So im considering putting my 55 on a more modern frame. I figure newer frame would be stronger ( boxed), easier to instal, small block V8 (302) and have better suspension. Is there a particular frame that mAkes for th eeasiest conversion? Bronco, early 70s F100 shortbed, other?
Anyone here done this before and want to point me in the right direction?

 

Your figuring is incorrect. The easiest and best way to build your truck is to utilize the existing frame, and upgrade the suspension (if that is your desire) with one of the many aftermarket kits designed for that purpose. No other frame has the correct size, shape, and body locations found on your original. While it sounds real easy in your mind, frame swaps are frought with perils you can't even imagine. 99.9% of the people who try it end up with scrap or unsafe, undesirable and unsaleable hacked up crap. The "right direction" is to not even go there.

 

Exactly as Merc says. I tried that many years ago with a 51 f100 on a Cherokee Chief frame. It took an untold amount of fabricating and headaches regardless of how easy it seemed going into the project. I did get it finished but it took a really long time and I will never do it again.

 

as they said a frame swap is not for the feint of heart or for one that is easily discouraged . tried it myself and updating the oe is by far the best way unless you have the desire to be different in the extremities . do a search for frame swaps , where i and many others have posted , or the username houghda for his 56 , and there is another fella on here that has accomplished the same thing as houghda , or theres dave boley's little red wagon 53 , or look up mytbtrck aka larry for something in a simialar vein , but using the entire drive line and suspension from a 95 bird in his bonus built . there is a wealth of knowledge both good and bad on here , but beware as it can inspire you to lunacy and unfinished projects . in which case you'll fit right in here as we all seem to have P.A.D.D too varying degree's here 'bouts on our lil' corner of the inter-verse ..................

 

This is one of the hottest topics on this forum.
Anyone who thinks a frame swap is the easier way to go has never attempted it and/or experienced all the headaches. You have been warned!

Our trucks are not model A coupes, The frames are plenty strong, don't need boxing except to give mounting area for IFS install (and don't NEED IFS as as the beam axle and suspension can be made to ride and handle quite satisfactorily) The 302 install in the stock frame is very easy, especially with the OEM axle.

 

Thanks for all the feedback. Frame swap is no longer part of the plan!

 

good . more than a few of us on here have the ghosts of swaps past haunting us yet ........................

 

It is much easier and painless to use the original frame and update it. I'm doing same to my 49 with the original frame and it is way more enjoyable having readily available parts and goodies that are engineered, and, sold through many reputable sources with suppliers that know what they are talking about...most of the time. As before, I mentioned that I 'Did' the frame swap deal. I'm looking forward to your progress.

 

what kind of "upgrades" are you looking for ???smoother ride ?more power ??guess that mean's your one of them"darksider's" !EH ??...good your on the right track ..and neet that so many here are willing to say I did that and it doesn't work !!..what's wrong with your truck right now?

 

So Vinny,
What did you do with Sherm1 & Sherm2? Did you keep the Ranger & the F150 & move up to a 55? Any pics of your new project?

Ben in Austin
1950 F1 (351W/AOD)

 

A few years ago, I cut back the number of vehicles I owned. Unfortunately (or maybe not ) I am on the upswing again.

Besides my 2000 Excursion, I have a "shop truck" for running for parts and stuff. This is a long bed 76 F100 with 6 cylinder and 3 on tree.

The 55 is something I've wanted for a long time, and now that I have it, I'll have to figure out what I want to do with it. I'm going V8 and C4 transmission. Other than that, for now plan is to try and stay close to stock. But seeing how much can be done and knowing my style, I wouldn't be surprised if I wind up with something more hot rod than stock...

Here is the 55


Here is the shop truck:

 

Nice shape ..maybe a overdrive trans..??

 

You guys in the dry SW have it made with rustout free sheet metal to start a build with. Actually, my panel came from NM and is rust free, I highly recommend paying the shipping to have one shipped east, it will be cheaper in the long run in both time and patch panels.

 

No, no, no! Nothing but crap out here! I recommend you all look up in North Dakota, Wyoming, etc.

 

saving the good stuff are you Ross??