'89 conversion to a '63
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Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Saskatchewan, Canada
'89 conversion to a '63
I am going to buy a 1989 F-150 regular cab, 2x4, 8' bed ($500 for 200 000 kms yah!) and I have big plans. I can either (with a little modification) put the '63 cab on to a '66 frame I have, and put the 302 AOD combo in following the instructions in the tech article on this site. Or get this! I have been dreaming that maybe just maybe it is possible to do a complete swap, put the '63 body and bed on to the '89 frame (no I am not crazy and yes I can weld). I have not seen the '89 yet and won’t for about a week but the anxiety is killing me and I would like to know if the frame dimensions are physically similar or if you don't know could you just give me some measurements. I know that 65-79 frames are very similar but how much did they change between then and the 80's? Any tips to help in the transformation are welcome (no ridicule please).
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From: Dallas/Fort Worth
'89 conversion to a '63
getting crazy on a 4x4 isn't bad because any braces you build between the body and cab can help out as body lifts. 
It may be tougher to pull off and look right on a 2X4.
If you are going to weld things up and fabricate stuff yourself I'd be more worried about the wheelbases matching than the cab mounts - There was only 2" difference between the 63 unibody's wheelbase and the Jeep J10 frame I used, not too big a difference. If the wheelbases are off much more than that, even 6 inches or so, then you will be hacking up the frame itself to keep the wheels in the wheel wells - not impossible but a lot more work...
It may be tougher to pull off and look right on a 2X4. If you are going to weld things up and fabricate stuff yourself I'd be more worried about the wheelbases matching than the cab mounts - There was only 2" difference between the 63 unibody's wheelbase and the Jeep J10 frame I used, not too big a difference. If the wheelbases are off much more than that, even 6 inches or so, then you will be hacking up the frame itself to keep the wheels in the wheel wells - not impossible but a lot more work...
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Senior User
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From: Saskatchewan, Canada
'89 conversion to a '63
I have not seen the truck yet so I don't know the wheel base dimensions etc. But the wheel base on my marquis is only three inches smaller than the 63, so I am asumming that the F150 will be larger. The total swap is only one idea. One way or another that 63 is going to have the 302 in it. And if the 89 does not work out I am going to look for a 70's frame with all the goddies I want!
Last edited by jj292; Jul 21, 2003 at 10:15 AM.
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From: Coal country
'89 conversion to a '63
One additional concern you may want to evaluate before doing the body-frame swap: Titling issues. What are your state's rules? What difficulties might you face when you need to sell or transfer it? Or move to another state?
I have moved alot, and found that some states will refuse to title a vehicle coming from out of state with VIN conflicts, such as a frame and body mismatch, even when the originating state's title paperwork was in order.
Of course, if you never move out of state, you probably won't have any worries, but it is something to think about.
I have moved alot, and found that some states will refuse to title a vehicle coming from out of state with VIN conflicts, such as a frame and body mismatch, even when the originating state's title paperwork was in order.
Of course, if you never move out of state, you probably won't have any worries, but it is something to think about.
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From: Saskatchewan, Canada
'89 conversion to a '63
Your concerns about transfering it to another state don't really matter since I live in Canada! Here in Saskatchewan they really could give a damn about your vehicles as long as you pay the licensing and provincial transfer fees they wont care what you do. Except if i moved to Ontario wich is strict on emissions and VIN numbers, other than that I am free and clear.
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From: Dallas/Fort Worth
'89 conversion to a '63
All Texas wants when you transfer a vehicle from out-of-state is a note from an inspection station saying the car passed - the instpection stations isn't going to climb all over the truck to make sure the VIN's on the frame and body match - they just check the door (or wherever) and go down the road. Been there...
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Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: Saskatchewan, Canada
'89 conversion to a '63
The only main proble I might incounter that i can not overcome is the frame width. Can anyone tell me how wide the frame is on a '89 F150? All the other stuff that does not fit right can be cut, welded, relocated, or duct taped. Also I can shorten the frame just not lengthen it. But I am pritty confident that it will fit together just fine with only minimal to moderate adjustments.
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