I've looked and searched on here for ideas and problems with frame swaps. I have had a 1994 F150 short wide dropped in my lap.300 6fi , 5 speed standard od trans. I want to swap the cab to a 1965 slick with a short flare side bed. The wheelbase is within 2 inches. My goal is a 65 with a modern chassis. Has anyone done this particular swap? It looks like it will be easy ,but hidden problems usually pop up . Planning ahead saves time and money. The floor won't be an issue as I know it will have to be modified and also the steering column and cab mounts . Just looking for any other bumps I might not have thought of, Thanks.

 

I cannot offer technical insight on how to do this swap. I looked into it on a '96, but it was more work than I have the skills for.
However, I would be very concerned about legalities.
How will it be titled? As a '94 or as a '66?
Will the DMV allow this frame swap without keeping all the safety features of the '94 in the '66? Such as air bags?
How will it be insured?
What happens in an accident if it is insured as a '66 but the VIN on the frame (since there is none on the body) is the '94? Will the insurance company deny coverage? (Note: The Warranty Plate on the door isn't valid, and is not supposed to be used for VIN validation. Some states use it even though they are not supposed to but fewer and fewer do. With the advent of E-Bay and classic vehicles being recovered after being stolen years ago, most states and insurance companies inspect the frame for the VIN used for registration and insurance purposes. Over the last 30 years, I have moved my '66 to several states - and the state VIN inspectors always zero in to the frame VIN. I usually highlight it with chalk to make it easier to read, and they get upset because they think the locations are supposed to be secret or something.)
If insured as a '94 in an accident, what will the insurance company do with a vehicle that is different than what they thought they were insuring? For example, the premiums and risks were based on non-existent airbags that won't deploy, but the accident caused serious injuries. What will they say?

I can see the swap giving an insurance company too much opportunity for deniability in the event of a crisis.
Perhaps there are good answers or all these scenarios, as I know that the Pinto frame and other type kit car projects have been on the market for years.
I just wouldn't want to end up in serious trouble.
Just my opinions, and I wish you only the best of luck in your project.

 

I have the title to both trucks in my name so no issues with ownership. I will title it as a 1965 as that is what it will look like. I only buy liability insurance for paid for vehicles . I built it once ,I can build it again. Insurance companies are too quick to total vehicles and then you end up with a salvage title. No thanks. Trucks with aftermarket frames use the original title, front clip swaps do also . Titled and licensed as a 1965 doesn't require air bags. It will have seat belts.