Quick question, sorry I'm being lazy and didn't research too well: is the frame for a 1956 panel the same as a 1956 f100 short bed? There is a panel truck frame for sale locally, wondering if it's worth my time...

 

My recollection is that the panel has a little bit different rear section...there's lots of panel guys here so I am sure one of the "pros" will chime in soon.

 

They are the same, but, panel trucks have a small frame extension on the rear that is a bolt on extension.

http://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/0mMAAO...j~/s-l1600.jpg

 

Thanks guys! In the picture from the ad, it looks like a normal f100 frame? But he says its from a panel. I will take some measurements and look at the vin I suppose. It looks to be in pretty good shape.

http://nashville.craigslist.org/pts/5345546460.html

 

Those extensions are not on the frame in the picture but it does have the rear bumper brackets

 

If you need it, grab it. What's wrong with your current frame?

 

Was hoping to get it for about $150. Unfortunately, I do need it - my frame has obviously been hit in the front at some point and it's tweaked. It's weird because all the sheet metal lines up and when I measure, it all comes out fine...so I have been sort of ignoring it and moving forward since all of my work has been bolt-on upgrades. But this frame is only about 45 mins away...so thinking I would be ahead by getting it and making the change now.

See in the pic where the frame is bent where the driver side brake hose enters the frame? Also, the front frame horns are all kinds of bent up.

 

You'll have to define "tweaked" a little bit more for me. If you've measured and cross measured and it is square, your sheet metal all fits fine, it sounds more like you've just got a couple bent flanges that will hammer out straight, and you're good to go. you may be worried about nothing. These frames are really easy to straighten. I wouldn't throw this one away for something as simple as what you've shown me so far.

Swapping frames involves swapping serial numbers, and you could be opening a bigger can of worms than you want to.

 

I agree with Wayne, if you have access to a power-pac that will straighten right out.

 

Thanks for your input guys, I am adding a few more pictures that I took 5 mins ago.
Hopefully they are clear enough. The two frame horns and the "pinched" section that I mentioned in the above post.

 

Those frame ends can be straightened , mine were beat up too, not quite as bad as yours but easy enough to do with a big enough hammer and dolly. I have a small anvil that I used for a dolly.

 

I want to shorten them anyway - to tuck the front bumper. I saw that mid fifty even sells a replacement if I wanted to buy that and then shorten them up...

1953-56 Ford F-100 Frame Horn, Front Piece That Bumper Bolts To, Passenger

 

I shortened mine but still need to drill the holes for the bumper but waiting until I get a new stainless steel replacement.