frame swaps
Roast em' if you got 'em
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 22,014
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From: Rio Rancho, NM
Bob,
Not a problem, thanks for setting me straight.
Bobby
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 90
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From: mostly in trouble
I went to a wrecking yard today and did some measuring a several different 70s Fords. This is what i came up width 34" +- 1" depending on the place. The frame width on my '60 is 34" and the frame profiles look similar. 
Here's some pictures of my '60 (aka Abby) and close ups of the screwed up the frame.
abby pictures by jmstrickland3 - Photobucket
Here's some pictures of my '60 (aka Abby) and close ups of the screwed up the frame.
abby pictures by jmstrickland3 - Photobucket
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 90
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From: mostly in trouble
I just remembered, I forgot to tell yall that a previous owner rigged up extra shocks on both front and back axles and to top all that someone rigged c10 chevy helper springs to strengthen the back axle. check out the pictures to see that mess.
Cargo Master
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 2,571
Likes: 22
From: Oxford, Indiana
I checked out your pics and it honestly doesn't look that bad to me. Most of it is stuff that has been added rather than stuff that has been hacked or cut up. It would seem to me that the relatively minor repairs could be done in MUCH less time than a frame swap would take. I think most of the sins could be forgiven in one afternoon with a torch and grinder. Weld up a few extra holes after that and you're back in business. Swapping heavier running gear underneath your existing chassis is a fairly simple proposition as well. If you look through Nathan's build, there's much more to a well done frame swap than there initially appears.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 90
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From: mostly in trouble
Here's the links to the crew cab on a '77 frame. This what got me thinking about putting my '60 on '77-79 frame.
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...my-1960-a.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-cab-pics.html
Here's a '65 on a '79 chassis with a 4bt cummins zf5 np205
4bt in a 65/79 Ford
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...my-1960-a.html
https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/9...-cab-pics.html
Here's a '65 on a '79 chassis with a 4bt cummins zf5 np205
4bt in a 65/79 Ford
Post Fiend
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 5,776
Likes: 2
From: springfield il
yep fordman i was referring to yours . you'll have to forgive me , slightly tired and out of it ............ at least i didn't call it something bad like a c@$y or something ................
had no idea the 4x4's were narrower those year's thanx for the info scott !!! something to keep in mind as i intend too , one of these days go back and " revisit my build / frame swap and get it finished without interference from the other half leading to it's demise !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
had no idea the 4x4's were narrower those year's thanx for the info scott !!! something to keep in mind as i intend too , one of these days go back and " revisit my build / frame swap and get it finished without interference from the other half leading to it's demise !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
old and in the way
Joined: Jul 1997
Posts: 5,923
Likes: 1,052
From: Lovely Hueytown Alabama
someone should take that compilation of Old's and make it a sticky.,.. labeled "frame swaps and turning coal into gold... it can be done " this question comes up at least once a month
later
John
later
John
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 90
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From: mostly in trouble
I checked out your pics and it honestly doesn't look that bad to me. Most of it is stuff that has been added rather than stuff that has been hacked or cut up. It would seem to me that the relatively minor repairs could be done in MUCH less time than a frame swap would take. I think most of the sins could be forgiven in one afternoon with a torch and grinder. Weld up a few extra holes after that and you're back in business. Swapping heavier running gear underneath your existing chassis is a fairly simple proposition as well. If you look through Nathan's build, there's much more to a well done frame swap than there initially appears.
Why go through all the straightening and plating to repair a 50yr old frame that has been abused, and still have arm strong steering, 1/2 ton axles and suspension, and brakes that aren't very good.that would make a really good sticky.
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Junior User
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 90
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From: mostly in trouble
I got some good measurements off of a '78 f150 4x4 wb 133" and a '78 f250 supercab 2wd wb 155". the measurements are encouraging for a swap with the '60. The wheelbase on my '60 is 118", but the longer wheelbase would be great, cause I want to stretch the bed on the '60. I think come February I'll be buying a '77.5-79 f250 4x4 and start fabricating. 
thanks for the input and help.
thanks for the input and help.
I'll have the Roast Duck
Joined: Jul 2002
Posts: 9,622
Likes: 110
From: Northshore, MN
Yeah, sorta. 
It's a 2wd frame, 360 engine, C6, front suspension and wheels, rear springs, no rear end. Free, from a coworker who started cleaning up his father's farmyard. I'm thinking of just cutting off the back 3/4, and make an engine testing stand out of the front. I'm in no hurry though, so I can provide measurements if needed.
It's a 2wd frame, 360 engine, C6, front suspension and wheels, rear springs, no rear end. Free, from a coworker who started cleaning up his father's farmyard. I'm thinking of just cutting off the back 3/4, and make an engine testing stand out of the front. I'm in no hurry though, so I can provide measurements if needed.
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