Help With 56 Frame
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Help With 56 Frame
I am looking for help to fix up my problem. I have a 1956 ford f100 with a nova front end, but the welds are very slabbed together and was wondering what kind of options to have as for frames, i have a 516 Ford Big block with a C6 transmission. The Rear end is also a GM. I want to know what kind of frames would mount up underneath the body , Doesn't need to be stock, but does need to take a beating with engine, can also deal with a car frame, just needs to mount up underneath.
Any info would be appreciated!
Any info would be appreciated!
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,190
Likes: 4,798
From: Burbank, WA
The best frame will be the an original frame, hands down. They are designed with the proper shape to fit your cab and box, and have the mounts already where you need them. They can be easily modified and strengthened, if necessary, to handle the added torque of your engine. For what you're looking to do, I would strongly consider a good MII front suspension kit, and a 4 link with coilovers in the back.
If you want to use a high hp big block, (or any other engine, for that matter) don't even consider a car frame. They're way too flimsy, and are not intended to be used under a truck. Contrary to popular belief, car frames are not strong at all. They get their strength from being bolted to the body they're designed for. They are simply a rubber mounted suspension hanger. Nothing more.
If you want to use a high hp big block, (or any other engine, for that matter) don't even consider a car frame. They're way too flimsy, and are not intended to be used under a truck. Contrary to popular belief, car frames are not strong at all. They get their strength from being bolted to the body they're designed for. They are simply a rubber mounted suspension hanger. Nothing more.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Mine has already been chopped and welded to many times, it looks like one giant blob Plus the frame is all original Except the front- from the springs to the radiator is all a chevy nova/malibu and (cannot be saved/ cancer is inside the frame where the crack has started) my body is already bouying where the bed and cab meet thats why i ask if their is any other year that will fit under the 56. I'm having no luck finding a 56 frame, plus i need a new gear box/ steering underneath thats why im looking for a frame/ steering.
Also i had to weld my own engine mounts to the frame- they work but are also contributing to the cracking- the engine that used to be in there is a 302 small block. Also dont worry i installed big block springs.
Also i had to weld my own engine mounts to the frame- they work but are also contributing to the cracking- the engine that used to be in there is a 302 small block. Also dont worry i installed big block springs.
Hotshot
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 16,190
Likes: 4,798
From: Burbank, WA
53-56 frames are essentially all the same, and will work for your purposes. Keep looking and find another original frame. There's a ton of them out there, and you can usually find them cheap, too. If you follow my suggestions, I promise all your troubles will go away.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
Will anything older or newer work , Just Curious, im trying to keep original but the problem i have is i also need a new gear box/or a rack and pinion<-- which is better by the way? Along with the frame - the closest one i found is a 1951 roller frame.
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,661
Likes: 23
There are other frames out there that can work, but one of the biggest problems is the kickup over the rear axle. On a '56 it's pretty flat back there, on newer frames there is a lot, which results in the bed either being higher or loosing a couple inches inside. You also have the problem of where the engine mounts, a lot of chassis swaps also have the firewall notched out, and on a big engine it might make it down right uncomfortable to drive (sometimes goes as far as to push the gas pedal to the left)
After researching the crap out of swapping out a chassis on my truck and talking to a few people who had done it as well as just swapped parts, swapping parts is by far easier.
Food for thought, the larger truck frames are a lot thicker and bigger dimensions and its fairly easy to find an old beaten down truck on one of these. 1/4" of steel doesn't really rust the same, lol.
After researching the crap out of swapping out a chassis on my truck and talking to a few people who had done it as well as just swapped parts, swapping parts is by far easier.
Food for thought, the larger truck frames are a lot thicker and bigger dimensions and its fairly easy to find an old beaten down truck on one of these. 1/4" of steel doesn't really rust the same, lol.
Thread Starter
|
Freshman User
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 0
I'm just pro to this, I wana salvage the frame but its seen better days. Plus I have a huge issue with steering... Of mounting the gear box to the frame plus I need a new pump.
Trending Topics
Lead Driver
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,094
Likes: 654
From: Brentwood, TN
FTE Stories
Ford Trucks for Ford Truck Enthusiasts
3 Best / 3 Worst Parts of Modern Ford Ownership
Brett Foote
10 Amazing Upgrades That Solve Common Ford Truck Owner Headaches
Pouria Savadkouei
Every 2026 Ford Engine Explained
Brett Foote
10 Ugly Ford Trucks That We Still Kinda Love
Joe Kucinski
10 Things Every Truck Owner NEEDS (2026 Edition)
Michael S. Palmer
Rezvani's Latest Post-Apocalyptic Monster Is a Ford F-150 Raptor Underneath
Verdad Gallardo
Top 10 Most Expensive Ford Trucks Ever Sold on Bring a Trailer
Joe Kucinski
2027 Ford Super Duty Buyer's Guide (Every Model, Engine, & Package)
Brett Foote
Top 10 Ford Truck Tragedies
Joe Kucinski
Posting Guru
Joined: May 2010
Posts: 2,068
Likes: 7
From: Moyie, BC Canada
Here is a good place to start for aftermarket frames for the old classics
Art Morrison Enterprises - 1953-1962 Corvette A
Art Morrison Enterprises - 1953-1962 Corvette A
Cargo Master
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 2,661
Likes: 23
Yeah those guys make frames to turn basically anything into a corvette, ha.
Might not need as much as you think. If you post a few pictures of it someone might know an easy fix for you. Gets rid of the guess work when you can have a bunch of people look at it.
I have seen a few '56 frames go on sale often enough if you just want to replace the whole thing. Might try the HAMB or watch craigslist.
Might not need as much as you think. If you post a few pictures of it someone might know an easy fix for you. Gets rid of the guess work when you can have a bunch of people look at it.
I have seen a few '56 frames go on sale often enough if you just want to replace the whole thing. Might try the HAMB or watch craigslist.
Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,373
Likes: 6
From: Moore (or less), OK.
Hokey A$$ Message Board, part of the Jalopy Journal. I have found some people there to be helpful and others to be not so friendly to newcomers. Part of how the receive you depends on how they perceive you. I think a lot depends on the time of the month or phase of the moon or something like that.