of original frames, but made with 2X8 tube with K-members. They come with IFS and 4-bar,Currie 9+ rear, power R&P, and power disc brakes. The motor mounts and trans crossmember are already installed for whatever motor and trans you want...very cool (I'm doin' a Lightning 5.4 too!) The only hang-up is the price tag...$10k!!!
http://www.totalcostinvolved.com/pdf/TCI_pg17-18.pdf
If you have the chops, you can buy and install new IFS, 4-bar, new rear-end, disc brake conversion, etc., etc. on a stock frame and save $3-4K easy! Do a Jag or CV swap, and use donor parts, and your savings start snowballing!
No matter what, do what you think is cool, because you'll be the one driving it! A Lightning Panel would be a very cool shop truck!! And a write-off to boot! What could be better? Good luck and welcome to FTE!
Laughing Gas
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 1,159
Likes: 28
From: manitoba
swapping the complete frame out of a vic won`t work, frame widens out after the front clip and is too wide, cutting the front clip and using the front end does work as long as you have some fabrication and welding skills .